I like the idea of a cord of three strands, but I don't really want to do it in the actual wedding ceremony. Would it be weird to do it during the rehearsal or maybe at the reception? Our ceremony will be a traditional Presbyterian one and it will be long enough without adding any more stuff. (Plus, I haven't mentioned it yet to my pastor. Unity candles are not allowed, so I doubt this will be either.)
What do you guys think about doing it at the rehearsal or reception?
I would also rather make my own than buy some cord for $40. But I'd want to use dark red instead of purple to match my wedding colors. Is the purple really that important for the symbolism?