For our wedding I wanted to do something a little different than the normal Unity candle or sand. I wanted to do something that was unique and meaningful, not that those aren't they just aren't my style.
I was looking on pinterest (surprise) and I found the Unity Cord. I immediately fell in love with the idea of the demonstration of "braiding" the husband, wife, and God together in the ceremony. I thought it was such a beautiful visual image and so meaningful. It was exactly what I wanted portrayed to everyone at the ceremony and what I want our marriage to be about, committing to each other but also committing our marriage to God.
"Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."
Ecclesiastes 4:12
This passage from Ecclesiastes illustrates the importance of Christian companionship. Two Christians that are bound together in Christ are stronger than the individuals themselves. We believe that Christian marriage is about more than the union of one man and one woman. The Bible teaches us that God performs a miracle in our marriage, uniting us together in a covenant relationship with Him as one. The Cord of Three Strands is a symbol of that sacred union created on your wedding day.
What is the Cord of Three Strands Ceremony?
The Cord of Three Strands symbolizes the joining of one man, one woman, and God into a marriage relationship. Marriage takes three; you, your soon to be spouse, and God. It was God who taught us to love. By keeping Him at the center of your marriage, His love will continue to bind you together as one throughout your marriage.
The Cord of Three Strands is a great addition to a traditional wedding ceremony. It adds a truly unique element to your ceremony that friends and family will remember. It can also serve as a substitute for the unity candle. This is useful for situations where candles may not be used, or may be difficult. The Cord of Three Strands works well as a substitute in outside weddings.
During the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom braid the Cord of Three Strands together. The groom holds a small metal ring with three attached strands. The bride then braids the strands together, symbolizing the union of God, husband and wife.
While braiding the Cord of Three Strands, you may wish to have someone read an explanation of the ceremony. You may also simply play music or have a song sung.
What is the significance of the Colors of the Cords?
- Gold Strand - Represents God
The divinity of God is represented in Gold. This covenant relationship is initiated by Him, will be built under His authority, and is intended to glorify Him.
- Purple Strand - Represents the Groom
As a new creation in Christ, the majesty of the Groom is represented in purple. As the husband loves his wife and submits himself to the Lord, the Lord in turn will demonstrate His great love in the marriage relationship.
- White Strand - Represents the Bride
Having been cleansed by salvation in Christ, the purity of the Bride is represented in white. As the wife honors her husband and submits herself to the Lord, the Lord in turn will nurture and strengthen the marriage relationship.
We chose to use different colors at our wedding to coordinate with our wedding colors and the colors we prefer. We did Gold for God, White for the bride and a Blue for the groom. Same meaning just different colors.
This website also gives some ceremony reading examples just to give your preacher/officiant an idea.
Because we wanted to use different colors I opted to DIY my cord which was pretty simple. Bev at The Make Your Own Zone has a great tutorial for how to make your own, check it our here.
Or if DIY is not your thing you can purchase it here
