One of the most beautiful things about a celebrant led wedding is the freedom to choose symbolic acts that feel right for you. These are moments of reflection during a ceremony that symbolise hope, togetherness and good wishes for the future. They can take many forms, from handfastings to unity candles, but they all share one thing in common – they reflect your story and the people that matter most.

You might not have considered them before, so here’s why they work so well:

• Connection: They allow your guests to feel involved, and make the ceremony feel communal.
• Storytelling: They tell your story – where you’ve come from, what you believe in and what you’re setting out to do together.
• They often create a keepsake – a special reminder of your day.
• The best symbolic acts are visual representations of your marriage which create a sense of occasion. They add a little bit of theatre and are often the element that guests remember most. 

Over the years I’ve tried out all sorts of beautiful options, so read on for ideas and inspiration for symbolic acts that feel authentic, heartfelt and memorable. Choose something that connects to your values, honours your heritage or links to a special experience in your life. Or get in touch and let’s create something unique together …

Wedding ceremony rituals that symbolise togetherness

Handfasting

Handfasting ceremonies are a lovely way to demonstrate the commitment between two people – it’s where we get the phrase ‘tying the knot’ from. A couple’s hands are bound together to show that their two lives have become entwined. You can use ribbons, cords or even climbing rope!, presented by close friends or family members.

Flower ceremony

This concept can be varied in lots of ways from a simple exchange of flowers to guests presenting blooms or gifts being given to family members. Choose flowers that are significant to you – perhaps ones that remind you of home or those that have a special meaning. Bluebells are my favourite – they symbolise constancy and everlasting love – just perfect for weddings.

Sand blending

Blending ceremonies can take many forms – sand, salt, seeds and all sorts of other options, and they work especially well for couples with children. The finished result symbolises unity, and acts as a reminder that whilst each person is individual, together they make something uniquely beautiful and indivisible.

Cocktail mixing

This is a really fun take on a blending ceremony, where couples create their own wedding cocktail, incorporating all the flavours of what their future might hold or what each partner brings to the relationship. Whether that’s sweetness, intensity, depth or fizz, this moment celebrates the different elements that bring balance to a relationship. Give your cocktail a fun name and serve it to guests later at the bar, or in tiny bottles as favours.

Strawberry daiquiri not for you? No problem, you can also take the same approach with whisky, beer, wine or whatever tipple takes your fancy!

Coupe de mariage or quaich

These are special two handled cups which were originally used to welcome guests and signify warmth, friendship and unity. The cup is filled with champagne, wine or whatever you fancy! and whilst each partner holds one handle, they toast each other and their guests, taking a sip from each side, hopefully without spilling any!

Wedding ceremony rituals that symbolise hope

Lighting a unity candle

Light is an ancient symbol of hope, truth and new beginnings and lighting a candle is one of the simplest and most effective ways of communicating this message. Unity candles are a lovely option for wedding ceremonies and signify the joining together of two people and two wider families. Two outer candles are lit first (often by family members) and then each partner uses those flames to light a larger central candle together.

Planting a tree

This is a wonderful act to include in an outdoor ceremony, symbolising growth and new potential.

Wedding ceremony rituals that symbolise celebration and good wishes

Oathing stones

These are small, often decorated stones, that were originally used in Scottish wedding ceremonies. Held in the palm of your hand whilst promises are being made, they ‘set the vow in stone’ and make a lovely keepsake of your ceremony.

Wishing trees & memory boxes

Guests are invited to write wishes, wise words or blessings on little tags, and hang them on a tree, or place them in a memory box. This is a lovely conversation starter for friends and family, and a fun alternative to a guest book.

Pebble casting

Guests each hold a pebble during the ceremony and then place them in a jar at the end as a keepsake. If you’re getting married by a lake/river or beside the sea, pebbles can be cast into the water with a wish for future happiness.

Bread, Salt & Vodka!

This well-loved Eastern European tradition involves the simple gift of bread, salt and sometimes vodka!, to symbolise wishes for plenty, resilience and celebration in life. Include parents or special guests by asking them to present the gifts and add some drama by smashing your shot glasses afterwards!

Arras coins

Arras coins are a Hispanic custom, given as a gift to represent a hope for future prosperity. Traditionally, there are 13 coins and in modern ceremonies they can be exchanged by the couple, or presented by friends and family members, each one with a separate meaning or message of support.

Ring warming

I love this tradition. It’s one of my favourite ways to include guests and get the rings to where they need to be. The rings are passed from guest to guest as the ceremony unfolds (often in a little bag or box, so they don’t get lost!) and by the time they reach the happy couple, they carry a little bit of love from everyone present.

Wedding ceremony rituals that symbolise destiny and new beginnings

Red thread of destiny

This beautiful act is based on an Asian myth which tells of the red thread that connects souls that are destined to be together. No matter the twists and turns that life takes, a couple connected in this way will eventually find eachother. Couples place a red thread over eachother’s fingers during the ceremony. It’s simple and striking, and perfect for couples with an Asian background or those who love mythology and storytelling.

Jumping the broom

This is an African-American tradition which focuses on the idea of sweeping away the burdens of the past and leaping forward into the future with optimism. It’s always a joyful moment, with lots of laughter and cheering. Perfect for fun, upbeat ceremonies (best for brides in flats!).

Final thoughts

Symbolic acts are often the parts that people remember years later: the moment when everything goes quiet, or the room erupts with laughter. They can encapsulate all the feelings that are so hard to put into words. If you’re not sure where to start, drop me a line and we can create something that feels intentional and completely you!

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Bluebell Ceremonies – Creating beautiful, bespoke ceremonies to celebrate the special moments in your life.
Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Northamptonshire and the Cotswolds.