Unity Candle Vs. Sand

I'm also having my ceremony outside and opted to do a sand ceremony. To me, sand is easier to control outdoors.

I've never actually seen the unity sand ceremony, I've only ever seen candles. But coming from thirty years living on Lake Erie, I can tell you that if wind is your concern, it blows sand just as easily as flames! Wind is likely to be a concern either way, so if you like the candles better, I say go for the candles!

Sand could be dangerous with wind as well. Especially if it gets in someone's eyes. At least with your candle your flame would just go out

Hmmmm, I never thought about that.

Look up the Unity Cross. My FH and I will be doing this and I think it is beautiful! Make sure you look up the significance behind it as well!

If you do sand, just think that everywhere you move in the future you'll have to pack up the bottle of sand with you nicely. I know I have a lot of moving in my future from my career so sand wasn't an option. We're doing a lei exchange instead (since our wedding is Hawaiian anyway). So I suggest looking up other unity ceremonies. My sister did a wine box (it's sort of like a time capsule), there are definitely others out there. I know @Celia has seen some pretty unique ones!

Oh that's sweet. I had never heard of a unity cross before. I also saw a picture of a couple making some type of braid during their ceremony...

We did a candle because I would rather have a candle in my house then a jar of sand. If the sand jar/vase breaks or if we have to move its gonna be a pain in the ass. Also, I find that as a guest, watching the sand pouring takes way longer than simply lighting a candle.

We did sand and we just moved across the country. Moving with it was a pain like HIH said but worth it. It still looks great.

This is expensive but there might be a local artist that can help you with this. you would get a piece of art in the end.

http://www.unityinglass.com/collections/purchase

The two of you could water a potted tree or plant (like an orchid).

Most couples would not consider it a good omen if their unity candle were blown out. One of my couples used hurricane globes over the 3 candles and it worked out fine. But, another couple (against my advice) insisted on candles outdoors and they wouldn't light. After fussing for a few minutes, I told them they could light the candles indoors at the reception and that's what we did.

Another family used different colored glass beads for each member and poured them into an open bowl.

Http://www.foreverframe.com/

This is what I used. I love it. The sand stays in place so moving is a breeze.

FH and I had never heard of the sand ceremony until 2 summers ago when we saw it at his friend's wedding. We weren't even engaged at that point, but we thought it was so cool and decided right then and there that we would have it at our wedding ceremony someday. I really just don't like the whole unity candle thing (sorry to anyone that had or is having it- just not for me). I like that the sand ceremony can be put in a beautiful container (possibilities are endless- we got a gorgeous one on Etsy) that can be displayed forever!

I just posted this to another board on "Sand"...

We are going to a wedding this weekend where the couple is mixing olive oils. They're using an olive theme throughout with olive branches as decor and drawn on chalkboards. They're using Psalm 52:8 as their theme verse. Will mix two colors of oils into a beautiful bottle to keep. Seems much easier than pouring sand.

I am doing Sand

@Lara, the braid you mentioned is called "The Cord of Three Strands," or "God's Knot." One strand represents the bride, one strand represents the groom, and one strand represents God. It's based off the Bible verse Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (verse 12 is "a cord of three strands is not quickly broken") signifying that if God is the center of your marriage, you will always have strength in your relationship. Very beautiful symbolism for a religious ceremony.

Candles are problematic outside, but you can always shield them with hurricane sleeves. I do sand a lot. Like much more than candles. You have to have a hell of a lot of wind to blow sand to the point where it's a hazard....

We are having an outside wedding, and doing unity candles. I hope it all goes well

I like the idea of the candle, and its a better keepsake than sand!

Sand during the ceremony and during your wedding reception have a moment of unity of candels