Two colors of sand joined as one is romantically symbolic of your new life together. Typically this ceremony is done immediately following the ring exchange and prior to the couple being pronounced Husband and Wife. Unity sand can be a great substitute for the unity candle, especially for outdoor weddings where there may be a breeze. Your children may also be included in the ceremony giving them a special place.
Wording for the sand ceremony is as follows:
“(Bride) and (Groom) today you are making a life-long commitment to share the rest of your lives with each other. Your relationship is symbolized through the pouring of these individual containers of sand; one, representing you, (groom), and one representing you, (Bride). Each container represents the separate journeys you once were on.(Optional)There are children who will share in this marriage. _________ and __________ will now come forward to help us with the Blending of the Sands. The gathering of this new family will have a deep influence upon them. We realize that in order for the home to be a happy one, it is essential that there be love and understanding between the children and the adults being married. As you each hold your sand, the separate containers of sand represent your lives to this moment; individual and unique. As you now combine your sand together, your lives also join together as one family. You may now blend the sand together symbolizing the unity of the children and bride and groom. Just as these grains of sand are forever inseparable, always shall your lives and family be as one.