Ceremonies
Handfasting
The term Handfasting means “to strike a bargain by joining hands” as a contract of marriage in medieval times. The couple would commit to each other for a year and a day and could marry after this time if they wished. They would return to the priest to repeat their vows with cord or tie tightly knotted. Hence the expression ‘to tie the knot'. It is also a traditional European ceremony. This is a beautiful way for a couple to show their love and unity for one another.
In some cultures a traditional embroidered piece of fabric is used. Fine rope or ribbon is also used. The colour red can be used which symbolises life. The minister or celebrant places the ribbon over the couples' hands and may be loosely tied.
The couple exchange vows expressing their love. The bonds are removed and the ceremony proceeds with vows, exchange of rings, etc.
Blending of Sands Ceremony
The Blending of Sands ceremony is a beautiful way to symbolize the joining of the bride and groom and the joining of their families.
Sand from a favourite beach or vacation spot can be used. Or coloured sand to match their home or their wedding colours. Favourite colours of the bride and groom can also be used. The sand is poured from glass containers into a symbolic shaped glass container which could be in the shape of a heart.
This ceremony can involve only the bride and groom or various members of their families.
Rose Ceremony
The Rose Ceremony is simple yet very moving. It is believed to 
have originated in the Roman Empire, especially within Rome itself. The bride and groom exchange two red roses, thus symbolizing the giving and receiving of their love for each other. This ceremony also shows the loving couple how to use the rose and its symbolism in times of difficulty or in order to forgive each other.
Children can also be included in the ceremony.
The rose is also used as their first gift to each other as husband and wife.
In the past the rose has always been a symbol of love, thus a single red rose always meant to convey only one thing – the words “I love you”. So it is appropriate that the first gift to each other as husband and wife would be a single red rose.
During the Rose Ceremony, the Celebrant would say something meaningful, which in itself is a lovely little ceremony. This is usually done after the vows and wedding rings are exchanged.
Unity Candle Ceremony
The Unity Candle Ceremony symbolizes the pledge of unity between the bride and groom and the merging of two families. It is usually done after the rings are exchanged and before the couple is pronounced husband and wife.
Traditionally three candles are used. The mothers each light one of the side candles, then the couple take one of the side candles and together they light the centre candle.
The couple may then blow out the candle to symbolize the end of their two single lives. Nowadays, it is more common to keep them burning to signify that their individualness is not extinguished even though they are united in marriage.
As with the other rituals, words are expressed by the couple and the mothers to complete the ceremony. Again, this can be done after the vows and wedding rings are exchanged.
Other Ceremonies:
Namegiving Ceremony
Namegiving ceremonies are a lovely way to introduce a new baby to family and friends. Even older children can be introduced. It is a non-religious ceremony where you can acknowledge the role of significant people such as grandparents, godparents or mentors. Many people do not believe in babies being baptised because they feel it should be up to the child in later years to choose to become baptised. This is the main reason for naming ceremonies.
In western cultures, namegiving ceremonies go back to pre-Christian Roman and Greek times. A child was not a member of the family until he or she was named at the ceremony.
The ceremony would consist of an introduction, prose, poetry or verse, music. The ceremony must reflect you as a parent – your dreams and aspirations for your child and all the good things you could wish for them. The occasion revolves totally around the child and the whole family becomes involved. It truly becomes a loving and memorable event for everyone involved.
It is usually held in your home in a relaxed and informal atmosphere – either in the garden (weather permitting) or indoors. A certificate is given to the parents and godparents/mentors as well as a special gift. Other certificates can also be organized for special people in the little one's life such as brother, sister, uncle, etc.
I also do commitment ceremonies, renewal of vows, anniversaries, graduation, milestone birthdays such as 18 th , 21 st , etc. In fact you can have a ceremony for just about anything that is important to you so that you can have special memories you can cherish forever!