ROSE CEREMONY
(The Rose Ceremony is a unification ceremony which is often included in the regular wedding ceremony, usually after the exchange of rings.)
Here are some example wordings for this lovely, symbolic portion of the wedding ceremony.
(Celebrant takes 2 roses from table or attendant) "You now have what remains the most honorable title which may exist between a man and a woman - the title of "husband" and "wife". The rose is a symbol of love and a singkle rose always means one thing - the words 'I love you'. So it is appropriate that for your first gift as husband and wife, that gift will be a single rose. Please exchange your first gift as husband and wife. (Celebrant gives bride and groom a rose) (Couple exchange roses)
(Celebrant takes 2 roses from table or attendant)Your gift to each other for your wedding today has been your wedding rings - which shall always be an outward demonstration of your vows of love and respect, and your commitment to each other. For your first gift as husband and wife, that gift will be a single rose. (Celebrant gives bride and groom a rose) (couple exchange roses)
In some ways it seems like you have not done anything at all. Just a moment ago you were holding one small rose - and now you are holding one small rose. In some ways, a marriage ceremony is like this. In some ways, tomorrow is going to seem no different than yesterday. But just now, you both have given and received one of the most valuable and precious gifts of life - the gift of true and abiding love within the devotion of marriage. Bride and Groom, I would ask that wherever you make your home in the future, that you both pick one very special location for roses; so that on each anniversary of this truly wonderful occasion, you both take a rose to th at spot both as a re-commitment to your marriage. In every marriage there are times where it is difficult to find the right words. It is easiest to hurt those who we most love, and easiest to be most hurt by who we most love. It might be difficult sometimes to say the words "I'm sorry" or "I forgive you" or "I need you." If this should happen, if you simply cannot find these words, leave a rose at that spot which both of you have selected - for that rose will say what matters most of all and should overpower all other things and all other words.
That rose will say the words, "I still love you." The other should accept this rose for the words which cannot be found, and remember the love and hope that you both share today.
