DIY Unity Ceremony Idea: Three Cords Unity Board

If you’re on the lookout for a unique alternative to the unity ceremony idea, this project is just the thing for you! We’re so thrilled to share this DIY project from our friend Heidi of ONBB weddings and Weddings on Budget Podcast! xoxo, Jessica

What is a unity ceremony?

The unity ceremony is a tradition of the wedding representing the couple as separate in their lives before that day, but now coming together as one in their marriage to unify their families, their friends, and their lives together.

As a modern bride, I found myself struggling with the unity ceremony. I wanted a way to showcase our unity that was both meaningful for myself and my future husband, as well as display it in a way that is memorable for our home. This unity board design is quick, easy, and crazy affordable!

Unity Wedding Ceremony Alternative:

Cord of Three Strands

What you’ll need:

• 2 – 2” steel hooks (similar)
• ½” twisted hemp rope 12’ long (similar)
• 1″ thick Wooden Board (sized to liking, this project 24” x 24”) (similar)
• Copper wire (similar)
• Hanging kit
• Cork stickers
• Pliers
• Scissors
• Phillips screwdriver
• Paintbrush
• Choice of paint
• Paint tray 
• Water

Step 1:

Prep the board. Measure the board first to double-check that the store didn’t mislabel the product. You would be surprised how often this happens. Then from the top and from the side, measure in 2 inches. This is where you will screw in the hooks. The wood I purchased was 1 inch thick and needed a little extra guiding, so you may need a drill to start a hole to place the hooks. Screw in the hooks.

Step 2:

Now that the hooks are fastened into the board, measure the rope by simply pulling the rope to either end of the hooks. Eye-ball this on either side by about 6 inches making sure you have plenty of space to tie a knot and of course braid the rope. 

Step 3:

Cut the rope so that each strand is the same in length.

Step 4:

String the rope through the loops. You will pull each strand through loops so that each piece is held together. 

Step 5: 

Tie a knot at the top. Hold each strand together and tie a simple knot to hold the strand from pulling through the loop hook.

**I practiced braiding the rope to see how this looked and that it was at the length I wanted. Feel free to do this at this step or keep them separated until you perform the ceremony.

Step 6:

Write your message. For this demonstration, I used a Bible verse that is related to tying three cords, but feel free to use any fun quote, saying, or movie quote that pertains to you and your partner!

Step 7:

Paint. Using your paintbrush and choice color of paint trace the outline of your message. This may take a couple of coats to make it the way you want it to look. Since I used black, I simply went back and refined the edges. 

Your finished project may need to dry for 4 to 6 hours, so be sure to allow time for this to set before you begin working on the backside.

⭐️ PRO TIP: Consider some of these different techniques for creating professional-looking wedding signs from our friends at Something Turquoise!

Step 8:

Apply the hanging kit. The hanging kit that is suggested doesn’t come with wire or the felt/cork pads so these must be purchased separately. Measure 4 inches from each corner at the top of the board, and place the hanging hooks. Using the phillips screwdriver, screw in the hanging hooks.

Step 9:

Wrap the copper wire between the hanging hooks. Take the copper wire and stretch between the two hooks and wrap the ends of the copper wire into the hooks. This will need to be secure as the wire will hold the board on the wall. You can make the wire longer or shorter based on your personal performances and the location you have selected to place the artwork in your home.

Step 10:

Finishing up. You are almost there. The board is completely finished and the final touch is sticking the cork pads on the screws of the hangers on the back of the board. This is to protect your wall and project.

The unity board will be used in the ceremony just after your vows and before the pronouncement of your marriage. If you haven’t given any thoughts on creative ways to incorporate your unity board into the ceremony, speak with your officiant about how you want to use the board, a song to play while you complete the unity ceremony, and if you want anything read during this section as well.

Project Costs

I already had the following items on hand:

• Pliers 
• Scissors
• Phillips screwdriver
• Paintbrush
• Choice of paint
• Paint tray 
• Water

Total Cost: $32.13

This board is a fun and affordable way to get creative for your wedding day! I hope you’ve enjoyed this project and consider making it for your own big day!

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