Creating A Cherished Wedding Wine Box

The wine box ceremony is a modern wedding ritual that celebrates a couple's love on their wedding day and their future together. During the ceremony, the couple seals a bottle of wine and any additional mementos, such as love letters, in a box. The wine box then serves as a time capsule, to be opened on a future anniversary or when the couple is facing a difficult time in their marriage. This ceremony is a unique and customisable way to add a personal touch to a wedding, especially for couples who love wine or food.

Choosing a wine that will age well

The wine box ceremony is a non-religious ritual that is perfect for wine lovers. During the ceremony, a couple seals a bottle of wine in a box, to be opened and enjoyed together at a later date, often a special anniversary.

When choosing a wine, it is important to select a bottle that will age well. Red wines tend to age better than white wines, but that doesn't mean you can't age white wine successfully. As a general rule, white wine and champagne are best enjoyed as young wines. If you are planning to open the wine on your fifth or tenth anniversary, for example, it is a good idea to consult a wine expert to find a wine that will improve with age.

Some red wines that are suitable for ageing include Cotes du Rhone, Bordeaux, and Cabs. Whites that age well include select Sauternes, Riesling, and some Champagne. If you are looking for a wine to open on a first wedding anniversary, a white wine or champagne could be a good choice, as these wines are typically drunk young.

When choosing a wine, it is also important to consider the couple's individual preferences and the significance of the wine. For example, if the couple got engaged in France, they might choose a French wine, or if they are getting married in Napa Valley, they might select a wine from that region.

Selecting a wine box

There are a few things to consider when choosing your wine box. Firstly, you'll want to ensure it's made of wood and has a lid that can securely hold all the items you plan to place inside. You can opt for a simple wooden box or choose one with a latch and a lock for added security. If you're looking for something more personalised, you can have your wedding date engraved on the box or even DIY and add your own inscription.

Another thing to consider is the size of the box. You'll want to make sure it's big enough to hold the bottle of wine, as well as any other items you plan to include, such as wine glasses, a bottle opener, pictures, or small keepsakes. It's also a good idea to think about how you want to display the box during your ceremony. You may want to place it on a small table or have a friend hold it.

When selecting a wine box, you can choose to purchase one from a variety of online options or get creative and make your own. Etsy is a great place to find handmade or engraved wine boxes that you can cherish for a lifetime. Alternatively, you can add a personal touch by building your own box or inscribing a message on a store-bought one.

Remember, the wine box will become a cherished keepsake of your wedding day and will be opened on a future anniversary, so choose something that reflects your style and personality as a couple.

Writing love letters

The wine box ceremony is a romantic and elegant addition to your wedding that will attract your guests' attention and give you something to reminisce about for years to come. It is a time capsule ritual that involves writing romantic letters to each other and storing them for the future. Here are some tips for writing your love letters:

Tell Them Why You Love Them

It's easy to take for granted that your partner knows how much they are loved and appreciated. Take this opportunity to express your love and remind them why you love them. You can also include the things you admire about them and how they have changed you for the better.

Describe Your Hopes and Dreams

Share your aspirations and dreams for your future together as a married couple. You can also include your hopes for your individual lives and how you see yourselves growing and changing over the years.

Share Your Favourite Memories

Recall your first thoughts when you saw your partner for the first time and how your life changed after you met. You can also mention any special memories or milestones you have shared, such as your engagement or a romantic vacation.

Include Personal Details

Add a unique touch by mentioning your partner's favourite attributes or qualities. Explain how they have inspired you and how your life has changed since meeting them. You can also include any inside jokes or shared experiences that only the two of you will understand.

Create a Keepsake

Consider using a special fragrance or scent on your letter that you associate with your wedding day. Our sense of smell is closely linked to memory, so this can help bring back vivid recollections of your special day. Choose pretty stationery that aligns with your wedding theme, perhaps with a heavy paper that will last for years to come.

Remember, the wine box ceremony is a unique and heartfelt way to celebrate your love and create lasting memories. These letters will be a beautiful reminder of your commitment to each other, whether you choose to open them on a future anniversary or as a way to reconnect during difficult times.

Adding extra mementos

The wine box ceremony is a romantic and unique way to commemorate your wedding day and celebrate your future together. While the wine and love letters are the stars of the show, you can add extra mementos to your time capsule to make it even more meaningful.

One idea is to include a copy of your wedding vows so you can relive that special moment when you open the box. You could also add photos, perhaps from the beginning of your relationship, or even your honeymoon, to remind you of your journey together.

If you want to get creative, you could add a jar of honey, a bottle of olive oil, or even a special spice mix to cook with. Just be sure to check the expiry dates! For a fun twist, you could include a bottle of whiskey or case of beer, or even some sweets or candy that you both love.

For a more personal touch, you can ask your friends and family to write notes to be included in the box. Imagine reading their well-wishes and predictions for your future on your 10th anniversary!

Finally, don't forget to add some special wine glasses, a bottle opener, and perhaps a newspaper from the day of your wedding, to complete your time capsule.

Sealing the box

The wine box is usually sealed during the wedding ceremony, with the officiant explaining the significance of the ritual to the guests. The couple can choose to seal the box by hammering nails into it, or by using a latch and a lock, which can be closed with a key. If the couple chooses to hammer the box shut, they may want to arrange for music to be played during this time.

In addition to the wine, the box may contain love letters, notes, photos, concert tickets, or other mementos. The couple can also include a copy of their vows or their wedding invitation. These items are placed inside the box, and the couple then closes and seals it.

The wine box ceremony is a unique and meaningful way to celebrate a couple's love and future together. It is a reminder to keep celebrating their relationship long after the wedding day has passed. The box will be opened on a future anniversary, or if the couple is facing a difficult time, to remind them of their love and commitment to each other.

Frequently asked questions