A unity sand ceremony is a beautiful visual symbol of the joining together of two people or two families through the blending of sand.
Sand blending is most commonly used in wedding ceremonies as a contemporary alternative to a unity candle ceremony.
It is also used more and more as part of a family blending celebration such as an adoption, the joining together of step families or a child's naming day.
A sand ceremony is a great way to involve children in your ceremony.
How does it work?
Before the wedding (or celebration day), the couple select a vase which the sand will be poured into, select pouring glasses and gather or purchase sand to use in the ceremony. The vase can be of any shape and size but should be able to hold the desired volume of sand.
At the beginning of the ceremony the officiant (if a wedding) may say a few words about the ceremony, what the unity represents and symbolises.
Each individual participating in the unity ceremony takes turns pouring their sand into the vase. This may be just the couple or also include the couple’s children or sometimes the couples parents and other family members are included too. Some families may choose to pour their sand in at the same time, mixing the sand up as it pours into the vase and others prefer taking turns to create a layered sand effect.
Some couples may choose to ask their parents to pour their sand together into their pouring glass first before the couple pours the sand into the vase, representing the joining of two families.
The sand can either be coloured sand, where each individual selects a colour to represent their spirit, personality and uniqueness or colours are selected to match the wedding colours or couples may opt to use sand collected from a beach which is special to them.
During the pouring of sand, some couples may choose to recite their vows and exchange rings, strengthening the unity of the couple. More commonly, the sand ceremony is completed after the exchanging of vows and rings. The officiant may say some words during the pouring of sand or a reading could take place at this time or some music may be playing in the background.
Some couples choose to leave some sand in their pouring glasses. This represents the a couple coming together through the blending of sand into one vase and also strength remaining as an individual.
Something to remember the day by
The filled sand vase is a beautiful keepsake which can be displayed in the home for the family as a reminder and symbol of the celebration.
Add your own personalisation
Vases can be a selected family heirloom, or a new vase purchased and personalised with the couple's (and children’s) names and date of the ceremony.
Sand can be collected from the beach where the ceremony is taking place or collected from a beach which is special to the couple or individual.
Using coloured sand is a popular choice and each individual selects a colour which represents their spirit and personality. Colourful sand can also be lots of fun for children. Colours of sand can also be selected based on colour meanings.
Special items such as shells, stones or crystals may be included into the vases. Some people also choose to use coloured crystal glass instead of sand.
See the full range of EarthArtUK sand ceremony sets here ...
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