Extending Wedding Ceremonies: Creative Ways To Add More Time

There are many ways to make a wedding ceremony longer. The length of a wedding ceremony depends on how many different elements the couple chooses to include, as well as whether it is a religious or secular ceremony. Religious weddings tend to be longer than non-religious ones. A typical ceremony includes the procession, an invocation with a welcome and the couple's story, a declaration of intent, the vows, a ring exchange, the pronouncement, and the recession. Additional elements can include a unity ritual, such as a sand ceremony, handfasting, stone blessing, or unity candle ritual. Couples can also add symbolic rituals, such as a rose ceremony, ring blessing, or a reading of a poem or excerpt. Signing the marriage certificate as part of the ceremony can also add time. Couples can also include musical interludes, such as a harpist, a string quartet, or a singer.

Include a unity ritual, like a candle lighting or sand ceremony

Unity rituals, such as candle lighting or sand ceremonies, are a wonderful way to lengthen your wedding ceremony and add symbolic meaning to your special day.

Unity Candle Ceremony

The unity candle ceremony is a simple yet meaningful ritual where each member of the couple takes a taper candle and simultaneously lights a larger centre candle. This act symbolises the union of two individuals and the creation of a blended family.

To perform this ritual, you will need three candles: two taper candles and one larger centre candle. You can purchase these online from retailers such as The Knot Shop, Etsy, Zazzle, or Amazon. If your ceremony is outdoors, shield the candles with hurricane lamps to protect them from the breeze.

Before the ceremony, light the two taper candles. During the ceremony, the couple will light the centre candle together with the flames from their individual tapers. After lighting the centre candle, blow out the taper candles, leaving the unity candle lit for the remainder of the ceremony.

Unity Sand Ceremony

The unity sand ceremony is a variation of the unity candle ceremony, where two people pour sand from their individual vessels into a single, central vessel. The blending of the sand symbolises the joining of two individuals and the creation of a new union and family.

To perform this ritual, you will need sand and three vessels: one larger central vessel and two smaller vessels for each person. You can customise the sand and vessels to match your wedding theme and colours. Some couples use sand from a beach that holds a special memory, while others use coloured sand to represent different aspects of their relationship.

During the ceremony, the couple will pour the sand from their individual vessels into the central vessel, creating a visual representation of their union. This ritual can also be adapted to include children or other family members, who can pour their own coloured sand into the central vessel.

Both the unity candle and sand ceremonies are beautiful ways to add symbolism and depth to your wedding ceremony while also increasing its length. These rituals provide a meaningful pause during the proceedings and can be adapted to include your family and friends.

Add a ring blessing or warming

A ring blessing or warming ceremony is a great way to add a unique and intimate touch to your wedding. This tradition, which originated in Ireland, involves passing the wedding bands through the hands of all or most of your guests. Here are some ways to incorporate this ritual into your special day:

Before the Ceremony

If you want the ring warming to take place before the ceremony, you can set up a table near the entrance of your venue with a prominent box or container to hold the rings. This way, each guest can participate in warming the rings for a few moments before taking their seats. You can also tie the rings together with a piece of string or ribbon to keep them together as they are passed around, symbolising the couple's union. Alternatively, you can place the rings in a small bowl, which guests will pass around instead of having to handle the rings directly.

During the Ceremony

If you prefer to include the ring warming as part of the ceremony itself, you can keep it more intimate by designating someone like the best man or officiant to pass the rings around to your families and wedding party before you exchange your vows. This way, the rings are warmed by the loving touch of those closest to you. The officiant or designated person can explain the significance of the ritual to your guests and guide the process.

Script Ideas

There are various scripts you can use to introduce the ring warming ceremony, depending on when you choose to hold it. If the ring warming takes place before the ceremony, the officiant can say:

> "Upon entering the ceremony today, you were all asked to hold the rings and speak well wishes over them. As these two place these rings on each other's fingers, not only will they carry the commitment they've made to each other daily, but also your support with them."

If the ring warming occurs during the ceremony, the officiant can introduce it with these words:

> "Before the two exchange the rings, they would like you to hold them and warm them with well wishes on their union. They want this ceremony to be a reminder for you to hold them accountable for the promises they are making today. As these two place these rings on each other's fingers, not only will they carry the commitment they've made to each other, but also your support with them."

You can also incorporate a personal touch by referencing a parent or close family member who cannot be present, using a piece of their jewellery, or including a meaningful poem or reading during the ring passing.

Timing and Logistics

The ring warming ceremony should take no longer than a few minutes. Each guest should hold the rings for a brief moment, offering their silent blessings, prayers, or good wishes before passing them on. If you have a large wedding party, you can send one ring down one side and the other ring down the other side, or you can pass the rings only to the front row or bridal party. It is also a lovely touch to include children in the ring warming, as they will often be excited to participate and offer their own special blessings.

A Heartwarming Touch

The ring blessing or warming ceremony is a beautiful way to make your wedding day extra special. By including your guests in this ritual, you will create a memorable experience for everyone involved and ensure that your wedding bands are filled with love and positive intentions as you begin your married life together.

Have a slideshow before the ceremony

A wedding slideshow is a great way to create a dialogue between you and your partner, as well as your guests. It can be played during the cocktail reception or even before the ceremony. If you're going to display your slideshow to an audience, the ideal length is around 30 photos or less than five minutes. However, if it's playing in the background, it can be longer.

Compile Photos and Videos

Scroll back through your phone's camera roll or any memory cards from cameras or video cameras you've used. You can also crowdsource content from your friends and family.

Choose a Theme

A popular theme for wedding slideshows is "Past, Present, and Future." Include funny or embarrassing childhood photos, as well as romantic photos from your first meeting or first date. You can also involve your friends, family, or wedding party.

Select Music

Choose songs that fit your theme. For example, for a "Past, Present, and Future" slideshow, you might choose "Never Grow Up" by Taylor Swift or "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri. If you're a travelling couple, you might include "A Whole New World" by Lea Salonga and Brad Kane or "Life is a Highway" by the Rascal Flatts.

Use an App or Software

Download an app or software to bring your slideshow to life. Some options include Canva, iMovie, PowerPoint, and Adobe Express, which offer wedding slideshow templates.

Create and Display Your Slideshow

Put together your slideshow yourself or hire a graphic designer or audiovisual professional. Display it on a projector or a big-screen television.

Share Your Slideshow

Share your slideshow on your wedding website, social media platforms, or at a family gathering or brunch the day after your wedding.

Include a reading or poem

Including a reading or poem is a great way to lengthen your wedding ceremony and add a personal touch. Here are some tips to help you incorporate this into your special day:

Choosing the Right Reading or Poem

First, select a reading or poem that is meaningful to you and your partner. It could be a passage from a book, a religious text, a poem, or even song lyrics. The reading should express your feelings for each other and can be emotional, sweet, romantic, or funny. If nothing feels right, don't force it—only include a reading if it feels authentic and true to you as a couple.

Involving Friends and Family

You can also use this as an opportunity to involve friends or family members in your ceremony. Ask a loved one to do the reading—perhaps someone who is not in the wedding party. Just make sure they are comfortable with reading in front of everyone and will do a good job.

Timing and Placement

Keep in mind that the reading portion should last no more than five minutes, and each individual reading should be one to three minutes. Two readings are usually enough—any more and your ceremony may start to drag. Typically, readings take place towards the beginning of the ceremony, after the officiant's introduction and before the vows. However, your officiant can advise you on the most appropriate placement.

Other Considerations

Make sure the reading is appropriate for the occasion and will be well-received by your guests. Avoid anything too long or meandering, and be cautious of including anything too niche or personal. If you're unsure, ask your officiant for advice.

Examples of Readings

If you're not sure where to start, here are some popular examples of wedding readings:

• "How Do I Love Thee" by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
• Sonnet 116 by William Shakespeare
• "On Marriage" from The Prophet by Khalil Gibran
• "I Carry Your Heart With Me" by e.e. cummings
• Excerpts from The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams
• "Union" by Robert Fulghum
• "Paradise" by Toni Morrison
• "Love is a Temporary Madness" from Captain Corelli's Mandolin by Shawn Slovo

Add a personal anecdote about the couple

Adding personal anecdotes about the couple is a great way to make the wedding ceremony feel more intimate and special. Here are some ideas to incorporate these anecdotes:

Involve Friends and Family

Ask a close friend or family member to officiate the ceremony. They can share stories and personal aspects of the couple's relationship, adding a touch of familiarity and warmth to the proceedings. This idea also extends to readings during the ceremony. Instead of traditional readings, ask a friend or family member to share a song, speech, or marriage advice. It's a great way to include those closest to the couple and share more personal details.

Personalize the Ceremony Space

Display photos of the couple in the entryway to the ceremony space. This gives guests a glimpse into the couple's history and journey together. Another idea is to adorn the altar with pictures, candles, and decor from the couple's home. These personal touches symbolise their bond and life together, creating a unique and intimate atmosphere.

Share a Love Note

Before the wedding, the couple can write love letters to each other. These letters can be shared with guests in various ways, such as printing them on cocktail napkins or including them in the ceremony program. It's a sweet way to showcase their love story and add a personal touch to the day.

Honour Loved Ones

Pay tribute to loved ones who have passed away by incorporating subtle nods into the ceremony. This could be through placing photos on chairs, including their favourite flowers in the decor, or featuring their favourite songs or passages as readings. It's a meaningful way to honour those who are no longer present while adding a layer of personal significance to the ceremony.

Include Heirloom Details

Incorporating heirloom details, such as accessories or items passed down from family members, adds a touch of nostalgia to the ceremony. For example, the bride could attach her great-grandmother's locket to her bouquet or wear a piece of jewellery with sentimental value. These heirlooms become a physical representation of the couple's connection to their families and their shared history.

Sign the Marriage Certificate

Signing the marriage certificate as part of the ceremony adds a unique and intimate touch. It involves the couple's loved ones in a special moment and can help extend the duration of the ceremony.

By incorporating these ideas, the couple can create a wedding ceremony that feels personal and meaningful, leaving their guests with the impression that the ceremony truly reflected their relationship.

Frequently asked questions