5 types of wedding wine ceremonies

Your wedding day is a celebration of love, unity, and the beginning of a shared journey. For couples seeking to create a unique and memorable ceremony, incorporating a wine ritual can add a touch of elegance and symbolism. Wine ceremonies, rich in history and meaning, provide a beautiful way to symbolize the blending of two lives. This guide explores five different types of wine ceremonies, helping you find the perfect fit to make your wedding ceremony truly special.

What is a Wine Ceremony?

A wine ceremony is a symbolic ritual that uses wine to represent the couple’s commitment and the blending of their lives. Originating from ancient traditions, wine ceremonies can be adapted to fit any wedding style, whether traditional or modern. The ritual typically involves the couple sharing sips of wine, symbolizing their promise to face both the sweet and bitter moments of life together. A celebrant usually guides the ceremony, offering blessings and personal touches that reflect the couple’s journey and future.

Celebrant Nicki Cartmill, of Signature Ceremonies Kent, who performs Wine Ceremonies in her home county of Kent explains, “Wine has been used throughout millennia in many and varied rituals and celebrations, in both religious and non-religious ceremonies. As with most other rituals, wine is open to interpretation and can greatly differ between celebrants and couples who like to add their own touches.”

5 Wine Ceremonies to Inspire Your wedding celebration

Wine ceremonies can be personalised to suit the mood of your ceremony. They can be light-hearted and fun, or meaningful and thought-provoking. Here are 5 types of wine ceremonies to inspire you:

1. Wine Blending Rituals

This ceremony celebrates the blending of two lives into one. Two carafes, one of white and one of red wine are placed beside a larger empty carafe. Each one of the wedding couple pours from one of the carafes into the larger one. One then takes the blended wine and pours some into a glass for their partner to drink. This is then reciprocated. As they each drink, a personalised toast or blessing is given by the celebrant.

Wine blending can also signify the joining of two families. Parents or other family representatives from each side can bring their own special wines and blend them in the same way, each drinking from a glass of the combined wine to signify the strength of their new unity.

2. Laying Down Wine

The wedding couple each selects a special wine for the other and puts it in boxes with a love note to be opened on a milestone anniversary. The celebrant blesses the wine and the couple’s future. Some couples add special mementoes, such as their vow booklet, to remind them of their day. As a wine lover, this one is my personal favourite. There’s nothing like opening a good bottle you’ve really been waiting for!

3. Fruits of creation

Think wine tasting meets wedding ceremony…In the fruits of creation ceremony, a single glass of rosé wine is placed on a table to signify the fruits of Creation, Mankind and Mother Earth, from which both of the wedding couple will drink after the reading. They are then asked what they taste in the wine.

The celebrant reminds them that although they may perceive things differently throughout their lives, being right is never more important than being happy.

4. The Bitter and the Sweet

Wine can symbolize the bond that lasts through times of joy and sorrow. Two goblets of wine, one sweet and one dry, are placed on a table. The Bride and Groom each drink from the sweet wine, followed by the dry, while the celebrant reminds them of the changing fortunes of life.

Celebrant Nicki shares “I like to explain a bit about the symbolism—essentially, wine represents the sweet and bitter elements of life. Wine rituals, like all the parts of a wedding ceremony, are about the couple acknowledging and celebrating their future together. By taking sips from the glass together, they are promising to face and deal with the challenges of life as a united team. ”

5. Loving Cup (Quaich Ceremony)

This one is familiar to most of us, whereby the Bride and Groom interlock arms and drink from one another’s glass. A special goblet with two handles is also often used and can also be passed around the guests for a sup! The Loving Cup ceremony dates back to Saxon times when it was used at banquets for ceremonial drinking and is called the coupe de mariage in France. This can be great fun combined with Celtic Handfasting. White wine tends to be safer around the dress though!

Lastly, whatever ritual you choose, it doesn’t have to be in a glass! If you’re a Harry Potter fan, the Goblet of Fire may be for you, or Couples with Scottish heritage can use a quaich (I can’t pronounce it!). Neither does it have to be wine – you may be teetotal or you may prefer another type of alcohol – your day, your way!

So there you have a few ideas for incorporating wine into your wedding, and perhaps you can see yourself having a creative tipple be it at a vineyard or not. I’d love to hear about any of your twists on it! 

Incorporating a Wine Ceremony into Your Wedding

Incorporating a wine ceremony into your wedding can be a meaningful addition that enhances the emotional depth of your vows. Here are a few steps to seamlessly integrate this ritual:

1. Choose the Type of Wine Ceremony: Decide which wine ceremony resonates most with you as a couple. Options include the Wine Blending Ritual, Laying Down Wine, Fruits of Creation, The Bitter and the Sweet, and the Loving Cup.
2. Select Your Wine: Pick wines that hold personal significance or simply ones you enjoy. This choice can add a layer of personalization to the ritual.
3. Coordinate with Your Celebrant: Work with your celebrant to tailor the ceremony. They can provide insights on traditional blessings and help create a script that aligns with your vision.
4. Prepare the Setup: Arrange for a table to hold the wine, glasses, and any other ceremonial items. Ensure the setup is aesthetically pleasing and complements your wedding theme.
5. Practice the Ritual: Familiarize yourselves with the ritual to ensure smooth execution during the ceremony. Practising can help reduce any nerves and make the moment feel more intimate and heartfelt.

A top tip if you’re using red wine – keep a shout stain removal wipe in your pocket or bra just in case disaster strikes! They’re excellent for removing red wine stains from clothing.

By thoughtfully incorporating a wine ceremony, you can create a profound and memorable experience that reflects the essence of your love and commitment.

Find your perfect celebrant to lead your wine ceremony here.