Placing a simple paper funnel in the vase or vessel helps keep the sand from spilling onto the table. Annette and Mike chose the Contemporary Sand Ceremony Kit with blue and pink sand to match their wedding colors.

5 Tips for a Successful Sand Ceremony

Looking for a little "something different" to incorporate into your wedding ceremony?. The sand ceremony might be just the thing. It's a practical choice for outdoor weddings but couples in all sorts of venues are choosing it for its message of unity. Of course, it also makes for a beautiful presentation.

Speaking of presentation, here are five tips to help you plan for a memorable and picture-perfect sand ceremony.

Plan a Smart Set Up

It's nice when guests can have a good view of the sand ceremony unfolding instead of a good look at your backside. One option is to set up the vessels on a small table so that the officiant can stand in the middle facing the guests, and you and your partner can stand facing each other with the table in between. Another option is for the two of you to stand on the same side of a table facing the guests, with the officiant to one side.

Set the Scene

A bare, boring table with a vase of sand tends to look like an afterthought and it doesn't make for a very pretty picture. Try to get a table that's on the small side so that the vessel isn't visually lost. If you can find a pretty decorative table or stand, great. If not, make sure you have a nice tablecloth and consider adding a pretty table runner or tapestry to dress it up. You may also think about scattering rose petals or seashells to add more visual appeal.

Keep it Smooth

On especially humid days your sand could be holding some moisture causing it to clump together which makes it rather difficult to pour elegantly. Keep your sand well sealed and dry until you're ready to use it, and make sure the person setting up your ceremony checks the texture and gets rid of any lumps.

Minimize Mess

When it's time for both of you to pour sand at the same time you may want to have your officiant slip a funnel into the top of the central vessel. You won't have to worry about making a mess, and all of the sand will land where it's supposed to. The funnel can simply be a pretty piece of paper that you've rolled and taped or tied into a cone shape.

Practice

Make sure you and your officiant discuss the specifics of the sand ceremony during your rehearsal. Who pours when? How fast should you pour? When does the officiant speak? Getting yourself comfortable with the timing will allow you to concentrate on the meaning instead of worrying about "getting it right".