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Just Said Yes June 2009

blessing stones ceremony??

carebear05, on May 3, 2009 at 4:08 PM Posted in Planning 0 2

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So I am getting married on a small beach and don't want to do a sand ceremony or anything like that. I have found a blessing stones ceremony, but not sure how to pull it off. I bought small stones and painted inspiring words on them. Not sure how to pull it off for the ceremony. Should the rocks be placed on everyone's chair before hand and then the officiant can ask for anyone who is interested in participating to come forward to the shore line? Or should we leave the rocks in a pail on the beach? I am just worried that people won't want to participate.. Any ideas would be helpful

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Latest activity by Suzanne Smith, on May 3, 2009 at 8:52 PM

Dream Day Weddings · on May 3, 2009 at 8:03 PM
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Everyone should receive one when they arrive (have your ushers insure each guest gets/has one before the ceremony starts) but if you want everyone to participate don't make it an optional thing...

Work with your Officiant she/he should have several wording options for you to do this all with...When I use blessing stones as part of a ceremony while explaining the stones I also ask the guest to take a moment and give a silent blessing or prayer for the couple with them. In the case of a water side ceremony, once the ceremony is complete I instruct everyone to follow the couple to the waters edge once we are down there I speak for a moment about the symbolism before telling everyone to toss their pebbles into the water.

Your guests may not be familiar with this "ceremony" but with some clear words of guidance from your Officiant to your guests it can be a wonderful addition to any wedding celebration.
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Suzanne Smith · on May 3, 2009 at 8:52 PM
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An easy way for this to go smoothly is to place a beautiful basket with the stones and another "ceremonial" bowl placed on a small pedestal with a framed sign that reads,
Dear friends & family,
The stones you see before you represent "wishes for the happy couple".
Please select one stone and place in the ceremony bowl.
Thank You

I would also suggest having a person in charge of this ( A teenage cousin or friend), possibly to hand out printed programs to explain the ceremony or even paper parasols to sheild guests from the sun on the beach.

Most gathered "wish stones" are displayed at the reception and not tossed.

If you go to my website you will see a wonderful Summer Solstice wedding on the featured gallery that had many of these fun elements included.
www.suzannemsmithdesigns.com
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