This has to be one of our all-time favourites!
The ‘Box of Memories is a beautiful way for a couple to capture their thoughts and feelings about marriage and most importantly, about their love for each other.
Requirements: A wooden box, nails, a bottle of wine, 2 glasses and 2 handwritten letters
In the days leading up
to the wedding, the couple select a decorative wooden box and some nails,
making sure that it is large enough to hold a bottle of wine and 2 glasses and
sturdy enough to stand the test of time. Together also, they select a bottle of
their favourite wine and 2 glasses that can be placed in the box in advance.
On the eve of the
wedding, each takes a little time out from the busy-ness and excitement, and
spends a few minutes writing a letter to their soon-to-be partner expressing
their feelings, what they are thinking, what they love about them and their
hopes and dreams for the future. The letters are then sealed in an envelope.
During the ceremony,
the celebrant will explain to the guests what the couple have done, and as they
watch both place their sealed letters into the box and hammer in the nails one
by one in turn, will tell them of their plans to open the box on the day the
10th wedding anniversary, when they will share the wine and read the letters.
Example Wording:
Jasmine and Daniel your
commitment to each other today is obvious and evident to all of us as you stand
before us now. With your vows declared and your rings exchanged, you have made
a public demonstration of your commitment and love, but there is something more
that you have chosen to do as a reminder of this day, that will be a source of
great comfort and joy.
(Couple
walk over to the table with the box, hammer and nails)
‘In this box you have
placed some items that you have lovingly chosen together. A strong and sturdy
box that has plenty of room for all the things you need and is sturdy enough to
stand the test of time, just as your marriage will be. Inside you have placed 2
glasses and a bottle of wine, whose sweetness will remind you of all of the
happy times you shared together, when you open it together on your 10 year
wedding anniversary. I ask you now to please place the letters that you have
written for each other on the eve of this day and seal the box with the nails.’
(Couple
begin to hammer the nails)
‘May this box be a
reminder of the love you shared today and upon its opening – on your 10 year
wedding anniversary, as you sip the wine, let it serve to rekindle every bit of
spirit and joy that is present in your heart as you stand here today. As you
read the letters, let the words contained in them stay with you forever,
through whatever storm may come, and be forever grateful to have shared it with
all of those you hold dear.
The Wedding Gurus xx
