The sand ceremony is an alternative for the unity candle ceremony. It is more viable in situations where candles are not allowed, where they would be extinguished by wind, or when a more theme appropriate choice, such as at a beach wedding. The significance remains the same, demonstrating the couple’s lives being blended into one entity. Three vessels are used, one to capture and preserve the blended sand and the remaining two for the bride and groom. Each of their sand is often a different color, making the blended sand not just a symbolic unification of the two lives, but an attractive keepsake after. It is unclear whether it’s origins are Hawaiian or Native American.
