Wedding Rituals & Inclusions _ Michael Janz Celebrant

Meaningful cultural, symbolic and family traditions for your Sydney wedding ceremony

Every couple brings their own story, heritage and hopes to their wedding day. Rituals — whether cultural, spiritual or symbolic — add depth, emotion and a sense of connection to something larger than the moment itself. As Michael Janz Celebrant, I help couples weave meaningful traditions into their ceremony in a way that feels natural, respectful and authentically theirs.

With extensive experience across multicultural, interfaith and family‑centred weddings in Sydney, I guide you through each ritual so it flows beautifully and enhances your ceremony rather than overwhelming it.

Poruwa Ceremony (Sri Lankan)

The Poruwa Ceremony is a deeply symbolic Sri Lankan tradition honouring ancestry, family and the joining of two households. Key elements often include:

  • Stepping onto the Poruwa
  • Tying the little fingers
  • Exchanging betel leaves
  • Blessings from elders
  • Traditional drumming

As a celebrant experienced in Sri Lankan weddings, I work closely with families to ensure each step is delivered with cultural accuracy and heartfelt respect. You can include the full Poruwa Ceremony or blend selected elements into a modern civil wedding.

Stefana Crowning (Greek / Macedonian)

The Stefana — two crowns joined by a ribbon — symbolise unity, equality, and the shared journey ahead. During the crowning, the couple receives a blessing and the crowns are gently exchanged between their heads three times.

This ritual suits both traditional and modern ceremonies, and it adapts well for interfaith or multicultural weddings.

Veil and Cord Ceremony (Filipino)

A cherished Filipino tradition symbolising protection, unity and lifelong commitment.

  • The veil represents being “clothed as one.”
  • The cord, often shaped as a figure‑eight, symbolises infinity and the binding of two lives.

Sponsors or family members place the veil and cord, creating a moment filled with emotion and family involvement.

Jewish Glass Breaking

The breaking of the glass creates a powerful, joyful moment at the end of the ceremony. It can symbolise:

  • The fragility of life
  • The importance of caring for one another
  • The reminder that even in joy, the world still needs healing

Once the glass breaks, everyone calls out “Mazel Tov!” — a perfect cue for celebration.

Handfasting

Handfasting is an ancient Celtic ritual where ribbons or cords are wrapped around the couple’s hands. It represents unity, intention, and the binding of two lives. You can choose colours with personal meaning, and the wording can be modern, traditional, or poetic.

Unity Candle

A serene and elegant moment where two individual flames are used to light a central candle, symbolising two families becoming one. Ideal for indoor ceremonies or moments of quiet reflection.

Sand Ceremony

Two vessels of coloured sand are poured into one shared container, creating a pattern that can never be separated — a striking metaphor for marriage. This ritual suits beach weddings and ceremonies involving children.

Ring Warming

Your rings are passed through the hands of your guests, each offering a silent wish or blessing. This creates a sense of community and connection, especially in intimate weddings.

Wine or Tea Ceremonies

Whether you share a cup of wine, honour parents through a Chinese tea ceremony, or include a modern adaptation, these rituals celebrate family, gratitude, and unity.

Why Couples Choose Rituals

Couples include rituals because they:

  • Honour cultural heritage
  • Involve parents, sponsors or family members
  • Create emotional and memorable moments
  • Symbolise values important to the relationship
  • Blend traditions in multicultural weddings
  • Add depth and meaning to the ceremony

As Michael Janz Celebrant, I help you choose rituals that feel authentic and align with your ceremony style — modern, traditional, relaxed or elegant.

Supporting Multicultural & Interfaith Weddings

Sydney is wonderfully diverse, and many couples blend traditions from different cultures or faiths. I work with you — and with your families — to ensure each element is delivered with respect, clarity and warmth. My role is to guide, coordinate and integrate rituals so your ceremony feels seamless and beautifully balanced.

Let’s Create a Ceremony That Reflects You

If you’d like to include any of these rituals, or something unique to your family or culture, I’d love to help you shape a ceremony that feels personal, meaningful, and beautifully delivered. I’ll guide you through the options, craft the wording, coordinate the logistics, and ensure everything flows seamlessly on the day, including all legal requirements.