you can get the sand from places like hobbycraft.

I was thinking of doing it, but i am not sure due to the problems we have had recently regarding his daughter, but i think it is a brilliant idea, if the civil ceremony doesn't allow it you could do it at your reception

i like the idea of it however we are probably going to do the unity candle instead.

you can also do a rose ceremony :)x

Unity Candle - a member of each family (not the bride and groom) light a family candle for each side of the family at the beginning - once they bride and groom are man and wife they take a taper and light a central candle together from their family candles

Here you go....

The Rose Ceremony is simple yet profoundly moving. The bride and groom exchange two red roses, symbolizing the giving and receiving of their love for each other throughout their entire married life. The Rose Ceremony also conveys how to use the rose and its symbolism in difficult times in order to forgive each other.

“Your gift to each other for your wedding today has been your wedding rings – which shall always be an outward demonstration of your vows of love and respect; and a public showing of your commitment to each other.

You now have what remains the most honorable title which may exist between a man and a woman – the title of “husband” and “wife.” For your first gift as husband and wife, that gift will be a single rose.

In the past, the rose was considered a symbol of love and a single rose always meant only one thing – it meant the words “I love you.” So it is appropriate that for your first gift – as husband and wife – that gift would be a single rose.

Please exchange your first gift as husband and wife. In some ways it seems like you have not done anything at all. Just a moment ago you were holding one small rose – and now you are holding one small rose. In some ways, a marriage ceremony is like this. In some ways, tomorrow is going to seem no different than yesterday. But in fact today, just now, you both have given and received one of the most valuable and precious gifts of life – one I hope you always remember – the gift of true and abiding love within the devotion of marriage.

_________ and _____________, I would ask that where ever you make your home in the future – whether it be a large and elegant home – or a small and graceful one – that you both pick one very special location for roses; so that on each anniversary of this truly wonderful occasion you both may take a rose to that spot both as a recommitment to your marriage – and a recommitment that THIS will be a marriage based upon love.

In every marriage there are times where it is difficult to find the right words. It is easiest to hurt who we most love. It is easiest to be most hurt by who we most love. It might be difficult some time to words to say “I am sorry” or “I forgive you”; “I need you” or “I am hurting”. If this should happen, if you simply can not find these words, leave a rose at that spot which both of you have selected – for that rose than says what matters most of all and should overpower all other things and all other words.

That rose says the words: “I still love you.” The other should accept this rose for the words which cannot be found, and remember the love and hope that you both share today.

__________ and ________, if there is anything you remember of this marriage ceremony, it is that it was love that brought you here today, it is only love which can make it a glorious union, and it is by love which your marriage shall endure.”

They sound really nice. I love both ideas. xxx

Hi ladies.
Just wondering if any of you have actually bought a sand ceremony kit and if so where from?
We are planning a sand ceremony which will include the children too, we have already written the verse to be read out, but are finding it really difficult to find a UK supplier of the kits and sand. I have looked online but so far only founf american sellers and with the weight of the items plus the sand the shipping rates are through the roof. Have also tried Ebay but most of the items are in America and the only UK one was unsuitable - We are getting married in Portugal so the vase/bottle needs to have a good lid or cork so we can transport it home. Gonna try the local craft stores next to see if i can create my own kit, in the meantime If anyone has any suggestions then please help.
Thanks

The rose can be added onto to include the children


Adding a part for children.

If a couple is adding the "Rose Ceremony", often they will have a rose for each of the children. After exchanging roses, the couple will then give each child a rose, a hug, and whisper, "I love you." "Not only are ________and________creating a marriage today, but they also are forming a family with (child/children's name(s)). Just as it is appropriate for________and________to declare their love for each other in the gift of a rose, they also wish to show you (to the children) how much they love you with the gift of a rose."



This is what Kim and I are doing to include my son in the celebrations xx

We are planning on having a sand ceremony, I've put a link to where I'm getting mine on my wall xxx

Oooooh I have never heard of a rose ceremony but I LOVE the idea! Would we be able to have one even though we are having a civil ceremony do you know? xx

Oh thanks thats great! I will ask the registrar when we go to give notice! xx

dont think i will bother with any of these....

when h2b puts the ring on my finger, i think it would be lovely to put a necklace on our daughter to unite us all as one! She will be 4 at the time x