A Unity Cross Ceremony is an elegant and meaningful ritual practiced during a Christian wedding ceremony. It is a unique and symbolic way to demonstrate the union of two people into one.
During the Unity Cross Ceremony, the bride and groom each take a decorated wedding cross and assemble them together. The resulting cross will become a lasting symbol of their unity and a reminder of their commitment to each other and God.
What do you say at a Unity Cross Ceremony?
The words spoken during a Unity Cross Ceremony are a central part of the ritual. They guide the couple through the assembly of the cross and explain the symbolism of the ceremony.
The wedding Officiant usually conducts the ceremony and provides guidance and instruction to the couple. Here is a sample script for a Unity Cross Ceremony:
Officiant: “Good afternoon/Good evening, and welcome. We are gathered here today in the presence of God and these witnesses, to celebrate the union of (bride’s name) and (groom’s name) in holy matrimony.”
“Today, we witness the joining of two vibrant individuals in marriage, entering into a covenant relationship with God and with each other. This is a day of great joy and blessings.”
“The Unity Cross that (bride’s name) and (groom’s name) will assemble today represents the foundation of their union and faith in God. The three parts of the Unity Cross represent the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The groom’s cross represents the strength and leadership of the husband, while the bride’s cross represents the beauty and grace of the wife.”
“Their joining of the crosses together represents the new union between (bride’s name) and (groom’s name), binding them together in a covenant before God, and under His guidance.”
“At this time, (bride’s name) and (groom’s name) will take their respective Unity Cross pieces and place them in the stand as they assemble the Unity Cross.”
(Bride and Groom step forward and begin to assemble the Unity Cross)
Officiant: “(Groom’s name), as you place the outer cross over the wood pegs, please repeat after me: ‘As I place the outer cross over the inner cross, I commit to love you always, as Christ serves and leads His church. I will do this as the head of our home in a holy and Christlike manner.'”
“(Bride’s name), as you place the decorative and intricate cross inside the outer cross, please repeat after me: ‘As I place the inner cross into the outer cross, I commit to honor and respect you, as Christ honors and serves His church. I will do this as the heart of our home, in a loving and Christlike manner.'”
Officiant: “Now, as (bride’s name) and (groom’s name) complete the assembly of the Unity Cross, please pray with me.”
(Officiant prays a short prayer)
Officiant: “What God has joined together, let no one separate. You may kiss your bride.”
(Bride and Groom kiss)
Officiant: “Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my privilege to introduce you to (bride’s name) and (groom’s name), joined together today in holy matrimony, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”
Conclusion
A Unity Cross Ceremony is a beautiful and symbolic way for couples to honor their faith and commitment during their wedding ceremony. The words spoken during the ceremony guide the couple through the assembly of the cross and explain the significance of the ritual.
By assembling the Unity Cross together, the bride and groom create a lasting symbol of their unity in marriage and commitment to God. The ceremony serves as a reminder of the couple’s love for each other and the importance of their faith as they start their journey together.
FAQ
Does Unity Cross happen before or after vows?
A wedding unity ceremony is a beautiful way to symbolize the coming together of two individuals in marriage. The Unity Cross is one popular choice for a wedding unity ceremony, where a specially designed cross is assembled by the bride and groom during the ceremony. However, the question arises – does the Unity Cross happen before or after vows?
Traditionally, wedding vows are considered the most important part of the marriage ceremony. They are the promises made by the couple to each other, and they represent the foundation of their marriage. Therefore, the vows are typically exchanged before the unity ceremony.
The unity ceremony is usually performed after the exchange of the vows, but before the exchange of rings. This ensures that the most significant part of the ceremony has taken place, and the couple can now focus on celebrating the coming together of their new union.
The Unity Cross, in particular, is usually placed on a table or pedestal at the front of the ceremony area. While the bride and groom assemble the cross, the officiant explains its meaning. The groom places the outer cross into the base, which represents his role as the foundation of the marriage. The bride then places the smaller cross inside the larger one, symbolizing her role in supporting her husband and the marriage.
The Unity Cross typically happens after the exchange of vows, but before the exchange of rings. It is a beautiful way for a couple to symbolize their coming together in marriage and reminds them of the roles each plays in supporting each other and their union.
What is the order of the wedding ceremony with unity?
A wedding ceremony is a special moment in the lives of the couple and their loved ones, as it marks the beginning of a new journey together. This is why many couples choose to incorporate elements of unity to their ceremony, signifying the merging of two lives, families, and traditions.
Typically, a wedding ceremony with unity starts with a welcome or introduction by the minister or person officiating the ceremony. They may take a moment to express gratitude for the presence of the couple’s family and friends and offer some words of encouragement and support.
Following this is the exchange of vows, where the couple publicly declares their love and commitment to each other. The vows can be personalized or traditional, and sometimes, the couple may choose to write their own vows.
After the vows, the couple exchanges rings, a timeless symbol of love and devotion. Typically, the rings are placed on the fourth finger of the left hand, often referred to as the ‘ring finger.’ The exchange of rings represents the promise of eternal love and devotion to one another.
Now comes the moment of unity, where the couple incorporates a symbol or tradition significant to them. Some popular unity symbols include lighting a unity candle, pouring sand into a single vase, or painting a piece of art together. This moment represents the merging of two lives, families, and traditions.
Finally, the couple shares a kiss, sealing their love and commitment to each other. At this point, the minister announces them for the first time as a married couple, and the couple walks hand-in-hand down the aisle, ready to start their new life together.
A wedding ceremony with unity usually involves a welcome or introduction, exchange of vows, exchange of rings, a moment of unity and a kiss, followed by an announcement of the newly married couple. the order of events depends on the couple’s preference and can be customized to suit their unique style and traditions.
What comes after the vows in a wedding?
After exchanging vows, the next important part of a wedding ceremony is the ring exchange. Typically, the officiant will prompt the ring bearer to present the rings. This moment symbolizes the commitment made during the wedding ceremony and is significant because the rings are the physical manifestation of the promise exchanged between the couple.
The ring exchange generally follows a set script. The person officiating the ceremony will ask the couple if they have rings ready. If they do, the rings will be presented to the couple. Typically, the bride’s ring is presented first. The groom may then take the ring, place it on the ring finger of the bride’s left hand, and say something along the lines of “With this ring, I thee wed.”
The bride will then take the groom’s ring and put it on their left ring finger while saying, “With this ring, I thee wed.” Remember, it is essential to place the ring on the correct hand, specifically the left hand, which is closer to the heart.
Some variations of the ring exchange may include the use of family heirlooms or specific cultural traditions. Additionally, some couples opt to have personalized engravings or unique designs on their rings.
After the ring exchange, the couple may choose to recite a prayer or poem, light a unity candle, or perform another ritual, depending on their preferences.
The ring exchange represents a beautiful and significant moment in a wedding ceremony. It is a symbol of the love and commitment couple share and a reminder of the promises made during the vows.