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Rose Wedding Ceremony - The How-To's

Rose Wedding Ceremony

Updated on: Feb 17, 2024

There is nothing more special than saying “I do” to the person with whom you want to spend the rest of your life. By holding a rose wedding ceremony, incorporating the beautiful symbol of love and beauty, you will add something even more special and meaningful.

How to Have a Rose Wedding Ceremony

Roses

Source: Pixabay

Roses are a symbol of love and passion, and what better way to incorporate them into your wedding than by holding a rose wedding ceremony. This ceremony is where the bride and groom exchange a rose to act as the first gift given as a married couple and is performed after the exchanging of the rings. The meaning behind the rose wedding ceremony can be seen as an inward expression of their love, opposite of the rings they wear as an outward expression of the love shared between the couple.

For this exchange to take place there will need to be three vases up at the altar. The larger vase will be in the middle and will hold what is almost a full bouquet at the start. The other two vases will be smaller on either side of the main vase and each will hold one rose. When the couple exchanges their flowers, the flowers will be placed in the middle vase which will create the final, full bouquet.

1. Personalize the Rose Ceremony

What makes this ceremony of roses so special is the freedom that comes with it. There is no one way that it has to be performed and it can be tailored completely for the bride and groom. The dialogue of the ceremony is changeable as well. There are many resources online for dialogue ideas. The rose wedding ceremony can take place where just the officiant speaks and then the roses are gifted or where the bride and groom exchange vows to one another. Either way is fine, it is up to the couple's personal preferences in the ceremony.

The most traditional way the ceremony is performed is just between the couple where they are the only ones partaking with the officiator. Another way which is to be preferred by others is to include family and friends in the very beautiful moment of the wedding.

Including the closest people around you is a great way to incorporate them into the wedding. Everyone who is participating is given a rose ahead of time. In doing this the middle vase will remain empty until each person has gone up to add in their flower.

Some couples who choose to include others in the ceremony will opt for two different color roses. The guests who are giving roses will be one color and the couple will exchange a different color. This is done so the flowers are distinct, and so everyone can know which ones were from the married pair.

There is also an option for couples who have lost a loved one before the wedding. Couples who choose to honor a lost friend or family member use a colored rose that is different from the others as a way to commemorate them and have them be a part of not only the ceremony but the whole day.

2. Incorporate the Moms into the Rose Wedding Ceremony

Another version of a rose wedding ceremony is to include the mothers of the bride and groom. The couple will take the flower off of the ceremony table with the other flowers or give it directly to their mothers, acting as a ‘thank you for all the love and support they have offered throughout the years. This part of giving the wedding rose would typically happen right in the beginning after the officiant delivers their welcome speech and would be considered very special if it is a surprise to your mother.

Some things your mother or your partner's mother could do later to keep the special flower (moms love keeping things from their sons/daughters) is either press it into a book or dry the rose to put a piece in a necklace, frame, or hang from the wall. There are many creative ideas to preserve the flower given at the wedding.

As well as honoring their mothers, the couple can choose to acknowledge any other person who has taken care of them and helped shape who they are today, such as a father, grandparent, or any loved one that they want to especially thank on their wedding day. To add on a sweet, emotional touch you could even include a small note tied onto the flower, expressing your love and gratitude for the person you are acknowledging.

3. The Tradition of the Rose Wedding Ceremony

Traditions in a family are created and formed in many ways. Adding a rose ceremony to your wedding will be the start of the first, romantic tradition you and your partner will create as a married couple. Each year on your anniversary after the wedding, a rose should be placed in a special spot, typically somewhere in your home. This will perform as a recommitment to your partner. A special way to incorporate parts of your actual wedding would be to keep the vases used in the ceremony to hold the flowers you will give to your partner every year.

Rose ceremonies add in an extra layer of saying “I love you” during a wedding. What makes the ceremony truly special is that it can be just for you and your partner getting married, or it can include sharing the rose with the people you both love the most. Having a rose ceremony in your wedding gives your wedding such a personal and intimate touch. Something the guests and you and your partner will remember forever and ever. Why not incorporate such a beautiful, symbolic ceremony that embodies both love and beauty so magnificently.

Rose Wedding Ceremony: Conclusion

Choosing to hold a rose wedding ceremony on your big, special day is entirely up to you and your partner. A rose wedding ceremony is truly unique and beautiful, with memorable touches to the big day. Overall, no matter how you choose to celebrate the day, it will be beyond a doubt a wonderful day because it will reflect the love you and your partner share and will continue to share each passing year.

If you enjoyed this blog, check out our other blogs that can help you with wedding ideas and planning out your wedding flowers, ceremony, and vows. Also, make sure to utilize our wedding budget and checklist.

We hope your day is very special!

Written by Jocelyn Sheltra; Contributor: Jack Leduc

Josie Sheltra

University of New Hampshire

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