Creating A Wedding Unity Board: A Step-By-Step Guide

Unity ceremonies are a great way to symbolise your commitment to each other and can add a unique and memorable element to your wedding. One such unity ceremony is the unity board, which can be created as a DIY project or purchased from a website such as Etsy. A unity board typically involves braiding three cords of rope together, with each cord representing the bride, groom, and God, symbolising the union of marriage. The board can then be displayed in the couple's home after the wedding as a daily reminder of their special day.

Choose a board size

The size of your unity board is completely up to you and your preferences. A larger board will make a statement at your wedding and can be a beautiful feature in your home after the ceremony. However, a smaller board may be more practical for transportation and display purposes.

The unity board should be large enough to fit the cords and any decorations or writing you wish to include. If you are including writing, make sure you choose a board size that will accommodate the length of your quote or Bible verse, with enough space for any artwork or designs you may wish to add.

If you are planning to display your unity board in your home after the wedding, consider the space you have available and choose a board size that will fit comfortably. You may also want to choose a smaller board if you are travelling for your wedding, or if you have limited space to store the board after the ceremony.

The thickness of the board is another important consideration. A thicker board will be more durable and sturdy, but may also be heavier and more difficult to transport. A thinner board will be lighter and easier to handle, but may not be as durable.

Ultimately, the size of your unity board is a personal preference, and you should choose a size that you feel comfortable with and that fits the overall vision for your wedding.

Measure and mark the board

To make a unity board for a wedding, you'll need to start by measuring and marking your wooden board. This is an important step to ensure that your hooks are placed correctly and that your rope is the correct length.

First, measure the board to double-check its dimensions and ensure it has been labelled correctly. Then, from the top and from the side, measure 2 inches inwards. Mark these points, as this is where you will screw in the hooks. If your wood is particularly thick, you may need to drill a small hole to help guide the hooks into place.

Next, you'll want to measure and cut your rope. Pull the rope from one hook to the other, eye-balling about 6 inches on either side to allow plenty of space for tying a knot and braiding. Cut the rope so that you have three strands of equal length.

Now you're ready to start assembling your unity board!

Screw in the hooks

Now that you have measured the board and confirmed the correct measurements, it is time to screw in the hooks. The placement of the hooks is crucial, so measure carefully. From the top and from the side, measure 2 inches inwards. This is where you will screw in the hooks. Depending on the thickness of the wood, you may need to create a pilot hole to guide the hooks into place. Using a drill, create a small hole at the marked spots to ensure the hooks can be screwed in smoothly.

If your wood is particularly thick or dense, you may need to use a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the hooks' threads to create a tight fit. This will ensure the hooks are secure and can bear the weight of the rope. Once the pilot holes are drilled, you can screw in the hooks by hand or with the help of a Phillips-head screwdriver. Ensure the hooks are fastened tightly and securely.

With the hooks in place, you can now move on to the next step of measuring and cutting the rope.

Measure and cut the rope

To make a unity board for a wedding, you will need to measure and cut the rope to the correct length. This is an important step to ensure that the rope is the right size for the board and the ceremony. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to measure and cut the rope:

First, measure the board to determine the length of the rope needed. The rope should be long enough to reach both ends of the board, with some extra length for tying knots and braiding. For a 24" x 24" board, a 12' long rope is recommended.

Next, measure and mark the desired length on the rope. You can use a measuring tape or a ruler for this step. If you don't have access to a measuring tape, you can estimate the length by stretching the rope between the hooks and eye-balling about 6 inches of extra length on each side. This will give you enough space to work with when tying knots and braiding.

Once you have marked the desired length, use scissors or a sharp knife to cut the rope. Try to make the cut as straight as possible to ensure that the ends of the rope are even.

After cutting the rope, check that each strand is the same length. This is important to ensure that your braid looks neat and uniform. You can do this by laying the strands next to each other and adjusting the length as needed.

Now you have the correctly measured and cut rope for your unity board! The next step is to string the rope through the hooks and begin assembling your unity board. Remember to leave enough space at the top for tying a knot and braiding the rope.

This project is a creative and affordable way to add a personal touch to your wedding ceremony, and it will also serve as a beautiful keepsake to display in your home after the wedding.

String the rope through the hooks

Now that the hooks are securely in place on your unity board, it's time to string the rope through the hooks to create the three strands that symbolise unity.

First, measure the rope by pulling it to either end of the hooks, leaving about 6 inches on each side. This extra length will allow you to tie a knot and braid the rope. Cut the rope so that each strand is the same length.

Next, string the rope through the hooks by pulling each strand through the loops, ensuring that each piece is securely held together. Once you've done that, tie a simple knot at the top of each strand to prevent it from slipping back through the hook.

At this point, you can practice braiding the rope to see how it looks and adjust the length if needed. You can also choose to keep the strands separated until the ceremony if you prefer.

The braiding of the three strands during the unity ceremony symbolises the coming together of the couple and the unification of their families and lives. It's a beautiful and meaningful addition to your wedding, and the unity board can become a cherished keepsake in your home.

Frequently asked questions