Bowl of Blessings
The Bowl of Blessings is a wonderful way to involve all guests in the ceremony. At a smaller gathering (50 guests or fewer) the couple may choose to go among their guests at the ceremony and collect the stones, receiving a hug and congratulations as they do so and thereby avoiding the need for a receiving line afterwards). For larger gatherings, the bowl will be conveniently placed so that guests may deposit their blessing stones on their way into the reception.
Note: if you are getting married by the ocean, you might consider substituting seashells or sea glass for stones and modifying the wording a bit to make it appropriate.
As guests arrive, they will be given a small stone. An empty decorative bowl should be displayed somewhere at the back of the ceremony site. At the end of the ceremony, the following would be incorporated into the blessing.
(Officiant) You have each been given a small stone that you have held in your hands while Groom and Bride have expressed their vows of love and commitment. The rock, which was once a very part of the earth itself, is a very strong symbol of permanence, strength and beauty. It is fitting therefore that we use rocks to symbolize the strength and permanence of the vows that _____ and ____ have proclaimed before all of us.
And yes, we have come here to day to celebrate with _____ and _____, but I remind you that we have come here for another reason as well, and that is to offer our ongoing love and support to them as they begin their married life. By our presence at this marriage ceremony, we have been called upon to uphold and bless this union. And in light of that, I ask that you now take your stone in your hand and in the quiet of your heart offer a small blessing for this couple...a wish that is uniquely from you.
Silence….
Perhaps you wish for them the graceful passage of time as they grow old together…
Perhaps it is strength to endure the hard times
Maybe you wish them eternal optimism and faith in each other
Or everlasting passion for life together
Silence (brief)
After the ceremony, there will be a bowl in which you may deposit your "blessing" stone. The richness of the colors and the shine of the stones will be a symbol of the richness and blessings that they represent. _____ and _____ will make this bowl a part of their home, where they will have it always as a reminder of this day and the love and support that will be forever extended to them by all of us gathered here today.
_____ and _____, may these small stones always be a reminder to you that you are surrounded by people who care about you and wish you well. May the blessings of all of us gathered here be reassurance that the love you have for one another will continue to grow and hold you close. May the true light within you guide your way together. May your dreams come true, and when they don't, may new dreams arise. And long, long years from now, when these stones are not quite as shiny and new, may you look at each other and say, "Because of you, I have lived the life I always wanted to live-because of you I have become the person I longed to be."
Alternative Option
A touching alternative to the Bowl of Blessings on its own is to combine it with a Unity Candle or Sand Ceremony. The couple will participate in the Unity Candle or Sand Ceremony and then place their candle or container of sand in the center of another container into which the blessing stones will be placed. It is not only a meaningful and poignant part of the ceremony (symbolizing the union of your two hearts being surrounded by the love and support of your family and friends) but it makes a beautiful piece to display in your home.