Crafting Meaningful Ceremonies

When we think of weddings, so much is dictated to us by the examples we have read about in books and grown up watching in Hugh Grant films. In the UK, this usually means a ceremony in a quaint village church, with traditional vows and a confetti exit OR a civil ceremony in the local registry office.

Now, don’t get me wrong. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with either of these approaches. Both can be beautiful and sentimental and, for many people, they’ll tick all of the boxes for their dream wedding. However, in an increasingly diverse and modern world, some couples may feel that there isn’t a way for them to reflect their unique relationship, beliefs and cultures in a way that feels authentic to them both.

As I’ve mentioned in previous blog posts, this is where an independent celebrant can be invaluable. We aren’t limited by a specific world view or location, and we can help you to craft a ceremony that feels like the perfect blend of you as a couple. This could mean a totally secular ceremony, a ceremony with a more spiritual approach, or a ceremony that celebrates an inter-faith couple or a couple with different cultural backgrounds.

There is no reason why guests can’t enjoy a series of hymns that a groom grew up singing in church, followed by an aspect of the Nalangu ceremony from a bride’s Sri Lankan heritage. A German groom and his Mexican husband-to-be may choose to light a Hochzeitskerzc (a symbolic candle that is lit during the ceremony and then relit at pivotal moments throughout the couples marriage) before conducting El Lazo (a unity ceremony that involves having a lasso draped around the shoulders in a figure of eight). Indeed, the rich tapestry of wedding traditions from around the world is something that should be celebrated and which can be easily incorporated into one ceremony.

When working with an independent celebrant, you expect to share your story as a couple. The celebrant will want to know how you met, when you realised that you’d fallen in love, and any funny or sentimental stories that you would like to share during the ceremony. But don’t forget that you can also highlight important beliefs and traditions that mean something to you too. Part of our job is to take these on board and weave together a ceremony script that you and your loved ones will remember forever.

I LOVE learning about the different ways that love is celebrated around the world and I’m sure that your guests will feel the same!

Just a handful of wedding traditions that have captivated me in my own research:

The traditional Chinese tea ceremony: This ceremony dates back to the Tang Dynasty is all about giving thanks and showing respect to family during a wedding ceremony.

The blowing of the pū at a traditional Hawaiian wedding: This is a conch shell that is blown to signal the start of the ceremony.

The tradition of Arras: Often included in ceremonies across the Philippines, Spain and Latin American, this involves an exchange of wedding coins and is Catholic in origin. It speaks of partnership, prosperity and support.

The Sofreh Aghd ceremony in traditional Persian weddings: A beautiful arrangement of symbolic items that represent elements of the life the couple will embark upon together.

The Korean Paebaek ceremony: This is a warm and friendly ceremony, full of symbolic traditions. The throwing of dates and chestnuts is believed to predict how many children the couple may go on to have.