~ The Sand Ceremony ~

The Sand Ceremony is a unity ritual performed by the couple after they have said their vows and exchanged rings. The ceremony features two containers to represent the two individuals, and a third container, representing their union.

Typical of beach weddings, the Sand Ceremony often uses natural sand for both, so their union is truly inseparable. The couple pours their individual containers into the third. Since the grains of sand can never be separated back into their original containers, their marriage should be lasting and enduring.  They may wish to leave a small amount of sand in each container to symbolize that although they are being joined as one, they each remain individuals. 

It has become a popular trend for couples to use two different colors of sand to represent themselves. The layers of color show that they have retained their unique identities and personalities. There will also be areas where it is impossible to distinguish where one color ends and the other begins. This blending shows the commitment of the two personalities becoming one.

Additional containers can be added if the couple would like to include their children.

How to choose your colors: 

Whether you both choose your favorite colors, match it to the motif of your wedding, or match it to the décor of your home, choosing your colors is a very personal choice

Here are some suggested meanings of the sand colors:

• Natural:   Balance, Grounded, Stability, Home

• Red:   Love, Passion, Fertility, Courage

• Yellow:   Joy, Optimism, Friendship

• Light Blue:   Peace, Patience, Tranquility

• Green:   Nature, Renewal, Health

• Black:   Wisdom, Durability, Sophistication

• White:   Forgiveness, Innocence, Purity

• Purple:   Vitality, Power, Royalty

• Dark Blue:   Strength, Loyalty, Commitment

• Pale Pink:   Nurturing, Happiness, Tenderness

• Hot Pink:   Playfulness, Romance, Glamour

• Orange:   Creativity, Spontaneity, Energy

• Silver:   Vision, Protection, Inspiration

• Gold:   Wealth,  Prestige, Success

The Words of the Sand Ceremony

"Now, Taylor & Blake will commemorate their marriage by the pouring of the unity sand to symbolize the union of their lives and their families. From now on their thoughts shall be for each other, and joys and sorrows shall be shared alike. By leaving a small amount of sand in their own containers, they also accept that although they are joined as one, each remain individuals and keep their own unique personalities.

"Taylor & Blake, you have just sealed your marriage by the joining of hands, the exchanging of vows, and the giving and receiving of rings. This covenant is a pledge between two people who agree that they will commit themselves to one another throughout their lives. You have committed here today to share the rest of your lives with each other.

"Today, your marriage is symbolized through the pouring of these two individual containers of sand into one. One container representing you, Blake, and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be; and the other container representing you, Taylor, and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be.

"As these two containers of sand are poured into the third container, the individual containers of sand will no longer exist, but will be joined together as one. Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into their individual containers, so will your marriage be."

Sand Colors