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Crystal Ballroom at Sunset Harbor

Planning a Sand Ceremony


Sand Ceremony

A sand ceremony is a unique way to symbolize the unity of the marriage while creating a colorful keepsake. Colored sand is poured into a decorative glass vase and combined to create sand art with a layered effect. This unique idea is based upon the same concept as a unity candle, but with a slightly artistic method.


Performing a Sand Ceremony


A sand ceremony is conducted by the officiant. A vase is either setup prior to the ceremony or placed on a table by the officiant during the ceremony. The bride and groom hold a small vase filled with colored sand. The color of the sand is usually selected to match the wedding colors. The method of combining the sand differs. The bride and groom usually pour the sand into the larger vase at the same time, mixing the colored sand. An alternative method allows the groom to begin pouring a small layer, followed by the bride pouring a small layer, and alternating layers of colored sand until the vase is full. Different methods will create a different artistic effect.


Commitment Ceremony


A commitment ceremony and a wedding ceremony are similar in the way they bring a couple to center stage to publicly profess their undying love for each other, pledge their commitment to their relationship and declare promises forevermore. The differences between a commitment ceremony and wedding ceremony do not diminish or increase the value of either one. A commitment ceremony does not require the legal paperwork, and is more about the meaningful ceremony. For that reason, a sand ceremony is commonly incorporated into a commitment ceremony.

Wedding Ceremony

Sample Script


Like this sand, _______________ and ______________ combine as one and join their separate lives together. The two vases of sand symbolize their separate lives. This larger vase represents the new life they will create together. As these two containers of sand are combined, the individual containers of sand will no longer exist, but will be joined together as one in a new life. Just as nothing can ever separate the grains of sand, so will your marriage be.


Sand Ceremony Checklist


If you are considering a sand ceremony, there is a small checklist of items to bring with you to the wedding venue. You will need colored sand. Couples generally try to match the color of the sand with the wedding colors. You will need a medium to large vase to hold the combined sand. This will be a keepsake. It is a good idea to select a decorative vase or jar that can be topped later with a lid or decorative cover. Some couples choose to have the vase customized with a monogram or personalize the vase with etching. The bride and groom will also need their own pouring vase at the sand ceremony to be filled with their colored sand. You will also need a small decorative table to perform the sand ceremony.


Perfect for Themes


A sand ceremony is perfect for beach themes and rustic themes. Whether you are having a beach wedding, a ceremony on the countryside or are bringing earthy elements into a formal ballroom, a sand ceremony is the perfect touch.

Wedding Ceremony

Crystal Ballroom at Sunset Harbor


If you are searching for unique ways to make your ceremony special, add more meaning with a sand ceremony at Crystal Ballroom at Sunset Harbor. Crystal Ballroom is an all-inclusive wedding venue with professional designers and planners that are dedicated to creating your unique wedding ceremony with all of the wedding traditions that are important to you. Meet the designers, and plan all of the traditions and décor. The fairy tale is made possible by the all-inclusive concept that bundles the venue, services and designs into an affordable package. Host your dream ceremony and reception at an elegant wedding venue that is designed just for you.

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