The Unity Sand Ceremony has become a popular new element of Maui weddings. The bride and groom pour different colors of sand into the unity vase, which has been lined with a base of white or buff colored sand. This base symbolizes the foundation of the marriage, whether it be the couple’s faith, family, or relationship up to now.
Just as the colorful grains of sand can never be separated, the lives of the bride and groom are interwoven as they become one forever!
Because the wedding sand exchange ceremony is such a new concept to many people, it helps to have guidance from someone who has been involved in sand ceremonies before. Chef Christian Jorgensen, Comfort Zone Weddings, coordinates with a wedding minister who leads the couple through the ceremony. The Comfort Zone Maui Wedding Planning also provides the table for the sand exchange ceremony and the unity jar itself if the couple would like.
With the security of having expert help, the bride and groom are free to get creative about their wedding keepsake. Couples will need to bring their individual vessels for pouring out sand and, if they prefer, their own unity jar or vase. Nice glasses, vases, or jars can be found at craft stores, florists, bridal boutiques, and antique shops. Even better are items that already have sentimental value to the couple, like:
- the vase that held the 1st bouquet he gave her
- the wine bottle from dinner the night he proposed
- empty bottles from each other’s favorite perfume or cologne
- the champagne flutes they will use at the reception
Before arriving on Maui, the couple should also buy the sand they prefer to use for the sand exchange ceremony. Most local craft stores carry a brilliant array of the colorful crystals. When choosing the individual sand colors, the couple might consider:
- the wedding couples favorite colors
- the wedding color scheme
- yellow and blue representing Maui sunshine and sea
- colors that remind of each other (perhaps each writes an explanation of why color was selected – roll it into a small scroll and place it in the jar).
While selecting the sand and individual vessels, some couples include family members or other loved ones, too. Having their parents, or others who play an important role in their relationship, participate by pouring their own sand symbolizes the love that will support the newlyweds as they begin their marriage.
Afterward, other decorative items may also be placed in the vessel for accent or because they have special meaning to the couple. Our recommendations include:
- flowers
- shells or pebbles
- beads
- charms
- a small photo
- a keepsakes like ticket stubs from their 1st date or the cork from the champagne toast at the reception
Depending on the shape of the unity vase, it could be decorated with a bridal accessory or a piece of wedding apparel. Tying a ribbon from the groom’s lei or draping the bride’s necklace around the neck of the jar makes a unique accent for display.
At the wedding reception, the unity vase makes a nice centerpiece at the head table, particularly if it is paired with a fresh lei or tropical flowers.
At home, it is a unique keepsake from your Maui wedding. It can be displayed on a:
- bookshelf with the wedding album
- mantel surrounded by candles or the individual pouring vessels
- windowsill to sparkle in the sun
- wall shelf with an arrangement of framed wedding photos
- bedside table as a reminder of the Maui honeymoon
As the couple enjoys years of wedded bliss, they will also enjoy their unique memento of a wedding in Hawaii and a honeymoon in Hawaii, when their lives became forever intertwined.
Perhaps they will return to Maui one day, maybe with their children, and create a new unity vase at a vow renewal ceremony. Each of them could pour in a color to create a family keepsake symbolizing the interlacing of their lives. Reminiscent of the sand in an hourglass, the vow renewal sand ceremony is a celebration of time passing meaningfully.
If you need wedding planning ideas, contact The Comfort Zone Maui Wedding Planning. Leave a comment in the comment area below.
