For purposes of this patent, a Blended Family, is defined as one of the following:
A. A family comprising of two adults who are entering into a religious, civil, or other union involving a ceremony. Other participants may include family members of one or both partners of previous or contemporary generations.
B. A family comprising two adults who are entering into a religious, civil, or other union involving a ceremony AND at least one child of the current or previous relationship(s) of one or both partners. Other participants may include family members of one or both partners of previous or contemporary generations.
C. One or more children who are entering under the legal or other are of that/those adults of A or B, above, through means such as adoption, a foster-care situation, or other socially approved manner.
Single moms and single dads are often getting married with one or more children included in the wedding ceremony. Many types of accessories have been used in the past to help with the symbolic attribute of the ceremony. They include water, sand, fire and candles, and some even include rope.
Water may achieve the same goal, but it dissipates after time, leaving no sentimental value for the future.
Sand may achieve the same goal, but is lightweight and the parts added by each person cannot be identified at a later date, if the ceremony is performed in a windy area, the process could be very difficult and not go as planned.
The unity candle cannot be used in outdoor ceremonies due to wind and it is not safe for small children to be involved in the use of fire.
The Gods knot has 3 cords joined by a brass ring. The groom holds the brass ring while the bride braids the 3 cords together symbolizing the union of God, husband and Wife.
The Lasso Ceremony, a rope is placed around the bride and groom's shoulders, necks or wrists, in the form of a “8” (the infinity symbol), to symbolize their everlasting union. It is usually placed there by an officiant, and remains there throughout the ceremony. It can be made of beads, white ribbon, orange flowers, fabric, silver crystal or painted wood. It can also include children.
The Celtic wedding tradition also includes a binding of the hands with a rope or ribbon. The officiant ties the hands of the bride and groom together with up to 3 ropes, it lasts only while they say their vows.