Tree Planting Ceremony
A tree planting ceremony can be used during a wedding ceremony to symbolize the growth and development of the couple as married partners as well as the joining together of two individuals/two families.
The ceremony can be conducted in two different ways:
Tree planting at a venue: If you are planting a tree that you will take home to transplant, you set up a separate table, on which you will place a potted tree/sapling (something perhaps with special meaning to the couple and pre-loosened in its container), a larger empty pot, two small buckets of dirt, two gardening trowels and a small watering can. The couple will each add soil to the empty container, transfer the tree to the pot, add the rest of soil and then water the plant together. After the ceremony, the couple can plant the tree in a special location to symbolize the putting down of roots, longevity and strengths in their marriage.
2. Tree planting in your own backyard: If you are having your wedding ceremony on your own property, the tree can be planted directly into a pre-dug hole using two shovels to backfill the hole with soil and a watering can to water the tree immediately afterwards.
If you choose to have the ceremony symbolize the joining together of both families then a member of each family can scoop a small amount of soil into the pot/hole before they take their seats for the ceremony or you can utilize soil that was obtained from each family’s property.
Pre-ceremony Set up
At the front of the ceremony space, either at the center, behind the couple and officiant, or to the side, is a table with:
A small tree in a decorative pot
A decorative container with additional soil
Two trowels, shovels, large spoons, or similar tool for adding soil to the pot
Two small pitchers, or watering cans with water