As an officiant I know that the more custom and unique a ceremony is, the more special and memorable it will be. This is where you can create a great experience for your family and friends. I am known for fun weddings because I believe that fun is what a wedding should be!
There is no limit to options in creating a custom ceremony. This is where the officiant can offer ideas, but you need to let your creative juices flow. The internet has many sites that can help with ideas as well.
The ceremony should have a custom feel. The officiant gathers information about the couple and creates a personalized wedding ceremony that is made just for you.
Ceremony Styles
- Non Denominational / Contemporary
- Religious
- Spiritual
- Nature
- Handfasting
- Interfaith
- Boho Chic
- Surprise wedding – Invite your guests for a gathering then surprise, it’s a wedding!
- Carnival – complete with carnival games
- Geek/Nerdy – Along with gaming themed ceremony script
- Hitch and Run? I’ll sign and off we go.
At times it is a great idea to blend elements from different religions. For example, maybe a couple likes certain rituals of their religion but choose to have them blended in a ceremony. Or a bible verse could be shared and then the breaking of the glass is carried out at the end of the ceremony. Even a fun custom cake topper can be special. There are NO rules!
Elements create a very custom ceremony.
Ceremony Ideas
Tying of the Knot
This is a fun and very symbolic element. The couple ties a Fisherman’s Knot. The commentary goes that the Fisherman’s Knot is the strongest knot, and gets stronger under pressure, much like a marriage. This ritual is where the term “Tie the Knot” came from.
Handfastings
Handfastings are becoming one of the most popular wedding elements. A handfasting can act as the entire ceremony or be incorporated as part of the ceremony. The couples hands are wrapped together with cloth or cord while they exchange vows. The cords /cloth are kept in the couples home as a sweet reminder of their special day. Handfastings are a wonderful way to incorporate children or other loved ones. They can help wrap the cords which is always very touching. Check out the ultimate handfasting guide here.
Blending Ceremonies
Couples can choose to blend sand or other items in their ceremony. Wine, whiskey and even slushies can be blended to symbolize the union. Blending ceremonies can also be used to incorporate loved ones to join in. I love when the couple uses an hourglass for the sand blending.
Unity Puzzles
are fun for blended families too, each person adds a piece of the puzzle and it created a beautiful Etsy has great puzzles that can be personalized.
Love Lock Ceremony
In a love lock ceremony the couple lock their individual locks together. Together they toss the keys away as their love can never be unlocked.
Unity Tree Ceremony
A unity tree ceremony is when a couple plants a tree together during their wedding ceremony to symbolize their marriage. The sapling is planted in fertile soil, given light and water and encouraged it to develop deep roots.
Ring Warming
this is a lovely element where the wedding rings are passed (usually starting with one mother) and passed from guest to guest during the ceremony. They say their blessings while holding the rings. The rings then end with someone (the other mother) and passed to the couple or ring bearer to present to the couple.
Jumping The Broom
This is a fun way to end the ceremony. The couple jumps the broom with some words from the officiant about the couple “leaping” into their new life as a married couple, as everyone yells 1-2-3 JUMP!!!!
These are just a few ideas to get your thought process going. Above all, remember to have fun!
