Rhiannon Hendricks
The Unity Cross is a popular alternative to unity candles or sand at weddings. It is a multi-piece sculpture assembled by the bride and groom during the wedding ceremony. The sculpture is made of two interconnecting crosses, with the groom's bold cross framing his bride, and the bride's delicately carved cross bringing beauty to her husband's life. The crosses are joined together and secured with three carved nails, representing the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Unity Cross comes in a variety of colours and wood choices, including pearlescent white, hand-finished black umber, and reclaimed barnwood. It can be displayed on a wall or on a fireplace mantle or shelf, serving as a permanent reminder of the couple's love and commitment to each other and their faith.
What You'll Learn
Unity Cross vs Unity Candle
Unity Cross and Unity Candle are two different wedding traditions. The Unity Cross is a multi-piece sculpture assembled by the bride and groom during the wedding ceremony. It signifies the couple's unity and commitment to each other, with the cross often displayed in the couple's home after the wedding as a reminder of their love and faith. On the other hand, the Unity Candle ceremony involves the lighting of a single candle by the bride and groom from their respective candles, symbolising the joining of two lives and families.
The Unity Cross is a unique and elegant alternative to the traditional Unity Candle or Unity Sand ceremonies. It offers a more personalised and lasting experience, with the couple assembling the cross together during the wedding. The Unity Cross is designed as two interconnecting crosses, with the groom's bold cross representing strength and leadership, and the bride's delicately carved cross symbolising beauty and fullness. The couple joins their crosses together with three carved nails, representing the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The Unity Cross comes in various colours and wood choices, including hardwood, hand-painted wood, and solid steel. It can be personalised with engraved plates or direct engravings, making it a meaningful decoration for the couple's home. The Unity Cross is also a great option for those who want to incorporate their faith into the wedding ceremony, as it symbolises the couple's future in Christ.
In contrast, the Unity Candle ceremony is a more traditional option, often used in many weddings. It involves the bride and groom each holding a lit candle and using it to light a single candle together, symbolising the joining of their lives and families. While the Unity Candle is a popular choice, some couples may prefer the uniqueness and permanence of the Unity Cross.
The Unity Cross ranges in size, with some crosses measuring 7 x 7 x 14 inches and weighing 5 pounds, while others are designed specifically for wall hanging. The Unity Cross is a beautiful and meaningful addition to any wedding ceremony, offering a lasting reminder of the couple's love, faith, and commitment to each other.
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Different types of wood and metal used in Unity Crosses
Unity Crosses are made from a variety of materials, including wood and metal. The wooden options include hand-painted or hand-finished varieties, such as:
- Knotty pine
- Reclaimed barnwood
- Black walnut
- Charred white oak
- Hand-scraped beech wood
- Bing cherry hardwood
- Black umber hardwood
- Gray wash
- Ivory
The metal components of Unity Crosses can be made from solid steel, solid brushed aluminium, or hand-polished metals such as:
- Bronze
- Copper
- Gold
- Platinum
- Pewter
- Rose gold
- Steel
These metals are often paired with the wooden varieties, such as the "Reclaimed Barnwood & Solid Steel" option, or the "Slate Black & Rose Gold" option.
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The meaning of the Unity Cross
The Unity Cross is a wedding tradition that symbolises the coming together of two people in marriage. The sculpture is made up of two interconnecting crosses—one bold cross that represents the groom, and one delicately carved cross that represents the bride. During the wedding ceremony, the couple joins their crosses together using three carved nails, which represent the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This act symbolises the couple's commitment to keeping their faith, love, and devotion to one another.
The Unity Cross is a unique alternative to unity candles or sand, offering something more personal and lasting. The sculpture is designed to be displayed in the couple's home, serving as a permanent reminder of their wedding day and their lifelong commitment to each other.
The Unity Cross has deep meaning for those who choose to incorporate it into their wedding ceremony. It symbolises the beauty and intricacy of the woman, placed within the protection of the man, representing the strength and leadership of the groom. The joining of the two crosses represents the couple becoming one.
The Unity Cross also has religious significance, particularly for those of the Catholic faith. The three nails that hold the sculpture together represent the Holy Trinity, while the cross itself symbolises the presence of Christ in the couple's marriage. The Unity Cross can serve as a reminder to keep Christ at the centre of the marriage and to live in union with Him.
The Unity Cross is a beautiful and meaningful addition to a wedding ceremony, offering a visual symbol of the couple's love and commitment to each other and their faith. It is a lasting memento that can be displayed in the home and cherished for years to come.
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The Unity Cross as a wedding gift
The Unity Cross is a beautiful and meaningful gift for a wedding. It is a stunning and unique alternative to the traditional unity candles or sand ceremonies. The multi-piece sculpture is assembled by the bride and groom during the wedding ceremony, with three carved nails joining the two interconnecting crosses together, representing the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It serves as a permanent reminder of the couple's faith, love, and commitment to their marriage.
The Unity Cross comes in a variety of colours and wood choices, including ivory, pearlescent white, hand-finished black umber, and reclaimed barnwood. It can be personalised with engraved plates or direct engraving, making it an even more special and meaningful gift for the happy couple. The Unity Cross is designed to be displayed in the couple's home, serving as a daily reminder of their wedding vows and commitment to each other.
The Unity Cross is a truly special way to commemorate a wedding and can be incorporated into the ceremony in various ways. Some couples choose to include it directly after the vows and ring exchange, while others prefer to place it before the closing prayer and first kiss. It is a unique and memorable addition to any wedding ceremony, offering something personal and lasting for the couple to cherish.
The Unity Cross is also a wonderful way to involve God in the wedding ceremony, as it symbolises the couple's commitment to keeping their faith at the centre of their marriage. It is a beautiful representation of two becoming one, with the groom's bold cross strengthening and framing the bride's delicately carved cross. The Unity Cross is not just a temporary prop but a lasting memento that the couple can treasure for years to come.
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Where to buy a Unity Cross
Unity Crosses are available to buy from a variety of online retailers. The official Unity Cross website offers a range of crosses, including the Knotty Pine Wedding Cross, the Light Frosted Gold & Pearlescent White, and the Hand-Finished Black Umber & Vintage Ivory. Prices start at $109. Amazon also offers a wide selection of Unity Crosses, including the Unity Cross® Ivory color Wedding Cross, the Unity Cross® Hand-Finished Bing Cherry, and the Unity Cross® Pearlescent White. Prices on Amazon start at $119.
For a more unique or personalised option, Etsy offers a range of handmade Unity Crosses from independent sellers. Some options include a Barnwood Unity Cross & Solid Metal Cross, a Texas-sized Framed 3 Cord Wooden Rustic Cross, and a Personalised Cross Wedding Gift. Prices vary depending on the seller and materials used.
Finally, eBay offers a range of new and used Unity Crosses, with prices varying depending on the seller. Some options available include the Unity Cross Pearlescent Wedding Centerpiece, the Unity Cross Wedding Ceremony Sculpture, and the Unity Cross Pearl White Wedding Ceremony Centerpiece.
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Frequently asked questions
The Unity Cross is a multi-piece sculpture assembled by the bride and groom during the wedding ceremony. It is made from the highest quality hand-painted or hand-finished wood. It is designed from one of the holiest icons in Western culture, with two interconnecting crosses.
The Unity Cross symbolises the couple's love for each other and their future in Christ. The outer form of the Unity Cross represents the strength, leadership, and protection of the man, while the inner cross represents the beauty and capabilities of the woman.
The Unity Cross ceremony usually takes place after the vows and ring exchange and before the closing prayer and first kiss.
The Unity Cross ranges in price from $109 to $159, depending on the materials and design.
The Unity Cross comes in a variety of colours and materials, including ivory, pearlescent white, slate black, gold, copper, and various types of wood such as beech, walnut, and barnwood.
