Explanation of the Sand Ceremony

Preparation

Craft and hobby stores sell colorful sanitized sand for wedding sand ceremonies. Before the wedding, store the individual colors of sand in slender glass vessels. Heart shaped vases or bud vases work well. Together the couple should choose the main vessel where the sand will collect during the ceremony. A clear glass vase with a sealing lid or cork will preserve the sand art forever. Some couples opt for vessels that allow for personalized engraving or etching.

The two- to three-minute sand ceremony takes place on a small table, or at the altar, with each participant facing the audience. While the sand from each individual vessel flows into the common vessel, the officiate will speak. The talk usually explains the meaning of the sand colors, the joyous occasion of the blending of two families and how each color of sand will never again stand alone. Some couples choose to have the officiate add a small amount of sand to the vessel first, to represent a solid foundation for the couple to build upon.

The unity sand ceremony often replaces the traditional lighting of a unity candle. Couples find the sand ceremony simpler to perform outdoors in windy conditions, making the ceremony a popular tradition at beach weddings. The origin of the sand ceremony has been argued to have roots in both Native American and Hawaiian cultures. The date of the first performance of the sand ceremony ritual is unknown.

Children may participate in a sand ceremony. For blended families or couples who already have children, each member of the combining families can add a color to the vessel. The rainbow of colors signifies the blending of all individuals into one cohesive family, including adopted or step-children.

Rather than collecting the sand in a central vessel, the couple or family may choose to toss the sand into the wind simultaneously. This signifies the start of a future journey together.

A sand ceremony vase lasts forever. Unlike unity candles, which can melt or become misshapen overtime due to heat, a glass vase filled with sand is durable. Whether perched high upon a mantle or tucked away on a special shelf, a sand ceremony vase becomes a cherished keepsake.