Rituals

Dating back to ancient Celtic times, marriages were celebrated by a simple hand fasting ceremony. The couple would clasp their hands and a braided cord or ribbon was wrapped and tied around both of their hands symbolising the binding together of their two lives into one.  It is from this practice that the expression 'tying the knot' comes from.

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​Couples are encouraged to slip off the hand fast cord with most of it tied if possible.  It can then be placed around a unity candle, framed or kept in a keepsake box.

The Quaich, a two handled loving cup, is an ancient Scottish tradition that seals the bond of two people and marks the blending of two families. It symbolises love and trust as the new couple share the first drink of their marriage together.

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The contents of the quaich are left to individual tastes, although a fine single malt whisky would be the traditional choice.  If the quaich is to be passed around more widely, perhaps including children, then a soft drink could be substituted for the spirit.

A sand ceremony offers an unusual and meaningful addition to a wedding or family ceremony. It can also be used to mark the significance of others to the couple, such as children or parents, or as a way of marking a union or 'blending'.

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Everyone involved has a different coloured sand and takes turns pouring it into a clear vessel forming a layered effect representing unity, eternal intertwining of individuals and their lives.

Jumping the broom entails a couple jumping over a broom to demonstrate their union.  They can jump over the same broom together holding hands or less commonly lay a broom in front of one another and jump over each other’s broom either individually or at the same time.

 

Marriages were said to be doomed or invalid if either of the newlyweds touched the broom when jumping over it and marriages could also be annulled by jumping backwards over the broom.

The love letter ceremony box creates a romantic time capsule for the couple to open on their first wedding anniversary. The box contains romantic items special to both of them and a love letter from each to the other.

 

The letters describe the good qualities they find in one another, the reasons they fell in love and their reasons for choosing to marry. The letters are sealed in individual envelopes and the box is locked with two padlocks and two keys ensuring that one cannot open it without the other.

A unity candle ceremony is a symbolic wedding ritual involving two taper candles that are initially lit. The couple then use the taper candles to light a large pillar candle together, signifying the union of their lives and the love they share.

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The ritual of lighting the candle is both a physical and emotional act. It is a gesture of faith that their love will continue to grow and be strengthened throughout their lives.