colored sand for decoration

Choose a version of the sand ceremony. The sand ceremony may be modified in any way you wish. One version is to have a base of neutral or white sand already in the main vase. It should fill about one-third of the main vase and be ready before the wedding ceremony begins. This sand is used to represent God as the foundation for the marriage.

Include parents in the ceremony. As in a unity candle ceremony, assign each family a color of sand or both families the same color. For a simpler color scheme, the parents can also use the neutral or white sand. The parents will go first, as two couples, and pour a small amount of colored sand from their small vases into the large vase. Instruct them to move their small vases around as they pour to create a layered design. It is simpler if the parents can pour one vase together as a couple.

Approach the sand ceremony table. The bride and groom may pour identical colors of sand or two separate ones (depending on how many total colors you want incorporated into the final vase). The bride and groom should each have their own separate small vase, but pour their sand into the main vase at the same time. This way their sand mixes together, symbolizing unity and eternity since these sand grains can never be separated.

Complete the rest of the wedding ceremony and reception. After the festivities, fill the main sand ceremony vase with the remaining sand, layering colors to create a design. Leave half an inch at the top of the vase.

Melt clear wax or candle gel using a double boiler or microwave. Gently pour the wax or gel onto the sand until it is level with the top of the vase.

Leave the sand ceremony vase as it is for a keepsake once the wax dries. If you wish to hide the wax, place a circle of coordinating cloth around the top of the vase and secure it with a rubber band. Then place a ribbon over the rubber band. Use a scrap of netting from the wedding veil, cloth from the bridesmaid dresses or groomsmen handkerchiefs, or ribbons from the bridal bouquet for an extra special touch.