Hello lovely readers – welcome to Part 2 of my blog focussing on Rituals!
As a wedding celebrant based in York and North Yorkshire, one of the things I love most is helping couples choose a ritual that truly speaks to you. Something that reflects your personalities, your journey, and adds that extra sparkle to your special day.
As promised, we’re diving even deeper into the wonderful world of wedding rituals. This month, we’re exploring three more beautiful and meaningful options:
A Quaich (or loving cup)
Tree planting
Sand Ceremony
Choosing a ritual for your ceremony can be one of the most enjoyable parts of your wedding planning. But with so many choices out there, it’s easy to feel a bit overwhelmed (or get totally carried away – in the best way!).
Let’s get stuck in!
Denise
Quaich Ceremony
What is it?
A Quaich ritual (also known as a love/loving cup ceremony) is a Scottish wedding tradition that involves drinking from a two handled cup called a Quaich. A Quaich is a symbol of trust, love and unity between the couple. It shows that you trust one another to drink from the cup.
It is a lovely way for you to celebrate your union and commitment to each other and welcome each other to your new family.
Why you should choose it
It’s a great choice if you want to pay homage Scotland or Scottish roots
A Quaich can be a gift from a wedding guest and engraved with names/date
You will have a lovely keepsake
It’s simple!
Not linked to a specific religion
Can involve guest (adding the liquid)
How it works
The Quaich is filled with a drink, most popular is whisky, but could be brandy or just water. It is also an opportunity to blend two drinks together.
The couple each take a drink from the cup. This can be done by holding the cup and drinking, then passing onto the other, holding the cup for the partner or holding one handle each.
The couple may then kiss the bottom of the Quaich and place it on their heads.
Suggested reading or poem:
From this cup
From this cup, we both shall sip,
A symbol of love, from which we dip.
Not just in joy, but in sorrow too,
We drink to the bond that sees us through.
One cup, two hands, two hearts, one soul,
A simple act that makes us whole.
May every drop remind us then,
That we are lovers, partners, friends.
So let us toast to future days,
To winding paths and warm sunrays.
And as we share this sacred brew,
We pledge a life that’s strong and true
Denise’s Tip
At the end of the ceremony people could fill in slips of paper with their wishes and put it in the Quaich – a further opportunity for you guests to share their love!
Tree Planting Ceremony
What is it?
The tree planting ritual is a beautiful symbol of unity, with roots in many ancient cultures. From the pagans and Romans to the Egyptians, evergreens and palms represented life, renewal, and hope. In a wedding ceremony, planting a tree together symbolises your love taking root and growing stronger over time. Trees are resilient yet need care—just like a marriage.
Why you should chose it
A lasting, eco-conscious keepsake
Can involve children or guests
A sapling from a special place or person adds meaning
Not linked to any specific religion
Ideal for nature lovers or gardeners
A lovely alternative to a guestbook (e.g. Dutch tradition of wish cards on ribbons)
How it works:
Can be indoors or outdoors
Use a tree, pot, soil (possibly from meaningful places), and watering can
The couple adds soil, plants the tree, waters it—guests or family can join to
Often accompanied by music, a reading, or words from the celebrant
Suggested Reading:
“Let us be entwined together, anchored securely in this earth.”
— A Garden by Tash McGill
Read more
Denise’s Tip
Tree planting is a lovely choice -never the less my thoughts are that that this is better at an outdoor wedding as can be a bit messy indoors! As a York and North Yorkshire based celebrant – what could be better than planting a tree in God’s own county!
Sand Ceremony
What is it?
The sand ceremony is a beautiful wedding ritual symbolising the joining of two lives into one. Each colour of sand represents the individual, and as the grains blend together, they become inseparable – just like the couple. This ritual can be easily personalised to reflect your unique style and story.
Why Choose it
A meaningful and lasting keepsake
Not linked to any specific religion
Can involve family and friends
Simple, elegant, and not too messy!
How It Works
Each person holds a container of coloured sand
Together, they pour the sand into a central vessel
The vessel is sealed with a stopper to preserve the moment
Often accompanied by music or a reading
Suggested Poem
“Grains of Love”
From different shores, two souls have come,
With hearts that beat a steady drum. Each path unique, yet led to this—
A moment sealed with love’s sweet kiss.
These grains of sand, so fine, so free,
Are symbols of what’s meant to be.
Distinct in hue, yet side by side,
Together poured, now unified.
A gentle blend, no longer two,
But something beautiful and new.
Though still yourselves, you now belong
To something deep, enduring, strong.
For just as grains can’t be unspun,
Once joined, they shimmer as just one.
So may your lives, from this day start,
Be ever linked in soul and heart.
Denise’s Tip
Children love this ritual and it’s the perfect choice if you are blending two families together.
Denise’s Take
These are three more wonderful options to choose from, and we still haven’t finished as Part 3 is coming next month!
If your wedding has a Scottish touch, what could be more fitting than including a Quaich—a traditional Scottish loving cup symbolising trust, unity, and togetherness?
Looking to involve children in your ceremony? The sand ceremony is a perfect choice- fun, meaningful, and something little ones can really enjoy taking part in.
And if you’re tying the knot outdoors with space to spare, why not plant a tree together? It’s a beautiful, lasting symbol of your growing love- one you can visit for years to come, remembering the vows you made beneath its branches.
As a York and North Yorkshire Celebrant my advice is to choose a ritual that truly speaks to you, one that reflects your love story and the future you are building together.
Check out my first blog for more ritual options including:
Ring Baring
Hand fasting
Wine box ritual
If you are planning your wedding in York or North Yorkshire and thinking about all the lovely rituals you would love to include (or you feel totally confused about all your options) I’d love to chat!
Simply fill out my contact form, and we can arrange a time to talk and see if we’re the perfect fit. Or, feel free to call, text, or WhatsApp me at 07737066073.
I’ll get back to you promptly, however you choose to reach out!