Wreath Ceremony
An ivy wreath is being used as the base (introduced by a friend who will relate it to ivy's traditional meanings, including the marital connection). Various friends and family members will add sprigs of various plants/flowers with traditional meanings related to marriage...
PERSON #1 (placing wreath on altar): This wreath symbolizes the marriage that _________ and _________ are celebrating here today. We, their friends and their family, will create a visual symbol of their vows... A wreath that will decorate their home, as love decorates their lives. This wreath will let them remember the love shared by all of us here today.
PERSON #2: The wreath has been created from ivy, a traditional symbol of Matrimony and Friendship. The circular shape of the wreath mirrors the rings that _________ and _________ have exchanged and symbolizes the never ending devotion that they pledge each other on this day. Ivy does not "feed upon" the tree or stone it clings to, and this is important to its symbolism. Nothing can separate ivy from a tree it has once embraced, and if the tree falls the ivy stays around it. But the ivy is held to the soil by its own roots. It gets nothing from the substance of the companion, and though it dies on the same spot, it dies in its own time, making its own independent gesture. Today _________and _________ have cemented the bond that they share but they have not ceased to grow as individuals.
PERSON #3: These are branches of larkspur, a traditional symbol of humor and levity, and dock, a symbol of patience. These are added with a wish that _________ and _________ never lose the patience and humor which help to sustain their relationship through even the roughest times and which enrich their daily life.
PERSON #4: This rosemary symbolizes remembrance. I add this to the wreath with the wish that _________and _________ never allow each other to forget the way that they feel today, and that they will always recall the romance and passion that they felt on the day of their meeting. This tarragon symbolizes the unselfish regard with which they should treat one another, today and always.
PERSON #5: I add violets and snowdrops which symbolize faithfulness and hope. _________ and _________ will need these traits throughout their lives together. Their faith and trust in one another will be strengthened as time goes on. Without hope, there is no chance of success. With hope they will realize that they can achieve every goal.
PERSON #6: These roses symbolize the passion (hold up red roses before adding to wreath), the beauty (hold up burgundy roses) and unity (hold up red & white roses) that _________ and _________ feel today. May they always take the time to find the beauty around them, the passion within them, and to feel strength that their unity provides them. May they always recall and honor their vows made this day.
