Tree-Planting Ceremony
Last year, two of my couples had, as their “unity symbol”, a tree-planting element in their wedding ceremony. Love that idea! And, it can be used in both a religious or secular ceremony!
These couples chose to add a tree-planting to their wedding ceremony as a symbol of their relationship – which has deep roots and will grow in the future, just like a tree! Any small “starter” tree in a small pot can work. Just a couple of cute little spades will assist you in planting your tree during the ceremony!
Photo by Frozen in Time Photography
Some couples have used two vessels filled with soil (perhaps from your childhood homes or your current homes). You both then add the soil from the two smaller vessels into a third vessel which has the tree in it! Be sure to put some soil in the vessel with the tree in it to hold up the tree until you add more soil!! You really only need to add a bit of soil during the ceremony to “finish up” the planting!
Other couples, including the two pictured here, had the tree already planted in a small pot and asked their parents to bring water from their home(s) to signify each of the families. The moms (and a step-mother in one case) brought up little vessels with water in them, which the couple then used to water the tree!
Usually, this can be right after the wedding vows; although it really can be done during any part of the ceremony. Have your officiant say a few words about this ceremony (or include it in your printed program, if you have one).
Be sure to have someone take the newly planted and watered tree to the reception space for others to see and then to take home at the end of the evening and care for until you return from your honeymoon and can plant the tree in your yard!
Photo by Craig Collins Photography
Water Ceremony
I have also had a couple have a water ceremony as part of their wedding. Each of you would bring (or have your parents bring) water from your childhood home or another home representing the two sides of the family coming together. Transfer that water into two pouring vases, and have the moms carry in those pouring bases when they process at the beginning of the ceremony. They can place those on a table that is near the officiant. In the center of that table would be a large empty vase/vessel.
After the vows, you would each take the vases of water and pour them into the larger, empty vase/vessel. That water would then be kept and used for your children’s baptisms or other important ceremonies in their lives. You may want a vase/vessel that has a lid!
Be sure to have your officiant explain the ceremony and the significance of you two as individuals, now joining together as one family.
Ask a trusted friend or family member to be in charge of carefully transporting the vases to the reception space and then taking it all home with them to be given to you after the honeymoon. You can then store the water in the freezer to keep it until you choose to use it!
Which one of these ceremonies touches you most?
