Types of Unity Ceremonies

Unity ceremonies are used to unite or bring together two different individuals. They symbolize the joining of two different people to become one.

Coastal California Weddings provides a variety of unity ceremonies to incorporate into your wedding.

The Unity Candle

For this ceremony, there are 3 candles – two small candles and one large candle. The bride takes one of the small candles and the groom takes the other. The minister or a friend or family member lights the candles. Then words are said and the bride and groom light the larger candle together from their individual candles, and then extinguish their candles. The symbolism is that the two will now burn as one.

Sand Ceremony

Each person getting married picks a color of sand they’d like. Two bottles or vases are filled with the selected color of sand. The bride selects one vase of sand while the groom selects the other. Each vase is then poured into a single vase by the two people, merging the sand colors and creating the sand as one, new creation.

Love Letters

Before the couple gets married, they each write a love letter to each other. During the ceremony, the letters are gathered and put into a special box.  The box is not opened until the couples first anniversary as an reminder of the love they shared on their wedding day.

Shell Ceremony

Each guest is given a shell when they arrive to the wedding. They are asked to hold the shell and to make a wish for the couple. The shells are then collected during the ceremony and the couple are given sand and pebbles to mix with the shells.

Salt Ceremony

I like this ceremony since it is a little unique and has to do with cooking. The bride takes salt from her own bag of salt and the groom takes salt from his bag of salt. Then the salt is poured into one container. The salt is to be used to sprinkle a pinch of love over the food the couple prepares. The pinch of salt symbolizes as extra pinch of affection added to bring the couple closer together and deepen the love they share.

Tree Planting Ceremony

A tree, soil, and container is provided for the couple to plant together. The tree symbolizes the couple’s love that needs to be cared for, fertilized, watered, and pruned, in order to grow into a healthy marriage.

Unity Flowers

Flowers for the guests are placed in a large vase. When the time comes, the guests are asked to select a flower and then make two circles around the couple with the flowers – one circle around the bride and one around the groom. The circles should be touching. The unity flowers are around the couple for the rest of the ceremony and symbolize how two families are joined together.

The 13 Gold Coins

The groom gives the bride 13 coins to symbolize that he will care for and provide for her. The bride accepts the coins and pledges to put her trust and confidence in her new husband. The coins are a Spanish tradition, signifying the groom’s support for his new bride. The coins represent Christ and his 12 apostles.

Breaking of a Glass

The couple breaks a glass during the ceremony and the number of pieces the glass is broken into is supposed to signify the number of years the couple will be happily married.

Why you should have a small wedding in Pismo Beach

By Natalie Jones • February 27, 2025
Here’s why you should have a small wedding in Pismo Beach Small weddings are the way to go these days! We aren’t just saying that because small weddings have been our thing since we started our business back in 2015. A small wedding can have the same parts of a large wedding - unforgettable moments, celebration with friends and family and the start of the rest of your life together. But, small wedding have a few more benefits like - less stress, less more, and more of the two of you and what you want for your wedding! We love the scenery of the Central Coast for small weddings. There are million dollar views - from your toes in the sand at one of the beach locations, to overlooking the ocean, to shaded eucalyptus trees, and jagged cliff sides. Small weddings are our favorite because the couple is free to focus on the most important things, like having their day, their way, spending the day with the people who truly matter, and having an amazing day packed with lasting memories. What Is Driving the Trend Toward Smaller Weddings? Several factors are behind the increasing trend of smaller weddings. Modern couples are redefining what it means to celebrate love, and in most cases, they focus on quality over quantity. Small weddings have become for popular and couples embrace fewer guests and find the beauty of intimate gatherings. Changing societal norms and the desire for unique, personalized experiences also make smaller weddings an attractive option. How Do Small Weddings Create More Meaningful Connections? Small weddings foster more meaningful connections by allowing couples to spend quality time with each guest, creating an intimate and personal atmosphere. With fewer attendees, conversations feel more genuine, and guests feel truly valued and appreciated. Some couples will have a few day long celebration for their wedding - starting a few days before the wedding with wine tasting or seeing the sites of the Central Coast, then relax on the beach the next day. After some fun in the sun, it's wedding day. The day will end with a group dinner or casual private reception. Then, the guests will leave and the couple has a few more days to celebrate their honeymoon in Pismo Beach or other beach location. This setting also encourages deeper interactions, making it easier to share special moments, heartfelt toasts, and personal stories. Without the hustle and chaos of a large event, couples and their loved ones can be fully present, strengthening bonds and making the celebration even more memorable. How Does a Smaller Guest List Reduce Wedding Stress? Planning a wedding can be quite challenging. It is easier for couples to plan their weddings with smaller guest lists, as this dramatically lowers their prospects of worrying. Incorporating fewer guests into a wedding means that there are fewer logistical elements to take care of, such as catering, seating arrangements, accommodations, and more people to please. This way, couples can spend more time and energy making their special day more unique instead of fretting over accommodating numerous people. A more personal gathering helps create a homely and calming vibe, giving the couple a chance to make the most of each interaction with their guests. Most importantly, a smaller guest number means that there would be fewer changes needed at the last minute, which translates to lower expenditure and costs. Hence, all attendees, coupled with the couple, can fully enjoy themselves without feeling the pressure of the wedding arrangements. What Are the Financial Benefits of Hosting a Small Wedding? Hosting a small wedding can be a cost-effective choice, offering couples the chance to allocate their budget more intentionally. With fewer guests, expenses for catering, venue size, and decor are reduced, freeing up funds for other priorities such as an unforgettable honeymoon or investing in a dream home. This financial flexibility allows couples to create a celebration that reflects their values and vision without overspending. Celebrate your love story with us! Small weddings are more than just a trend—they represent a shift in how couples approach one of the most important days of their lives. By focusing on intimacy, meaningful connections, and thoughtful planning, small weddings offer a unique and heartfelt way to celebrate love. For couples looking to create a stunning and intimate wedding experience, Coastal California Weddings is your simple and stress-free way to plan your wedding. We provide expert guidance and inspiration.

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