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While saying “I do” is a magical experience that inherently symbolises love, sometimes bridal couples are looking to step away from tradition and personalise their wedding experience… spice things up, even.

If you’re looking to put a unique spin on your upcoming wedding ceremony, why not incorporate various rituals from around the world that embody the very meaning of marriage: unity.

Here are a few traditional and modern rituals that encompass this very word, and provide a foundation for couples looking to incorporate something a bit more unique when it comes to their nuptials.

Take what resonates and toss what doesn’t, here are six creative wedding rituals that are well about two partners in love:

Jump the broom

Jumping the broom has its roots in African American culture, but the meaning behind this ritual is universal. The ritual originated in the early 19th century when slaves were not formally allowed to get married.

Instead, couples looking to get married would place a broom on the ground and hop over it together. The tradition has now come to mean a “brushing away” of the parts and starting things on a clean slate.

Releasing butterflies

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Is there anything more romantic than rose petals and butterflies? Butterflies often represent change, hope, life and transformation, and there’s nothing more transformational than getting married.

Releasing butterflies at your wedding ceremony is meant to encompass all of these elements as you start your journey as newlyweds.

Light a candle

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This tradition is often associated with the Judeo-Christian faith and is a common practice that’s associated with “two becoming one.”

During the ceremony, the bride and groom each light a candle and combine their flame to ignite a third and larger one.

Handfasting

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This is a beautiful ritual that stems from an ancient Celtic tradition of the same name. Basically, it sees the bride and groom hold opposite hands, ensuring that their arms are tied together lie a figure eight before it is tied together with a ribbon – ultimately symbolising union.

The fabric is also great to keep and pass down to your children.

Plant a tree

contemporary and traditional wedding rituals
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Watching something grow can be a beautiful experience. Similar to the love that is shared between two partners, the physical symbol of a tree growing from a sapling into a strong tree can represent growth and strength between partners.

A great way to include this ritual into your ceremony is by having the bridal couple scoop a handful of soil and add it to their planted tree.

Create a time capsule

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Time capsules are not just for keeping kids entertained. Add a bunch of meaningful items into a box – items that are specific to you and your spouse – and nail it shut together.

This new and different ritual is all about doing something together. You can open this in the next 10 years or on your one year anniversary.

Picture: Laurken Kendall

Who wouldn’t want to walk down the aisle with their furriest four-legged friend by their side? Clad in the cutest black and white tuxedo, and sporting the wettest of all the noses, having your fur baby is surely a dream, not always practical.

However, don’t fear fur parents, we’ve thought of some creative ways you can include your bestie in your big day without (hopefully) causing a cat-astrophe.

Get ready with them … 

Grab your wedding gown and snap a few adorable pics with them before the ceremony.

Milou + Olin Photography

We all need a furry ring bearer or flower up 

Flower girls are cute, but have you ever seen a dog walk down the aisle carrying a ring!

Dennis Kwan Photography

Who wouldn’t want a little anxiety-relieving support at the altar

Wedding day jitters got you tongue-tied … ease your nerves or add a little warmth to the ceremony by having your pet nearby.

Darek Novak

Make them the star of your wedding cake 

Who doesn’t want to wow guests with the cutest wedding topper ever … a great way to include any pet is to include them on your wedding cake.

Britt Chudleigh

Add them to the post-wedding ceremony walk

Once the vows are said and done, take a walk with your pup or pups!

Andrew Bayda and Misha Moon

 Signature wedding/pet cocktail anyone?  

Have your resident mixologist whip up a drink as sweet or spicy as your best friend!

Acqua Photo

But don’t forget to add them to the bar menu! 

Make sure your guests know just who the inspiration for the signature drinks is by adding your fur baby to the menu!

Emilia Jane Photography

Make it uber-romantic by including them in your first dance

They may just stop you from stepping on your new husband/wife’s toes! Also, it’s a super adorable way to include them in your wedding.

Gina Paulson Photography

Give back

While your pup is privilege to have you shower them with love and treats, not all animals are that lucky. Skip the traditional wedding favour and pay it forward by adding a little donation option or box for your guests to add a little sunshine to an animal’s life.

Mary Kate McKenna Photography

Photobooth props! 

Show guests a good time by incorporating your pet into your big day with a few hilarious or adorable photo booth props!

The Danger Booth

Also Read: 15 Of the best first dance songs for an unforgettable celebration


Picture: The Danger Booth

Congratulations! You’ve decided to dive into the freedom-seeking world of elopement. The dawn of COVID-19 has ensured that running away and skipping the big ceremony is no longer taboo. In fact, it’s probably encouraged. But just because you’re forgoing the endless shenanigans that come with throwing a classic wedding doesn’t mean you can’t add a little tradition to your elopement.
The beauty of having an elopement ceremony is freedom. You can literally do whatever you want! But with so many options to choose from, here are a few adorable and traditional additions you can add to your unconventional ceremony.
The Vows 
While the thought of having thousands of eyeballs staring at you as you exchange your promise of love may leave your hands shaking, this is such a beautiful addition to any ceremony and is often the foundation. This is the perfect time to open your heart and share something wonderfully unique to the partner standing in front of you.
traditional wedding ceremony vows
Credit: vowofthewild.com
Walk down the aisle 
Just because you’re choosing to break away from tradition doesn’t mean you can’t do something conventional, like taking a walk down the aisle. Grab a few flower petals or a beautiful rug, and walk down the “aisle” to your favourite tune towards the one you love.
traditional wedding aisle
Credit: vowofthewild.com
Have a blast 
There may be five people tearfully observing you say “I do,” but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a blast when the ceremony is all done and dusted. Grab a few of your closest friends and family – keeping it small, of course – and throw a little shindig that will allow you to celebrate with your squad. A few ideas may include a close friend’s cosy backyard or your favourite little restaurant.
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Raise you glass 
It is a celebration after all! Rope in the best man or maid of honour and get them to deliver a toast that will tuck at the heartstrings. There’s nothing more traditional than giving a big ‘ol cheers to the newlyweds with a delicious bottle of bubbly. If you’re heading to your favourite restaurant, make sure you double-check the alcohol restrictions before bringing that vintage bottle of JC Le Roux.
traditional wedding elopement
Credit: www.adrianariveram.com
The First Dance 
If not for the tradition, do it for the romance. Having the first dance at your elopement can be a beautiful thing made even better by having those few special people around you. Embrace technology and hit play on your favourite song before pumping the tunes on your JBL speaker.
traditional wedding elopement first dance
Credit: Sarah Falugo

Feature Image: Days made of love