To sand ceremony or not? And, how the heck do you get it home looking nice?

[Sharon99]

What a great idea, to melt candle wax on top!
 

Originally Posted by JayKay 

I'm not married but we are doing a sand ceremony.

 

We feel that if we were having a traditional wedding at home we would be doing a unity candle, and this is just a beachy way of doing it on the beach.  I have been to a few weddings where it was done and I just love the meaning behind it.

 

We are using vases, a set from Michaels, which comes with everything needed.  It has a lid thing for the top of the vase so we are going to do that.  Also, we are going to pack down the sand good, then melt a candle on top of it so the sand wont move.  And I figure that if it really looks aweful when we get home we will redo it maybe for our one year anniversary. 

 

 

[Evgal]

Why do you buy sand?  And maybe this is a silly question but... can you use sand from the beach?

[kad1010]

I've seen the sand on almost every website that sells the sand ceremony kits. You can go to any arts & craft store to buy sand in different colors, or I am sure if you wanted to you can use sand from the beach. But most people I've seen use different colored sand. We are going to use our colors, fucshia and orange. I love the idea of the sand ceremony. I've seen quite a few sets that come with the cork to put in the top so that the sand doesn't come out. I also like the melting a candle idea so the wax can hold it in.
 

Originally Posted by Evgal 

Why do you buy sand?  And maybe this is a silly question but... can you use sand from the beach?

 

[JayKay]

Certain places restrict you from bringing sand from the beach out of the country so make sure you check before you do, or you might have trouble bringing it back with you from your destination.
 

Originally Posted by Evgal 

Why do you buy sand?  And maybe this is a silly question but... can you use sand from the beach?

 

[onourway]

I am in love with that frame!!  love love And the idea of incorporating family is definately intriguing. 

 

As for sand, I would be afraid of little microrganisms or bugs in the nonsterile sand. eek

[bride6262]

thanks so much! definetly answered my q before i could ask!
 

Originally Posted by clgriffi7 

I am not married yet but I can give you a bride's view that is planning to do it.

 

1.  I have attended local weddings where they did a sand ceremony and I thought it was really meaningful.  At one wedding they actually chose to have many different colors and involve the bride and groom's parents.  (The parents poured first - "laying the foundation")  I also love that this is something tangible that you can keep from your wedding day that you can display next to a framed photo from your wedding day.

 

2.  As for getting it home - I think a frame might be easiest.  I ordered the following frame from etsy:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/61083327/unity-sand-ceremony-frame-with-engraving?ref=pr_shop

The frame came with the following instructions (I don't have them with me so I am paraphrasing):  The part of the frame that holds the sand is a clear plastic box that fits into the frame behind the etched glass.  The box is removable and has a hole on one end only.  After filling the box during the ceremony you tape over the hole at the end of the box and flip it over and insert it into the frame.  So now the hole of the box is pointing down and is inside the frame so it cannot empty and the cut-out in the top of the wood frame is now over a solid part of the plastic box.

 

Two things I will do: 1.  After the ceremony I plan on tapping the frame/box to settle the sand as much as possible to fill it up to the brim - repeating a few times if necessary.  This way there will be no need to redo it once you get home.  2.  possibly putting something (like a piece of a cotton ball) between the sand and the tape before I flip the box over to make sure the sand never makes its way past the tape. 

 

[jwilson]

i think a wedding sand ceremony is a beautiful addition to the ceremony, especially if you're in the beach. I am having a wedding sand ceremony not just for the two of us, but for the rest of the family as well.

 

Here's what I'm thinking of getting:

http://www.sandsationalsparkle.com/Seashell-Sand-Ceremony-Set_p_14684.html

[Starfish0512]

Great thread as I was wondering how the sand stayed perfectly for traveling...  Love the etsy frame, thanks for the link but also found this one, tough choice!

 

 http://www.sandsationalsparkle.com/Unity-Sand-Frame-Kit--Perfect-for-traveling_p_11428.html 

 

As far as wording for the ceremony goes, is that up to FI and I?  We do not have our officiant booked as of yet, so not exactly sure....

[torilynnsmith]

You can do your own sand ceremony script or you could ask your officiant if they would do it for you I am sure.

 

As for sand from the beach I have heard that if it is not perfectly dry that it does not "flow" very well.  This would be a concern for sure if you were relying on using sand from the beach.  I remember reading another bride mentioning they had picked it up day one and laid it out on their balcony in a thin layer to dry out.  Too much work when you can get sand at the DOLLAR store even in the different colours!!!!!

[clgriffi7]

I would say definitely ask the officiant you choose, but I can't imagine they would have any problem with you selecting the wording.  Here is what I am planning on using (we are not planning on including other family members):

 

"Today, the uniting of these two individuals will be symbolized through the pouring of these containers of sand, each representing an integral part of this marriage.   (B & G walk behind the table)

 

Now, as each of you holds your container of sand, the separate vessels represent your lives to this moment.  Each one holds its own unique beauty, strength, and character. They can stand on their own and be whole, without need of anything else. However when these are all blended together they create an entirely new and extraordinarily more intricate entity. Each grain of sand brings to the mixture a lasting beauty that forever enriches the combination. As you combine the sand, your lives also join together as one.  You may now blend the sand together symbolizing the uniting of your family and your future together.   (B&G begin pouring)

 

Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into the individual containers, so will your marriage and family be a molding of individual personalities, bonded together forming one love, one heart, one life, and one family. (B&G return to front of table)"

 

Originally Posted by Starfish0512 

 

As far as wording for the ceremony goes, is that up to FI and I?  We do not have our officiant booked as of yet, so not exactly sure....