In recent years it has become very popular for couples to add a unifying ritual element into their wedding ceremony.

As explained in the previous post > Tree Planting Ceremony – Unifying Ritual For A Wedding, the act of symbolically planting a tree is a unifying ritual in which the couple puts dirt and water into a potted sapling container and then later plants the tree at their home.

In preparation for the tree planting element of a ceremony you should have the following items located on a nearby altar or table; a sapling in a pot/container, a watering can, 2 gardening trowels and small container of soil.

The tree planting unifying ritual format can consist of the couple using the trowels to add some soil to the potted sapling. The bride and groom each use their trowel to put some additional soil in the potted sapling container and then together the couple uses the watering can to water the newly potted sapling. While the couple is conducting the actions of the symbolic tree planting the officiant may do some readings and/or there may be music and/or a song performed.

The format options listed below consist of the officiant making an opening statement then a verse reading followed by a closing reading. The opening is a statement explaining that now a tree planting unifying ritual will be taking place. The reading is a bible verse, poem or poignant quote. The tree planting ritual ends with a closing reading that illustrates the comparison of the planting, strengthening and growing of a tree to that of a thriving marriage.

Below are listed some wording options for the tree planting unifying element of a wedding ceremony.

Opening Options

(Opening Option 1)
Officiant:
In a further symbol of their bond of unity, _____________ and _____________ will now take part in a unifying ritual of symbolic tree planting.

(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.)

Here's a list of sites where you can find prayers, poems and quotes. The following resources are inclusive and multi-cultural, representing various faiths and beliefs.

Search the sites for prayers and readings to use in your ceremonies or perhaps be divinely inspired and create some of your own.