What is a sand blending ceremony?

A sand blending ceremony is similar to other traditional unity ceremonies. During the sand blending, the couple (and any of their guests who they’ve chosen to involve) will each add a layer of sand from different individual containers into a joint vessel, this forms unique patterns of sand. The result is a beautiful keepsake symbolising all the important people and elements of your life you choose to represent while still retaining their individual features. 

What does a sand blending ceremony symbolise?

There’s lovely symbolism in a sand-blending ceremony, much of which can still feel relevant to modern couples. Each layer of sand represents something that you choose, you could have three sand colours, one for each of you and one for your partnership. You could have four sand colours, one to represent each of you, and one added by someone representing each of your families. You could even use multiple sand layers for each of your children. 

The sand itself can be used to represent you both as individuals; all the grains in your personal containers symbolising your personality, identity, characteristics and foibles! When the two sands are blended together, all of your characteristics and personalities come together but your individuality is retained and represented. It’s quite nice to use two different coloured sands, or two very different types of sand, to show that although you are unified and a partnership, you are still retaining all that makes you you. Two whole individual humans working together and sharing their love and life!

The final, filled, sand display will be a beautiful visual representation of all the important elements of your partnership and a wonderful keepsake reminder of your wedding day.

How does a sand blending ceremony work?

Usually the Sand Blending vessel and the individual sands will be ready towards the front, set up before the ceremony. When it comes to the point of your wedding ceremony for your sand-blending ceremony, your celebrant will introduce the ceremony and give the guests a short explanation of what will happen next.

At this point each person who you’ve invited to take part will come forward and add ‘their’ layer of sand into the vessel . The final layers will usually be added by you both, though you can choose to have the sand added in any order you like!

Your wedding celebrant can write some meaningful wording to be said during the sand-blending ceremony, or you might choose to say your vows or promises at the same time. Your celebrant can help you decide.

How many different sands should you have?

How many sands you have is up to you both. You need to have at least two, one for each of you. After that you can add more sands to represent other important people. You could have sand added by your children or maybe you even want to represent your pets by adding a layer of sand on their behalf! (Hopefully not cat litter!) While you can have many sands, it does get a little long and complex once you get over five sands so that is a good maximum to aim for.

What  sand can be used in a sand-blending ceremony?

You can use any sand you like, some couples use sands from their favourite local beaches or from their respective home countries. You can also buy ceremony sand in colours to match with your wedding colours if you’d prefer. Why not check out Sand Art NW Sand Ceremonies who shared the photos for this blog post. 

What containers or vessels do we need for a sand blending ceremony?

You’ll need a number of small containers, one for each different sand you are going to blend. You’ll also need a larger, more decorative vessel with a wide enough neck to make it easy to pour the sand into it without spillages. It’s especially effective if your vessels are all glass so everyone can see the blending effects.

Can we involve our guests in the sand blending ceremony?

Yes! sand-blending ceremony is a great way to involve a small number of guests, perhaps those who represent your wider friends or family.  Ask your celebrant about how to make this work well in your particular venue and ceremony. 

Can we involve our children in a sand blending ceremony?

Absolutely! Involving your children in adding their own layer into your sand-blending vessel is a really fun way of creating a piece of family art. It’s especially lovely if you both have children and want them to be recognised. Sand blending works especially in wedding ceremonies for blended families. 

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I hope this introduction to what a sand-blending ceremony is  has inspired you to think about how you could include it in your personalised wedding ceremony. I think sand-blending ceremonies are really fun! They are great visually and especially fitting at seaside or beach wedding ceremonies. They are a great way to involve your wider family too.

A wedding celebrant can talk you through a sand-blending ceremony and lots of other wedding rituals to help you decide how to make sure you have a wedding ceremony that really reflects you both. 

If you have any questions about how to include a sandblending or if you’re ready to start planning your unique wedding ceremony with me? Drop me a line and say hello!

Thank you again to Sand Art NW for sharing her sand blending images.