Blog Written by Zoe Bell-Arnot, Fuze Celebrant
Ring the Bell – and Let Your Heart Swell
Do you remember when you were younger and would hear bells ringing loudly from a church after a wedding? It was a joyous declaration to the world that a couple had united in matrimony. Those deep, powerful chimes resonated far and wide, filling the air with celebration. In ‘Western bellfounding’, this ringing is known as harmonic tuning, while the long, resonant sound of a ringing bell is called a “peal”, a series of changes rung loudly and in a prolonged way, like thunder and laughter. Together, harmonic tuning and peal create a bright, pure sound, and what better way to symbolise two people coming together in marriage?
What Do the Bells Symbolise?
Wedding bells hold deep symbolism in the realm of love and commitment, with roots tracing back to ancient Scottish and Celtic traditions, so perfect to include during a humanist wedding ceremony. Bells were considered sacred objects used in ceremonies and rituals, believed to have the power to ward off evil spirits. It was a common belief that spirits were drawn to joyous occasions, and ringing bells helped protect the couple from negative influences, ensuring good luck, blessings, happiness, and a harmonious union. This sentiment remains a beautiful addition to a humanist-led wedding, celebrating love, connection, and new beginnings. Bells can also be a perfect way to include as a humanist symbolic gesture during your uniquely personal ceremony.
Why Include It in Your Humanist Ceremony?
Wedding bells have been a longstanding tradition in churches for centuries. However, as modern couples seek to personalise their humanist wedding ceremonies, many are choosing to incorporate meaningful symbolic gestures that reflect their values and personalities.
Bells are associated with abundance, prosperity, joy, and unity – why not include them as a nod to older traditions within your Scottish humanist wedding? Me and my humanist celebrant colleagues at Fuze Ceremonies can weave this element into your ceremony in a way that feels authentic and special to you, becoming a memorable symbolic gesture from your special day.
Ring Your Bell, Your Way!
Bells can take many forms within a modern humanist-led wedding. It could be an old bell passed down as a family heirloom, a double bell placed on the signing table to signify two people coming together, small bells left on guests’ seats as a keepsake wedding favor, or even a musical piece played with bells, perhaps one of the couple’s favorites tunes. You decide. After all it’s your day, your rules.
Bells also come in various shapes, sizes, and materials to suit different wedding aesthetics. Classic silver, gold, brass, rustic designs, or even eco-friendly wooden versions. Some couples personalise their bells with inscriptions of their names and wedding date, adding a meaningful touch to their humanist wedding ceremony.
Creating A Magical Atmosphere
When should the bell ringing take place? There are several beautiful options but it’s entirely up to you! Your humanist celebrant could ring the bell just after your vows as you seal them with a kiss, creating a romantic soundtrack to the beginning of your new journey together.
Another option is for you and your partner to take the bell and ring it loudly together, symbolising your union during your Scottish humanist wedding. One of my personal favourites is to include guests in the celebration—small bells left on their seats can be rung as you make your grand exit as newlyweds. The uplifting sound of jingling bells filling the air creates an unforgettable, magical atmosphere.
As a humanist celebrant within the Fuze Ceremonies team – and with ‘Bell’ as part of my name – I love that this small but powerful symbolic gesture can be incorporated into a humanist wedding ceremony. Whether it’s a personal moment between you and your partner or a way to involve family and friends, this tradition adds joy, meaning, and a special connection to your wedding day.
Blog Written by Zoe Bell-Arnot, Fuze Celebrant
