There are many enhancements that can be included in a wedding, or renewal of vows, ceremony. Often, they are rooted in cultural or religious traditions. However, sometimes, it is difficult to determine where, or how, they started. The Rose Ceremony is in the latter category.
What is not disputed is the association of roses with romance.
In the old language of flowers, a single rose always meant "I love you" and it is unsurprising that a commitment ritual, centred on this beautiful flower, has developed.
There are many variations on this ceremony. Most involve promises made by the couple.
Some simply include the exchange of the roses, along with a few words, from the Celebrant, explaining the sentiment that the rose represents.
Others include the guests or acknowledge that there may be testing times ahead.
Of course, unless you choose to use silk or ceramic roses, they will eventually wither. That should not detract from the sentiment that was intended, when they were given.
As with all aspects of your wedding, or renewal of vows, the ceremony will be tailored just for you. It will never be “insert name here”. Your Celebrant will work with you to ensure that your complete ceremony reflects your personalities, and your relationship, and is exactly how you want it to be. Your day, your way.
Here is one example of words for a Rose Ceremony, for a wedding
The Rose Ceremony is placed towards the end of the wedding, after the exchange of vows and rings. The words may be spoken by the Celebrant, or a guest. It simply requires two roses - of course other flowers may be used, if you prefer...
"Today you have exchanged wedding rings and they will always be an outward symbol of your vows of love and respect and a public display of your commitment to each other.
In the past, the rose was considered an emblem of love and a single rose always meant only one thing - it meant the words "I love you"
So it is appropriate that your first gift, to each other, now that you are married, is a single rose.
I will now ask you to please exchange these roses. In some ways it seems like you have not done anything at all. Just a moment ago you were holding one small rose - and now you are holding one small rose.
In some ways, a wedding is like that. In some ways, tomorrow is going to seem no different than yesterday. But in fact today, just now, you both have given and received one of the most valuable and precious gifts of life - one that I hope you will always remember: the gift of true and abiding love within the devotion of marriage.
I would ask that wherever you make your home you both pick one very special place for roses; so that on each anniversary of this truly wonderful occasion each may take a rose to that spot, both as a recommitment to your marriage and a recommitment that THIS will be a marriage based upon love"
How about incorporating 'Something Blue"?
In some parts of the world, blue roses are traditionally associated with "blue" royal blood, and the blue rose is said to denote regal majesty and splendour.
Due to their scarcity, in nature, blue roses have come to symbolise mystery and the desire to achieve the impossible. Some cultures go so far as to say that the holder of a blue rose will have his, or her, wishes granted.
Or perhaps you just like the colour; it fits in with your theme; or you support a team that plays in blue?
Finally, a lovely wedding reading by the Liverpool poet, Roger McGough. May your toast always land jam-side up...
Vow
I vow to honour the commitment made this day Which, unlike the flowers and the cake, Will not wither or decay. A promise, not to obey But to respond joyfully, to forgive and to console, For once incomplete, we now are whole.
I vow to bear in mind that if, at times Things seem to go from bad to worse, They also go from bad to better. The lost purse is handed in, the letter Contains wonderful news. Trains run on time, Hurricanes run out of breath, floods subside, And toast lands jam-side up.
And with this ring, my final vow: To recall, whatever the future may bring, The love I feel for you now.
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Hi, I am Lorraine Hull, an award-winning Celebrant, based in Liverpool.
I am most usually asked to conduct ceremonies in North-West England and North Wales but I am happy to travel anywhere within the U.K. or abroad.
At the risk of shouting (and sounding extremely cheesy) "I LOVE MY JOB!".
I really love getting to know the couples and families that ask me to be part of their special celebration, whether that is for a Wedding/Civil Partnership, Renewal/Reaffirmation of Vows, Naming/Welcoming, or Celebration of Life/Funeral
I love hearing, writing and telling love and life stories (and also finding out about hopes and dreams - which are the stories of the future!)
I love to create and conduct unique, meaningful ceremonies that are perfect for each couple, individual, and/or family.
I love helping to create and celebrate happy and poignant moments, which form memories that will last a lifetime (that also includes the memories that I get to keep too - what's not to love?)
I believe that ALL people (and animals) should all be treated kindly, fairly and with respect.
I think for myself and act for others. I advocate anti-racism, the appreciation and celebration of diversity, dignity, justice, equity and equality for ALL through everything that I say and do: Love is Love, Family is Family, Life is Life.
You may like to know that I was trained to the highest level as a Celebrant and have continued my professional development. I hold Public Liability and Professional Indemnity insurance. I adhere to a strict code of conduct and I am committed to identifying, developing and sharing best practice with my Celebrant colleagues, so that we can all be the best Celebrants that we can possibly be.
To contact me please email: lorraine@liverpoolcelebrant.co.uk or call: 0744 932 3988