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

The Unity Cross is a unique and memorable alternative to unity candles or sand for your wedding ceremony. The multi-piece sculpture is assembled by the couple during the ceremony, representing how the two become one. The groom's bold cross strengthens and frames the bride, while the bride's delicately carved cross brings fullness and beauty to her husband's life. The couple joins their crosses together, securing them with three carved nails, representing the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This permanent reminder of faith, love, and commitment can be displayed in the home after the wedding.

Choosing the right wood

The Unity Cross is a meaningful addition to your wedding ceremony, representing how two become one. It is a multi-piece sculpture assembled by the couple during the ceremony, which can then be displayed in the home as a lasting reminder of their covenant.

When choosing the right wood for your wedding unity cross, there are several options available, each with its own unique characteristics and appeal. Here are some popular choices:

Hand-Finished Charred White Oak

The hand-finished charred white oak unity cross offers a unique and rustic appeal. The charring process gives the wood a distinctive dark colour and adds depth to the grain pattern, creating a striking contrast. This option is perfect for couples who want a cross that stands out and makes a bold statement.

Hardwoods

Hardwoods, such as walnut, cherry, and beech, are a popular choice for wedding unity crosses. They offer a range of rich colours and beautiful grain patterns. For example, walnut is a deep brown wood with a luxurious look and feel. Cherry wood has a reddish-brown hue that darkens over time, making it a timeless choice. Beech wood, on the other hand, has a lighter colour and a more subtle grain, which can be enhanced with a hand-scraped finish for a vintage look.

Reclaimed Barnwood

Reclaimed barnwood is a unique and eco-friendly option for your wedding unity cross. It gives new life to old wood, often featuring rustic textures and a natural patina that only comes with age. Reclaimed barnwood crosses are perfect for couples who want a one-of-a-kind piece with a story to tell.

Hand-Painted Wood

Hand-painted wood unity crosses offer a wide range of colour options to match any wedding theme or personal style. These crosses can be customised to your exact specifications, whether you prefer a simple, elegant colour or a more intricate design.

Olive Wood

Olive wood is a unique and meaningful choice for a wedding unity cross. With a rich, golden hue and distinctive grain pattern, olive wood is known for its beauty and strength. It is often associated with peace and blessing, making it a powerful symbol for your special day.

When choosing the right wood for your wedding unity cross, consider the overall aesthetic you want to achieve, whether it's a rustic, elegant, or colourful look. Each type of wood has its own unique characteristics, so be sure to select one that resonates with you and your partner.

The role of the groom's cross

The groom's cross plays a pivotal role in the wedding unity cross ceremony. It symbolises the groom himself—a figure of strength, leadership, and protection. The groom's bold cross is designed to strengthen and frame his bride, reflecting the idea that he will be a source of support and defence for his partner throughout their married life.

The groom takes centre stage during the unity cross ritual, setting the tone for the sacred ritual. He places his cross, also known as the outer cross, into the wooden base. This action is accompanied by the pastor's explanation of the groom's role as outlined in the Bible. The pastor may refer to the Book of Genesis, which describes how God created man in His image—bold, strong, and tasked with defending his family. However, the pastor also highlights that the man is incomplete without the woman by his side.

The groom's cross is a visual representation of the groom's commitment, love, and devotion to his bride. It symbolises the strength and stability he brings to the marriage, serving as a reminder of his role as a protector and leader in their union. The groom's cross is a bold statement piece, often crafted from high-quality wood, that reflects the groom's personality and style.

During the ceremony, the groom's cross is joined by the bride's cross, which is more delicately crafted. The bride's cross is placed within the groom's, symbolising the unity and harmony of their marriage. Together, the two crosses represent the beauty and strength of their relationship, with the groom's cross providing a foundation of support and protection.

The unity cross ceremony is a unique way to involve the groom in the wedding ritual. It allows the groom to actively participate in the ceremony, showcasing his dedication and love for his bride. The groom's cross is a powerful symbol of his role in the marriage, reminding the couple of their commitment to each other and their shared faith.

The role of the bride's cross

The Unity Cross is a multi-piece sculpture assembled during the Unity Service of a Wedding Ceremony. It is a unique alternative to unity candles or unity sand, signifying "two becoming one". The sculpture is made of two interconnecting crosses, one for the groom and one for the bride, which are joined together during the ceremony.

The bride's cross is a delicately carved, shorter crosspiece that symbolises the beauty and many capabilities of the woman. It is placed inside the groom's cross, completing the sculpture and representing the unification of the couple. The bride's cross brings fullness and beauty to her husband's life.

The bride's cross is an integral part of the Unity Cross ceremony, as it symbolises the couple's commitment, love, and faith. It is designed to be a permanent reminder of their marriage and can be displayed in their home after the wedding.

The Unity Cross ceremony allows the couple to put their creativity into a scripted ceremony. It is a special moment that memorialises the event and gives the couple a chance to shine and address each other. The bride's cross plays a central role in this ceremony, as it symbolises the love and commitment between the couple.

The symbolism of the nails

The Unity Cross is a multi-piece sculpture that is assembled by the bride and groom during the wedding ceremony. The couple joins their crosses together and secures them with three carved nails, representing the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The nails are a permanent reminder to keep faith, love, and commitment central to the marriage.

The number three is significant in Christianity, representing the Holy Trinity, and the three nails in the Unity Cross serve as a visual reminder of this fundamental doctrine. The nails symbolise the presence of God in the marriage, with each nail representing a person of the Trinity. The first nail represents God the Father, the creator and sustainer of life. The second nail symbolises God the Son, Jesus Christ, who came to earth to redeem humanity. The third nail represents the Holy Spirit, the comforter and counsellor, who dwells within believers.

The nails also serve as a reminder of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Christians believe that Jesus was crucified with three nails – one in each hand and one in his feet. The nails in the Unity Cross can remind the couple of the sacrifice that Jesus made for them and the centrality of Christ in their marriage.

Additionally, the nails can symbolise the unity and strength that comes from having God at the centre of the marriage. Just as nails are used to join two pieces of wood together, so the couple is joined together in their commitment to each other and to God. The nails can also represent the enduring nature of marriage. Once the nails are in place, the sculpture is permanently joined, reflecting the lifelong covenant that the couple has entered into.

Displaying the cross

Fireplace Mantle or Shelf

The unity cross is a meaningful and eye-catching sculpture that can serve as a focal point in your home. Consider displaying it on a fireplace mantle or shelf, where it will be a constant reminder of your love and commitment. Its presence will anchor the space and symbolise the strength and beauty of your union.

Wall Display

Some unity crosses are designed specifically for wall display and come with hanging hardware included. This option allows you to showcase your unity cross as a piece of wall art, adding both aesthetic and symbolic value to your living space. Whether in your bedroom, living room, or entryway, a wall-mounted unity cross will be a conversation starter and a testament to your love.

Entryway Table or Console

Displaying your unity cross on an entryway table or console is a wonderful way to greet your guests with a symbol of your love and faith. It will be the first thing they see when they enter your home, serving as a beautiful reminder of your wedding day and the sacredness of your marriage covenant.

Alongside Wedding Memorabilia

Consider creating a vignette or display that includes your unity cross alongside other meaningful items from your wedding day. This could include your wedding photos, bouquet, guest book, or other decorative elements that complement the colour and style of your cross. This type of display will create a cohesive and romantic setting in your home, reminding you of the joy and love shared on your special day.

Illuminated Display Case

If you want to highlight the intricate details of your unity cross, consider placing it in an illuminated display case. This will not only showcase the beauty of the sculpture but also protect it from dust and damage. An illuminated display case can be placed on a table, shelf, or mantle, providing a focused spotlight on your cherished unity cross.

Frequently asked questions