I came across this really neat alternative to a unity candle/sand ceremony/etc for those who are having a Christian ceremony and really want to place emphasis on the commitment to involve God in your marriage...it's called a Unity Cross. It's a 2 piece sculpture of a cross that is assembled during the ceremony, and then you can take it home with you and display it in a place you'll see it every day to remind you of your marriage covenant.
Here's the info I found about it:
"The Unity Cross is a multi-piece sculpture that is assembled during the Unity Service of your Wedding Ceremony representing how the two become one. The Groom places the outer Cross in the beautiful wood base as the Pastor explains how God created man- Bold, Strong, the Defender of the Family, yet how he is empty and incomplete without the woman. The Bride then places the more delicate cross inside of the Grooms cross as the Pastor explains how God created Woman- Delicate, multi-faceted, taking care of all of the little things that completes the man; and the Two become One. The Bride and Groom then use the 3 golden pegs to lock the union (cross) together in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit as the pastor exclaims that: What God has brought together let no man take apart."
Obviously not for everyone, but it is really meaningful for my fiance and I, so we're going to use it in our ceremony. (Google "unity cross" to find more info and places to purchase it.) Just thought I'd share!!
