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Overview
There are several rose/flower ceremonies. They involve the bride, groom, and sometimes other family members giving flowers, usually roses, to one another. The unity candle ceremony, the hands ceremony, and the sand ceremony are similar to the rose ceremony and be either be performed alone or with the rose ceremony.
History
The rose ceremony is believed to originated in the Roman Empire, especially within Rome itself. Flowers, symbolizing rebirth, love, beauty and fertility, have always been an essential part of the wedding ceremonies. It continued to be a popular aspect of the wedding in Europe and is becoming more and more popular in the United States, especially with more secular weddings.
The Ceremony
A modern-day rose/flower ceremony is comprised of the declaration of symbolism and the exchange of flowers. The most traditional way is for two red roses to be used: one for each member of the couple. It usually occurs after the exchange of rings and before the pronouncement of marriage. There are many variations of the rose ceremony depending on the preference of the couple. Some involve candles with roses, hence intertwining the unity candle and the rose ceremonies. Some involve the families of the couple, while others use it as a family unity ceremony.
Traditional Rose Ceremony
This is the more traditional of the rose ceremonies. In it, the couple each has one red rose. They then swap roses, generally in the process saying something meaningful to one another (or having the officiant say something meaningful). Once roses are exchanged the couple may hold on to the roses, place them on an altar together, or hand them to an attendant. The words exchanged can be a simple "I love you" or elaborate vows written by the couple. Below are some examples.
=Ceremony Wording
Officiant: (names of the couple) will exchange roses to symbolize the giving of their love and their lives to one another.
Bride/Groom: With this rose, I give you my heart. I give you my eternal love, fidelity, and trust. (Gives the rose to the groom/bride)
Groom/Bride: With this rose, I give you my heart. I give you my eternal love, fidelity, and trust.
(Gives the rose to the groom/bride)
Officiant: Now that the couple has given themselves through vow and symbol, I now pronounce them...
Setting up for a ceremony
Depending on how the flower exchange will take place, you may need to give flowers to various participants before the ceremony. However, some ceremonies that only involve the bride and groom may have the flowers given to them during the ceremony in the following ways:
- taken from the Maid/Matron of Honor & the Best Man
- taken from the altar or ceremony area
- taken from a floral decoration
- taken from a special table set aside for the purpose
- taken from the ring bearer pillow
- taken from the flower girl
- taken from the mothers of the bride & groom
- taken from the officiant
- taken from the bride's bouquet
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