Let’s All Get Stones
Symbolism is something that brides and grooms often want in their ceremony. We’ve discussed the symbolism of Unity Candles. Incorporating a symbolic event in the context of your beach venue can be Unity Sand. Pouring two colors of sand into one beaker to show unity by electing to marry is perfect symbolism and fun. Stones offer a versatile symbolism too, and are easily distributed among your guests for their participation.
If you go to a crafts store you will usually find small bags of polished stones available at very reasonable prices. They are relatively inexpensive, so purchase more stones than you think you will need.
Blessing Stones are the common name for stones you use at a wedding. Commonly, you hand a stone to each guest before the ceremony. Assign a helper to carry a basket of stones and give one to each guest. This is a nice way to have children participate. The officiant says at the top of the ceremony, “When you all arrived, I hope each of you received a stone. If you did not get one, please raise your hand and _____ will bring one to you. At the end of the ceremony, you are invited to throw your stone into the sea and bless this union you are about to witness.”
The child who helps is recognized, which feels good. When the ceremony ends and the newlyweds exit, they walk to the shore’s edge, everyone following, and guests throw the stones into the water all at once. Another cheer rings out. At one of my own ceremonies, a bridesmaid tried to throw her stone too hard; the projectile took off like a wild pitch and beaned the bride. For that and another reason, I prefer the following method.
Buy extra stones and separate ones that have a flat surface that you can write on with a fine point indelible ink pen, such as a Sharpie. Buy one Sharpie for each 5-8 guests. Hand the stones to the guests, give them a pen and tell them there is one pen for every 6 stones. Ask them to write their wish for the couple on their stone and pass the pen. The officiant reiterates the instructions at the top of the ceremony, adding that their stones with their wishes should be returned to the basket as they leave. The newlyweds keep the basket and can have fun for years reading all the good wishes for their married success that their guests wrote on their wedding day.
Your day, your way!