We all know that it's traditional to light a unity candle at the wedding but have you ever thought of encouraging a different tradition? Start a wedding tradition among your friends and family by opting to create a mixed sand arrangement instead.

My family recently gathered in Fort Wayne, Indiana for my cousin's wedding. Though I was absent, this story made it all the way down to me and surprisingly fast. Instead of lighting a unity candle, Jason and Dana instead poured sand into a tall glass vase. Since her wedding colors were turquoise and white, they chose two shades of blue and poured the sand in at the same time. The result was beautiful.

A unity candle flickers like an eternal flame representing the love of the bride and groom. Something like a sand candle (wicks can be inserted) or sand arrangement is a unique symbol of unity stronger than most others. The crystal of sand, like tiny pieces of their hearts and lives, come together and form something beautiful and respectful. Each crystal of sand resides beside a crystal of sand that represents their new husband or wife. Lives converge. Feelings, thoughts, emotions, and daily life all become one precious thing now. Such is the representation in a sand filled vase.

If you're looking to truly personalize your wedding, try something unique like this as an alternative to lighting the unity candle. When you view the sand in the vase every day in your home it will be a constant reminder of the precious, wonderful things you cherish together.