Alternatives To The Unity Candle

I first learned about the need for alternatives to unity candles when my own wouldn't stay lit at my outdoor wedding. Since that time, I have learned to suggest to my brides that if they want to use a candle for the unification ritual, they need to make sure it's put into a large hurricane lantern so it's sheltered from the wind. 

But how about alternatives to fighting the wind?  One is to pass around a beautiful goblet filled with wine so that each participating family member may take a small sip.  Sharing a drink of wine has been a ceremonial ritual for eons but it's not often used in this way, so it offers a new take on an old tradition.

Or if you want to be really fun, let the "celebration" begin right in the middle of your ceremony.  Have someone carry in a tray of champagne glasses.  Invite the pre-designated family members to come forward to share in the unification ritual of clinking glasses, as one person reads: 

"To the unification of our two families.  May it be peaceful and loving.  May we always demonstrate the respect for each other than we want for ourselves.  May we each share the best of our unique qualities for the benefit of the whole.  And may our times together be abundantly joyful." 

Cheers!  A champagne unification!