[PatriceS]

We are planning a vow renewal on a beach. Is it okay to have the Sand Ceremony?

[the_admin]

The sand ceremony is a beautiful ceremony, however the idea of the bride and groom each pouring sand from their container into a mutual container really signifies the two separate lives becoming one. I'm not really sure what the significance would be for a couple already "as one".

[Etiquette Now]

I agree. That would be too similar to a wedding element.

[PatriceS]

Okay, So what can we do to make this unique and different? It will be just us, our two adult Children and their families. We are thinking about having our son do the ceremony. Like I said, it will be a "beach" ceremony. Thanks for your input!

[the_admin]

The uniqueness should come from the two of you as you compose your own vows. You can ask each member of the family to compose a reading to share their feelings about the two of you as a couple and what the family means to them.

Reverend Susanna is on vacation so perhaps she will have somethng brilliant to add upon her return. Sorry I cannot be more concrete with my suggestions.

[RevSusanna]

Rev. Susanna is back from vacation! I have done many such ceremonies on the beach and included children. Your wording would be different, but no less beautiful. After your vows, you may each scoop some sand from the beach putting it in a mutual container. Then your children may do so and the sand ceremony becomes a family sand ceremony. I have done this with the sand from the beach, symbolizing that we all come from the same source, and with a different colored sand for each unique family member.

Here are possible words:

(Bride) and (Groom), you have reaffirmed your love and your sacred commitment of lifelong devotion to one another. Your lives are thus joined past, present and future throughout the sands of time. In recognition of your continued commitment, would you please take a little sand and pour it into the vase. (You do so.)
Your children are an integral part of your lives. (Children's names), will you each please pour sand into the vase.
As family, you are indelibly etched into each other's hearts and we pray that this will continue throughout your lives together. We wish you blessings as countless as the sands upon this beach.
I hope this helps!
May your ceremony be blessedly beautiful...

[the_admin]

This is why we waited for you to return Reverend! I hope you had a well deserved vacation. Thanks for the wonderful information.

More information on the Sand Ceremony.