There are so many different Rituals that can be included and it really does come down to personal preference and whether it reflects your own personalities as a couple. From traditional, cultural, spiritual, religious or family come many symbolic gestures that may have special or different meanings to be celebrated. We live in a multi-cultural society and couples like to acknowledge traditions from their own heritage. This helps the couple to retain their own connection with their tradition/culture.
Favourite rituals/symbolic gestures that I have come across so far include:
· Candle lighting to represent either side of the family or to acknowledge the deceased / people not being in attendance.
· The releasing of butterflies
· The giving away / Blessing / Presentation of the bride
· Sand Unity / Family blending
· Hand fastening ceremony
· Congregation blessing of the couple
· Music, poetry or stories
· Exchanging of wedding rings
· Time capsules, planting wedding trees
· Theme: Hindu, Medieval, beach, country, garden
Whatever the ritual, it gives your guests a sense of belonging and specialness in the eyes of the couple and can be seen to strengthen the bond between the couple depending on the chosen ritual.
As a celebrant, being open to suggestion and being able to perform any type of cultural / tradition ritual is a given. If we are not certain how to perform it, then we research it, practice it and learn it. A ritual can create a powerful moment between the couple involved and evoke a sense of deepened love not felt before towards one another. It is a privilege and honour to sometimes be asked to be a part of that and make it all happen.
Fusion Elements - Felicity McShane Marriage Celebrant
For myself, it is so important to ensure that every ceremony is delivered to the best it can be. It's really important for me to be immersed in the story that I deliver on behalf of my couples. Getting their names right the first time and every time is a must. To ensure that my fusion clients get the best from me, I commit by presenting only 1 wedding a day so that I can be fully engaged with what I need to do for my couple, giving them 100% effort and being in the moment with them every time. Occasionally you do get tongue tied but never with names. The paperwork tricks us Celebrants use to make sure we pronounce names correctly are all part of the delivery for our gorgous brides and grooms.