How Does the Unity Sand Ceremony Work?

As more couples look for ways to add more romance and sentiment to their wedding celebrations, the unity sand ceremony provides the perfect opportunity to do this while creating a personalized keepsake of the day.

STEPS OF THE UNITY SAND CEREMONY

Depending on the number of participants in your sand ceremony (especially in the case of a blended family ceremony), the pouring sequence will vary.

1. Prior to the sand ceremony, pre-fill the pouring vases with the different sand colors (leaving the central vase empty). Place all vases on a small table set up for performing the ceremony.
   
   
2. The steps involved in your particular sand ceremony will depend on the number of participants and the vows that you write. In the diagram below, there are three participants: the bride, the groom, and either the officiant or a family member.
   
   
3. The small heart pouring vase holds white sand which is then poured into the central vase by the officiant while he/she recites a customized reading that explains the symbolism of the ceremony.
   
   
4. The bride then pours blue sand into the central vase while reciting vows. The amount of sand she pours depends on the length of the vows. If the bride takes one turn in reciting, she would pour approximately half of her sand into the vase the first time (saving the remainder of her sand for the simultaneous pour).
   
   
5. The groom then pours green sand into the central vase while reciting vows. The amount of sand he pours depends on the length of the vows. If the groom takes one turn in reciting, he would pour approximately half of his sand into the vase the first time (saving the remainder of his sand for the simultaneous pour).
   
   
6. To achieve a layered effect, it's recommended that the bride and groom each pour 1/3 of the sand from their respective vases (taking two turns each) then pour the remaining 1/3 into the central vase simultaneously. The blending of the sand colors represents the blending of the individual lives into one.
   
   
7. After the ceremony is completed, place a stopper in the central vase to create a beautiful keepsake to display in your home and remind you of your heartfelt ceremony and the life that you now share. The pouring vases can now be filled with fresh flowers and enjoyed in your home.
   

There are no hard and fast rules to the unity sand ceremony. Personalize the ceremony to make it the romantic, heartfelt expression of commitment you want it to be.