"Discover my Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Perfect Wedding Sand Ceremony: Step-by-Step Advice and Meaningful Memories Await!"

​Unite Your Love or Special Event with a Meaningful Sand Ceremony.

You can create any combo you wish This 'sand creation' has coloured sand and sand from the beach.

The wedding sand ceremony has become increasingly popular for couples seeking a unique and meaningful way to symbolise their marriage.

​Unlike traditional rituals such as the unity candle ceremony, the wedding sand ceremony involves blending coloured sand to represent the coming together in marriage.

It is not just for weddings. It can be any occassion.
​I have done a sand ceremonies at baby namings, a 50th birthday, a new business, vow renewals and a farewell for a child going overseas. 

​Although its origins are uncertain, it seems to have been started by either Hawaiians or Native Americans. They would each pick up sand or fine soil and through into the wind together. Here in Aotearoa New Zealand, Maori will use soil from their town.city of birth for a "whenua merge". 

The sand ceremony typically occurs during the main wedding ceremony.  The timing nicely fits in after the signing, while they are still at the signing table. After the sand ceremony they can go back to end of the aisle for the final words as they walk down the aisle as a married couple.  

I like a funnel with a small necked bottle or container to ensure the sand goes where it is suppose too.

How does it work?

The basic steps involve placing a clear glass vase (or bottle) on a small table at the ceremony location, with two smaller vases containing different coloured sands on either side. ( If you are including children or family members you may want a different colour fro each of them.)

​The couple then pours sand from their individual vases into the central vase, creating a layered effect.

Finally, they pour the remainder of the sand into the vase simultaneously so that the two colours combine and cannot be separated, symbolising their unity in marriage.

Of course, I can include variations to suit different types of weddings. 
​
For a small necked bottle: A funnel is a must; otherwise, it can get messy. Working out the amount of sand needed to fill the bottle is also essential. 

We can incorporate family, children, beliefs, culture and religion.

Make it personal

Children
A sand ceremony is perfect for couples with children. You have each child pour sand from their small vase into the central vase, creating a layer that blends their sand with the couple

Parents and/or Whanau
The couple's parents, or broader family, take turns and pour sand into the central vase before the couple, symbolising their support for the union. It's nice to start with the eldest people first: grandparents, then parents, then the couple.

Religious or spiritual beliefs
A variation involves filling one-third of the central vase with white sand before the ceremony to represent God / Mother nature / Gaia.  You can of course have any belief that can be used as the foundation for the couple's happy marriage. 

What you need to know

BEFORE: David + Joshua included their four beautiful children in their wedding sand ceremony | Photo: Jade

The wedding sand ceremony is ideal for any type of ceremony, outdoor or informal weddings. It  needs to being on a sturdy table in a non-windy area. 

Wedding sand ceremony kits can be ordered online in various sand colours to suit any wedding theme —some craft shops stock them.

Once the ceremony is complete, the central vase can be sealed with wax or its cap.

A wedding sand ceremony offers a unique and personal way for couples to symbolise their unity and commitment to each other.

A sand ceremony is a great addition to any wedding, celebration, or vow renewal. It offers a special way to express your love and commitment to each other, and creates a lasting memory that you'll cherish for years to come.

​If you're looking for a unique wedding ceremony idea consider having a sand ceremony and celebrate your love.

AFFTER: How gorgeous is this beautiful keepsake. I am sure Joshua and David will treasure it for ever | Photo: Jade

Courtney + Scott | Lake Tekapo | Photographer: Chris Stanley Focus Photography

Hot Tip!

If you use sand from your hometown beach, it must be cleaned, dried and prepared at least a few days before. When collecting beach sand, aim to take the light, dry sand near the dunes instead of the wet sand on the tide line. It is amazing how many insects and rubbish can be in the sand.  Scoop a little more than you think,  just in case you need it. 

Clean the sand well ( I like it cleaned twice) and dry spread out on a flat surface. ( use an old  baking tray)

More Ideas for Symbolic Enactments

Family Memory  Box

Handfasting

Unity Candle

Tree Planting

Sand Ceremony

Wine or Whiskey Box

 Connect for an obligation free chat. Let's get you two lovebugs married!

David + Joshua married with a beautiful personalised ceremony and sand ceremony enactment. | Photo: From Couple

"​We can meet at my home in Queen Street, at a local cafe or bar, or we can zoom!

Let's chat and discuss what you want and need.
​
If you don't know what you want in a ceremony ​- ​not a problem, I am full of good ideas!"

Love, ​Jade x

Connect with Jade