I was thinking of using the Wine and Chocolate Ritual in this ceremony. Perhaps even adding in a part where the audience would join the sipping of the wine and the eating of the chocolate. We could always use grape juice for the wine and I think everyone loves to eat chocolate. Here is the Wine and chocolate ritual as I have it: Wine and Chocolate Ritual Celebrant: Long ago, wine and chocolate were revered as gifts from the Gods. For the ancient ones, wine represented the blood and life of the earth and all the abundance of her harvest. For the ancient Mayans, the rare and desirable chocolate was revered as ambrosia that would heal you body and soul. (Bride’s Name) and (Groom’s Name), as you share these gifts together, you drink from a single cup and eat from the same table signifying that you are becoming one blood, one family and one kin. We invite all to witness here this act of sharing and remembering life’s gifts of growth from sorrow and sweetness. (Celebrant holds cup of wine) The years of life will have some hardships and disappointments, of which this bitter wine is a symbol, remember to forgive the frailties of one another. Bear together life’s adversities and be confident that the good will always return. (Couple sips wine together) (Celebrant holds chocolate in a dish/plate) The years of life have indeed, much happiness, joy, hope, healing and goodness, of which this sweet chocolate is a token. We ask that you eat of it together, and as you do, earnestly seek the power and wisdom to use all the pleasure and prosperity that may come to you, with gratitude, modesty, and sympathy for all those less fortunate than yourselves. (Couple eats chocolate together) As you have shared the wine and chocolate, so may you share your lives. May you find life’s joys heightened, its bitterness sweetened, and all of life enriched by a constant love. (Have a linen on hand for faces and fingers!)