| Flower and Ivy Ceremony This ceremony requires an ivy wreath as a base that is presented by a friend who also talks about the symbolise of ivy. Various friends and family memebers will add sprigs to the wreath and talk about the meaning of what they add in their realtions to weddings. Person 1 (placing wreath on altar): This wreath symbolises the marriage that (Bride) and (Groom) 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 friendship and matrimony. The circular shape of the wreath mirrors the rings that (Groom) and (Bride) have exchanged and symbolises 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 seperate 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 compantion, and though it does dies on the same spot, it dies in its own time, making it's own independent gesture. Today (Groom) and (Bride) 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 humour and levity, and dock a symbol of patience. These are added with a wish that (Groom) and (Bride) never lose patience and humour which help to sustain their relationship thourgh even the roughest times and which enrich their daily life. Person 4: This rosemary symbolises remembrance. I add this to the wreath with the with that (Bride) and (Groom) 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 symbolises the unselfish regard with which they should treat one another, today and always. Person 5: I add violets and snowdrops which symbolis faithfulness and hope. (Bride) and (Groom) 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 realise that they can achieve every goal. Person 6: These roses symbolise the passion (hold up red roses before adding to wreath), the beauty (hold up burgundy roses), and unity (hold up red and white roses) that (Bride) and (Groom) 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 honour their vows made this day. |
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