Creating A Unique Wedding Ceremony: Tips For A Special Day

Planning a wedding ceremony that stands out can be challenging, but there are many ways to make it special. From the seating arrangement to the music, every aspect of the ceremony can be tailored to reflect the couple's personality and interests. Here are some ideas to make your wedding ceremony unique and memorable:

- Change up the seating arrangement: Instead of traditional boxed rows, opt for circular or semi-circular seating to create a warmer and more intimate atmosphere.

- Include a friends and family vow: Before the couple's vows, guests can respond to a communal vow, expressing their love and support.

- Have a group song: Encourage guests to join in by choosing a favourite pop song or a song that holds a special meaning for the couple.

- Have a group reading: Instead of putting one or two people under pressure, involve all the guests in a group reading with a 'call and response' format.

- Include special stories or memories: Share anecdotes, inside jokes, or meaningful moments throughout the ceremony to make it more personal.

- Honour special people: Acknowledge the influence of important people in your lives by including them in the ceremony, such as having them perform a reading or sing a song.

- Have meaningful rituals: Incorporate rituals such as candle lighting, handfasting, or ring warming to add a personalised touch that symbolises the couple's love and commitment.

- Choose an alternative to traditional readings: Instead of readings, guests with musical talents can perform a meaningful song or couples can share their own love letters.

- End the ceremony with a celebration: Whether it's passing around the couple's favourite drink, waving ribbon wands, or having a parade with a band, end the ceremony on a high note.

Change up the seating arrangement to create a warmer and more intimate vibe

One way to make your wedding ceremony extra special is to change up the seating arrangement to create a warmer and more intimate vibe. Here are some ideas to achieve this:

Choose a unique layout

A creative seating layout can add a special touch to your ceremony. Consider a meandering path, a side entrance, or multiple aisles to surprise your guests and add a twist to tradition. You can also rearrange the chairs into interesting shapes, such as squares, semi-circles, or even a spiral to make your ceremony feel more intimate and inclusive.

Experiment with seating options

Instead of the traditional straight rows of chairs, try using benches or picnic blankets for a more casual and relaxed atmosphere. This will make your guests feel like they are part of a cozy gathering rather than a formal event.

Opt for a circular setup

Arrange your seats in a circle or semi-circle around the altar, creating an intimate setting where you are literally surrounded by your loved ones. This setup also ensures that all your guests have a good view of the ceremony.

Consider the size of your guest list

If you have a smaller guest list, you can create a cozy and intimate atmosphere by seating everyone at one long table. This setup gives off a warm and friendly vibe, making your guests feel like they are at a dinner party in the comfort of their homes. However, this option may not be feasible for larger groups or smaller venues.

Get creative with your ceremony space

If you have a unique ceremony space, such as a cliff's edge or a narrow strip of land, play around with asymmetrical rows and adjust the seating to the curves and bends of your venue. This will create a dynamic and intimate atmosphere.

By changing up the seating arrangement, you can foster a warmer and more intimate atmosphere at your wedding ceremony, making it a memorable experience for both you and your guests.

Include a friends and family vow to get guests involved

Including a friends and family vow is a wonderful way to get your guests involved in your wedding ceremony. It is a way to modernise the old tradition of asking the bride's father for permission to marry his daughter, and instead, seek a communal blessing from all your loved ones. This is especially meaningful if you have been together as a couple for a long time before your wedding, as your friends and family will have supported you and witnessed your relationship grow.

A friends and family vow can be included in your ceremony by asking your guests to respond to a communal vow to show their love and support. For example, your celebrant could say:

> As friends and family of [bride] and [groom], who have witnessed the joy and happiness during their time as a couple, do you support them on their journey together and the pledges that they’ll be making to each other?

To which your guests will respond: "We do!".

You could also ask your guests to participate in a ring-warming ceremony, which is based on a Celtic tradition. The wedding rings are passed around to all the guests to bless before the couple exchange them.

If you want to include your guests in a fun way, you could ask them to participate in a musical procession. Pick an upbeat song, choose a guest with musical talent to lead the procession, and give each guest an instrument.

Another idea is to ask your guests to stand and recite a promise to the bride and/or groom. If you have a long guest list, you can do a group vow instead, where the officiant asks the guests: "Do all of you promise to support this couple, offering your love, encouragement, guidance, and compassion?".

Have a group song to bring a sense of unity to the occasion

Music is a powerful tool to create a sense of unity at your wedding. Whether you opt for a live band or a speaker system, the songs you choose will set the tone for the ceremony and the rest of the day.

When selecting a group song, there are a few factors to consider:

• Meaning: Does the song hold a special meaning for you and your partner?
• Tempo and Mood: Does the tempo of the song (fast or slow) match the mood of your ceremony?
• Genre and Taste: Does the song's genre and overall feel align with your music tastes and the relationship you share?

• "Real Love Baby" by Father John Misty
• "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri
• "Over the Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
• "Hallelujah" by Jeff Buckley
• "Turning Page" by Sleeping at Last
• "River" by Leon Bridges
• "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong
• "Make You Feel My Love" by Adele
• "Lover" by Taylor Swift
• "You Are the Reason" by Callum Scott and Leona Lewis
• "First Day of My Life" by Bright Eyes
• "Everything" by Mary J. Blige
• "Chapel of Love" by The Dixie Cups
• "How Sweet It Is" by Marvin Gaye
• "Golden" by Harry Styles
• "Higher Love" by James Vincent McMorrow
• "Modern Nature" by Sondre Lerche
• "You and Me Song" by The Wannadies
• "Happy" by Ashanti
• "Wedding Song" by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
• "The Book of Love" by Magnetic Fields
• "Beauty and the Beast" by Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson
• "Heroes" by David Bowie
• "Come Live With Me Angel" by Marvin Gaye
• "Falling in Love at a Coffee Shop" by Landon Pigg
• "Falling Slowly" by The Swell Season
• "Ho Hey" by The Lumineers
• "Latch" by Disclosure and Sam Smith
• "Teenage Dream" by Katy Perry
• "Always and Forever" by Luther Vandross
• "Here, Right Now" by Joshua Radin
• "The Wedding Song" by Matthew Mole
• "Today I Do" by Tamia
• "Touching Heaven" by JOHNNYSWIM
• "Hallelujah" by Alison Sparrow
• "Across the Universe" by The Beatles
• "Canon in D" by Brooklyn Duo
• "I Do" by Casi Joy
• "The Prayer" by Josh Groban and Charlotte Church
• "Big, Big Plans" by Chris Lane
• "Hand in Hand" by David Arkenstone
• "You Light Up My Life" by Debby Boone
• "Perfect Symphony" by Ed Sheeran and Andrea Bocelli
• "Sleepers, Awake!" by Johann Sebastian Bach, The New Symphony Orchestra
• "Be Thou My Vision" by Elenyi
• "Better Half" by JJ Heller
• "No Matter Where You Are" by Us the Duo
• "Compass" by Analog Heart
• "Forever From Now" by Sheffield
• "Guiding Light" by Foy Vance and Ed Sheeran
• "I Prayed For You" by 4th + Main
• "Amazing Grace" by Alan Jackson
• "I Do" by Monique Melendez and Byron Addison
• "When You Say Nothing At All" by Ronan Keating
• "When You Love Someone" by Bryan Adams
• "All You Need Is Love" by The Beatles
• "Always Be Yours" by Scott Drury
• "Two Becoming One" by Jonathan and Emily Martin
• "When I Say I Do" by Matthew West
• "Ave Maria" by Luciano Pavarotti
• "Do You Love Me?" by Guster

Have a group reading, such as 'The Apache Wedding Blessing'

If you're looking for a way to make your wedding ceremony stand out, why not try a group reading of The Apache Wedding Blessing? This can be a great way to involve your loved ones in the ceremony and unite the couple with their community.

The Apache Wedding Blessing is a popular choice for wedding ceremonies, but it's important to note that its origins are disputed. While it is often referred to as a Native American, Apache, or Navajo wedding blessing, it actually comes from a 1950 Jimmy Stewart movie called "Broken Arrow", based on a 1947 novel called "Blood Brothers". The words have no indigenous roots and are instead a mid-20th-century invention.

Despite this, the blessing speaks to beautiful themes of unity, shelter, warmth, and companionship, which are all sentiments that are relevant and meaningful for a wedding ceremony. Here is the text of the blessing:

> Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter for the other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth for the other. Now there is no more loneliness. Now you are two persons, but there is only one life before you. May your days together be good and long upon the earth.

If you want to include a group reading in your ceremony but aren't comfortable with the origins of The Apache Wedding Blessing, there are plenty of other options to choose from. You could try writing your own blessing or poem, or you could look for other existing readings that resonate with you. For example, you could try a feminist wedding reading, a passionate wedding reading, or a macabre wedding reading.

Including your community in a group reading is a wonderful way to make your wedding ceremony feel special and unique. It adds a layer of intimacy and connection that will be remembered by all who attend.

Have your friends and family bless your rings by passing them around

Involving your friends and family in the blessing of your wedding rings is a wonderful way to make your ceremony feel extra special. Here are some ideas and suggestions to help you plan this meaningful moment:

Timing and Logistics:

Firstly, decide when you want the ring passing to take place. You can choose to have the rings passed around directly after your vows and just before the ring exchange, or at an earlier point during the ceremony, with the blessed rings ready for the exchange at the appropriate time. If you have a large number of guests, you may want to start passing the rings earlier to ensure they make their way back in time for the exchange.

How to Pass the Rings:

There are a few different ways to go about this. You can have the rings placed in a pouch, bag, or box, or tie them together with a ribbon. If your guests are seated in a circle, you can pass the rings around a long length of ribbon. The best man, ring bearer, or another appointed guest can start the passing of the rings. Alternatively, you can have the rings passed around directly from person to person. Allow 5-10 seconds per guest for them to hold the rings, bless them, and pass them on.

Music and Readings:

To fill the time while the rings are being passed, you may want to have some music playing in the background, especially if you have a larger guest list, as the silence can feel lengthy. Live musicians are a great option, or you can simply play recorded music. You could also have a reading or text about wedding ring symbolism read out by your celebrant or officiant during this time.

Instructions for Guests:

When you hand over the rings, instruct your guests to take a few moments to silently bless the rings, hold them, kiss them, warm them in their hands, or pass on their good wishes and positive energy. This is a beautiful way to involve your loved ones and create a collective blessing from those closest to you.

Benefits of Ring Passing:

Not only does this ritual involve your guests and create a shared experience, but it also adds a special touch to your wedding bands. Every time you look at your ring, you will be reminded that it has been blessed and held by every single person at your wedding. It is a simple yet powerful way to include your friends and family in your ceremony and create a lasting memory.

Frequently asked questions