A shared ritual in your secular wedding ceremony - When every flower is a symbol
When your guests design the bouquet of your values
Why rituals make a secular wedding ceremony so special
A secular wedding ceremony is much more than a series of beautiful words - it is a shared experience. If you want your ceremony to be personal, lively and full of meaning, a ritual that actively involves your guests can be one of the most touching moments of your day.
This flower ritual combines symbolism, community and aesthetics in a wonderful way. It not only gives you, but also your guests, the opportunity to become part of your love story.
The idea: every flower tells a story
Each flower stands for something - for a quality, an emotion, a wish.
Imagine this: Each of your guests brings a flower that has a special meaning for him or her.
Sunflower - joie de vivre
Rose - love
Eucalyptus - clarity
Wheat stalk - abundance and gratitude
Lavender - calm and trust
Camellia - admiration and affection
The result is a bouquet full of values, wishes and emotions - a living symbol of your connection.
The process: A shared moment of solidarity
During the ceremony, your guests come forward one by one and place their flower in a large vase.
If you wish, each person can say a sentence about the meaning of the flower - for example:
"This flower stands for courage - may it accompany you on all paths."
This moment can be designed as the ceremonial opening of your wedding ceremony or directly before the wedding act when it comes to saying "I do" together.
As your wedding officiant, I accompany the ritual and ask in advance which flower each person chooses. This allows me to incorporate the symbolism of the bouquet into my words and reflect your values in this colorful picture.
After the wedding ceremony: a lasting memory
The bouquet that your guests have created together can be dried or pressed.
Many artists offer to create a work of art from it - for example, a floral relief or a picture under plexiglass with your wedding date.
You will not only be left with the memory of the moment, but also of the love that carried you from all directions.
Alternatives: Trees, herbs and stones
Perhaps it's not flowers but twigs, grasses or medicinal plants that appeal to you more.
These can also be used to create a wonderful ritual:
Olive branch - peace and stability
Oak leaves - strength and cohesion
Rosemary - remembrance and loyalty
Lemon tree branch - freshness and new beginnings
Alternatively, your guests can also bring small stones, shells or souvenirs - each symbol carries a wish. You place these together in a bowl or on your "path of love".
The possibilities for personalizing this ritual are endless.
Conclusion: A ritual that connects
A ritual including your guests in your secular wedding ceremony is more than just a nice detail - it is an expression of your values, your history and your connection to the people who are important to you.
It adds depth, symbolism and poetry to your ceremony - and creates memories that last.
Your wedding officiant for multilingual, personal ceremonies
If you are still looking for your wedding officiant - especially if you as a couple come from different cultures or speak several languages - and you want someone who will not only accompany you, but also support you with many ideas to make your ceremony and rituals truly personal and valuable, then I look forward to getting to know you.
I specialize in creating multilingual, multinational secular wedding ceremonies that reflect all your facets. You can find me in Brussels, Paris, Copenhagen, Berlin, Düsseldorf and wherever your favorite destination for your wedding is. I can accompany you in German, Danish, English, French, Danish, Dutch and Italian.
Simply book a non-binding introductory meeting - and together we will find out how your wedding ceremony should sound, feel and shine.
Yours, Katja Nielsen
With "More than words" I stand for festive and cheerful ceremonies with a touch of humor.
