alternative to wedding band for moral reasons?

Question

My fiance and I are trying to have the most ethical wedding possible to fit our lifestyles so obviously we not going to have wedding band because we do not like the fine metals industry and their use of slaves. What is a good alternative to wedding band? something that we can use during the ceremony and forever?

the tattoos idea sounds good but we already have matching tattoos and we were thinking of something physical that we can give each other during the ceremony.

i do not know what a bible is sorry.

Answer 1

I once saw a Christian couple exchange Bibles instead of rings.

And some folks get a wedding band tattoo.
http://weddings.about.com/cs/rings/a/tattoorings.htm

Just two suggestions . . .

Answer 2

Is it possible to find fine metal jewelry that does not use slave labor? I am not versed in the subject at all so I don't know if that is possible.

You could also travel around and look for local craftsmen you have carved stone bands. For example, sometimes caves that are not protected have gift shops with stone bands that came directly from the cave. There aren't too many local craftspeople around anymore, but there are some.

Answer 3

If you are objecting to the metal in the band, they try a wooden one, I have seen some awsome wooden wedding bands that can be carved for you by craftsmen. Check out
offbeatbride.com It's a little unique and a little traditional, very popular with the green weddings now

Answer 4

In addition, you could even carve or make your rings YOURSELF.

Another idea is to exchange roses for the ceremony as part of your vows. Although you can't wear them, you can preserve them or keep the dried petals.

Celtic traditions used handfasting instead of ring exchanges. Some couples still use this as part of their ceremony. You could wear a hemp bracelet or tie a piece of rope from the ceremony handfasting on your arm in place of a ring.

You could also make a donation to a charity (i.e. Greenpeace, Save The Children, etc.) on behalf of your partner and present these donations to each other.

Answer 5

Your Screen Name gave me this idea, how about exchanging journals that each of you write in everyday up to your cermony. Then on each anniversory/ important day in your relationship you write more.

Look for a local clay shop and see if you could go in and make your own clay wedding rings and then have them put in the kelm.

A flower lieu that you can have presured at a flower shop.

Answer 6

Wedding rings:

There are several ways to get precious metals that are not "slave trade" related. Australian gold, Canadian Diamond, etc. You have more options than what you think.
If you must use something else, try American wood or steel.
PS. Of all the answers so far, Jade would be most linked to slave labor.

Answer 7

I like the wooden ring idea, but also there are rings made out of shell. I am sure you can search online for items such as these. I am sure you will find the perfect thing.



(Are you being facetious or do you really not know what a bible is? I find that a bit incredible.)

Answer 8

Some people use unity candles. Your parents lit one , his parents do the same, then you would use your parents and he would use his parents and would lit a bigger candle together. It stands for two lives now become one. Also some people have two different color of sand you would pour one and he would pour int to pretty vase . You could pour it at the same time. Or you can layer it it has the same meaning.

Answer 9

Why not use rings that aren't made out of fine metals then?

Answer 10

Morally opposed to metal? Oy vey, now I've heard it all.