The unity sand ceremony is a contemporary alternative to the unity candle ceremony. Instead of lighting a candle, the couple pours different colors of sand into a unity vase. It’s a beautiful representation of union, which couples can keep long after the wedding.
What’s the history?
Some believe the history of the unity sand ceremony lies within the Native American culture, but little is known of the ceremony and its significance in the culture.
The sand ceremony as we know it today is a fairly new concept, which has made its way to television twice. In 1981, the unity sand ceremony was used on an episode of the soap opera, General Hospital. In 2003, Trista Rehn and Ryan Sutter from the hit reality show, The Bachelor, used the unity sand ceremony in their $4 million wedding broadcast live for fans everywhere. Since then, the unity sand ceremony has really taken off!
How does it work?
The ceremony includes one large vase (the unity vase) and two smaller vases. It also includes one sand color for the officiant (usually white or ivory to represent your faith), one color for the bride and one color for the groom. Children from previous marriages or relationship may also have a sand color to symbolize the blending of families.
The officiant will pour his/her sand into the unity vase first, to represent a foundation of faith. Then the bride and groom will pour their sand into the unity vase at the same time. (Note: if you pour exactly at the same time, your sand will become one big mixture rather than the pretty layers you see in photos. We suggest each person taking short turns to create the layered look.)
Is it right for your wedding?
One of the best things about the unity sand ceremony is that it becomes a lasting keepsake, a constant reminder of your lives and love combined. Many couples choose this ceremony so they will have a meaningful keepsake of their special day.
The unity sand ceremony is also a great way to symbolize the blending of families. Children are able to join in the ceremony, which is important to many couples.
Sand ceremonies are also a great option for outdoor weddings and destination weddings. It fits well with natural themes and tropical locals, plus the couple doesn’t have to worry about the wind like they would with the unity candle ceremony.
It’s not for everyone…
Many couples prefer the traditional unity candle ceremony, and for good reason. The symbolic gesture of lighting a candle together is timeless. Whatever you decide, make sure the ceremony you choose best represents the love you share.
Where did you get those beautiful vases?
Hi Katie! Those vases are from our website. There are 2 different items and you can find them both in our Wedding Unity Candles category. The large vase is called Linked Hearts Unity Cylinder, and the small ones are called Small Unity Cylinder.
Please let us know if there is anything else we can help with!
im getting married in May. This marriage is a second marriage for both of us. He has 2 children and i have 3. Do we use 8 different colors to include the pastor?
The pastor’s sand represents your faith, so it’s your choice if you want to include the pastor in the sand ceremony. If so, you would need 8 colors. The pastor pours his sand first, creating a foundation of faith. Then everyone else pours their sand to represent the blending of families. Here’s a tip though, if you’re looking for the beautifully layered look, make sure each person takes a turn pouring his/her sand into the vase. If you all pour at the same time, the sand will just mix without providing the lovely layers you see in the photos of sand ceremony sets. If you have more sand than you need, it’s worth doing a practice run.
Using the different colors symbolizes the individuality of each parent and each kid. Have the parents out first showing the foundation for the family. Then have each kid pour showing their individual personalities. Then have the couple pour again showing the binding of love around the family.
Suggestion to Jess, who posted on March 16, 2015…maybe you and your children can use the same color sand and your fiance’ and his children can use a color different from yours. This way, you won’t have to use 8 different colors. I’m blending several children and we’re just doubling-up on who uses what color. Hope this helps! Good luck! 🙂
Steve & I will be using the sand unity ceremony with lavendar & silver sand. Since we met @ the beach, getting married @ the beach & intwined hearts is our accent for the wedding along with our lavendar & silver as our colors.
Our wedding is June 12th.
Did this at my sister’s wedding. Had 4 different colors one for each person (2 kids, 2 adults) Found beautiful colors of sand at coloredsand.com