{Guest Post} Tying the Knot (Literally)

Love is in the air and many American couples are passing on some of the more conventional wedding traditions and instead choosing to celebrate their commitment in ways that symbolize their own beliefs and values. If you’re planning your own wedding ceremony, here are a few new traditions that are gaining popularity amongst contemporary couples.

 

All Tied Up

 Some couples are taking the phrase “tying the knot” quite literally. There are plenty of variations on this tradition, many of them hailing from far-flung places. One of these adaptations involves the bride and groom drinking wine from goblets that have been tied together with red string. In China, this is a common way for couples to symbolize their unity. A Latin-American inspired tradition involves a white rope or rosary wrapped around the couple’s shoulders in the figure eight shape that symbolizes eternity. Another variation involves the couples binding themselves together, usually with a silver cord tied around their wrists.

 

Gold Infinity knot ring

Gold Infinity knot ring

 

 

Ditching the Diamond

While diamonds are usually the first gemstone that comes to mind when someone mentions marriage, modern brides-to-be are shaking things up with an array of other jewels. Sapphire wedding rings are said to bring marital happiness, while aquamarine promises a long and harmonious marriage. Ruby accents represent joy, and while the scarlet stone is seeing a resurgence, it was first a common choice among 15th century royals. Brides are also choosing to accent their wedding colors with gemstone jewelry for their bridesmaids.

 

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Sapphire ring made circa 1940

Sapphire ring made circa 1940

 

Going Green

 The conventional American wedding usually involves the bouquet toss. Whichever single lady catches the bride’s bouquet will be the next to marry, or so it is said. Various cultures have developed their own customs to pass along the couple’s good luck in love. One of my favorites is rooted in the Welsh tradition of the bride carrying myrtle in her bouquet. She gives a cutting of the plant to each of her bridesmaids. If, after the wedding, a bridesmaid plants the cutting in her yard and it blossoms, she will soon find her soul-mate.

 

bride carrying myrtle in her bouquet

bride carrying myrtle in her bouquet

 

The Eternal Flame

 Unity candles are another growing trend that is a relative newcomer to the list of modern wedding traditions. The unity candle ceremony usually involves a member of the bride’s family lighting one of two taper candles at the beginning of the wedding, and a member of the groom’s family lighting the other. Then, after the couple has made their formal vows, the bride and groom light a large pillar candle (the namesake “unity candle”) using the still-burning tapers.  This act symbolizes that they have become one in commitment and that their families have been joined by way of the couple’s love. Some couples choose to leave the tapers burning after the unity candle is lit to represent the continued love and support they will receive from their families. Others opt to extinguish the tapers to illustrate that their two lives have permanently merged into one. Unity candles are generally white. They may be decorated with an inscription, a photo, or a symbol that holds special meaning for the bride and groom.

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Author Carmen Denny is a freelance writer who just said “yes” to her high school sweetheart. She spends most of her free time planning her mid-century inspired wedding. She just got the perfect unity candle from Quickcandles

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Categories: Wedding Planning, Wedding Tips, Wedding Trends

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Date: October 7, 2013

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