Some couples choose to have a unifying ritual included in their wedding ceremony. The unifying ritual symbolizes the joining of the two individuals into one.
A tree planting ceremony can be very lovely and is especially good for an outdoor wedding. Although the tree is not actually planted in the ground during the ceremony therefore this ritual can easily be done inside as well.
The tree is symbolically planted as the couple puts dirt and water into the potted sapling container. Then later they plant the tree at their home or special place.
The supplies needed are; a sapling in a pot/container, a watering can, 2 gardening trowels and small container of soil. The supplies should be set up on a table near the altar.
During the symbolic tree planting the officiant may read a special verse or phrases, blessings, prayer or poem for tree planting or a guest might recite a reading. Or instead of a reading they may opt for music or a song to be played during the tree planting.
The couple will scoop the soil with the trowels and add it to the potted sapling; then together
they water the sapling.
Here’s an example of the wording for a Tree Planting Ceremony in a wedding:
Officiant:
As an illustration of their bond of unity, _____________ and _____________ will take part in a symbolic tree planting unifying ritual.
(Bride and Groom begin adding the soil to the potted sapling and after the soil is put in they use the watering can to water the newly potted sapling.)
Officiant continues: Let us read from the book of 1st Chronicles chapter 16, verses 33-34; Then shall the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth. Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! Amen.
The marriage of ______________ and ______________ shall be like the trees of the forest; firmly rooted while reaching towards the light… skyward to the heavens, whispering to God their praises of gratitude for the gift of divine love and grace. Together their bond stands firm, yet bends and yields to gusts and gales in order to keep from breaking as their love endures all things. The roots grow deeper and the tree grows stronger; so shall it be with their love.
During the symbolic tree planting the officiant may read a special verse or phrases, blessings, prayer or poem for tree planting or a guest might recite a reading. Or instead of a reading they may opt for music or a song to be played during the tree planting.
The couple will scoop the soil with the trowels and add it to the potted sapling; then together
they water the sapling.
Here’s an example of the wording for a Tree Planting Ceremony in a wedding:
Officiant:
As an illustration of their bond of unity, _____________ and _____________ will take part in a symbolic tree planting unifying ritual.
(Bride and Groom begin adding the soil to the potted sapling and after the soil is put in they use the watering can to water the newly potted sapling.)
Officiant continues: Let us read from the book of 1st Chronicles chapter 16, verses 33-34; Then shall the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth. Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! Amen.
The marriage of ______________ and ______________ shall be like the trees of the forest; firmly rooted while reaching towards the light… skyward to the heavens, whispering to God their praises of gratitude for the gift of divine love and grace. Together their bond stands firm, yet bends and yields to gusts and gales in order to keep from breaking as their love endures all things. The roots grow deeper and the tree grows stronger; so shall it be with their love.
