Another option with an Irish connection, the ring-warming ritual, is an old Irish wedding tradition that creates a tremendous unifying moment. Before the rings are exchanged, they're passed around the congregation to be "warmed up" by the guests. Each guest holds the rings momentarily and sets an intention or wish for the couple. Religious guests can be encouraged to say a silent prayer, making this another good option for merging religious and secular customs.

In some ceremonies, the rings are only "warmed up" by certain guests, family members or the wedding party. It may even be to take the rings to guests who can't make the wedding - for example, elderly grandparents - to be "warmed up" in the days and weeks before the wedding.

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