Our Spin on the Unity Ceremony

I have been pondering, quite a bit, how to get around the unity ceremony.  I like the idea of it, but it use to be something special that was added to the ceremony, and now it's become a necessity.  I don't want to do something just because its expected.  I believe deep down I am a traditionalist, but I really hate the idea of being a cookie cutter. How boring!


A few days ago, I was browsing my favorite wedding inspiration site The Knot and one of the girl had a link to her ceremony breakdown.  She is not having a traditional ceremony, and for reference had listed what would be taking place during the wedding.


As I was reading her program, inspiration struck.  In place of the unity candle, Will and I will have a Blessing of the Hands, which will be read to us by our mothers.  Since the mothers are the key components of the unity ceremony (generally, they are the ones that light the family candle) they can be the ones to gift us with this special moment.


The blessing goes as follows:


Blessing of the Hands (author unknown):
Megan and Will, please face each other and hold hands, so that you can see the gift they are to you. 

These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever.

These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future.

These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other.

These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind.

These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow, and tears of joy.

These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children.

These are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one.

These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it.

And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.

May these hands be blessed this day. May you both use these hands to build a marriage founded in love, and rich in caring.


I for one, predict that there will not be a dry eye in the house.  This just seems like such a special moment to remember that the hands you hold on your wedding day, are the same that you'll reach for the rest of your life.