First Version

The Ceremony of the Rose symbolizes the merging of the Bride's and Groom's families. When the Bride enters, she has in her possession two roses, usually red. As she approaches the altar, the Bride will stop and offer a rose and a kiss to her mother or significant mother figure. In doing this, she is expressing her gratitude for preparing her for this moment and for receiving the man she is about to marry into her family. When the wedding ceremony has ended and she and the Groom exit, the Bride will stop and offer a rose and a kiss to the Groom's mother or significant mother figure. In doing this, she is expressing her gratitude for preparing her new husband for this moment and for receiving her into the Groom's family. A variation you may consider is to present both roses either upon the entrance or upon the exit. 

     Second Version

(The Officiant says):

(Groom) _______________ and (Bride) _______________ have chosen to give each other a rose which is the first gift as husband and wife. (At this time, the Officiant will give both the Bride and the Groom a rose, and they in turn, will present their rose to each other.) This rose was born of the tiniest of seeds and has blossomed into the beautiful flower that it is today. And so it is with your relationship. It began as a small feeling that grew and eventually blossomed into something beautiful. And now you stand before us today to make a commitment to each other as husband and wife. Since you know that love must be shared, it is your desire to share these first gifts with two very special people, two people who helped to prepare you for this moment and molded you into the individuals that you are today. (The Bride and Groom turn and present their roses to their mothers or significant mother figures and offer a hug or a kiss.)

     Third Version

(The Officiant says):

Today you will receive the most honorable titles that exist between a man and a woman---the titles of husband and wife. You have chosen to give each other a rose as your first gift. In the language of flowers, the rose was considered a symbol of love, and a single rose meant only thing---"I love you." So it is appropriate that your first gift to each other as husband and wife will be a single rose. Please exchange your gifts. (The Bride and Groom present each other with a rose.) (Groom) _______________ and (Bride) _______________, because you both have given and received this symbol of love, I would encourage you to choose one very special place in your home for roses. Then on each anniversary, you both may take a rose to that special place as a recommitment to your marriage, and express with this symbol that your marriage is a marriage based on love. 

In every marriage, there are times when it is difficult to verbalize certain feelings. Sometimes, we hurt those whom ewe love most, then find it difficult to say, "I am sorry," or "Please forgive me," or "I need you." When you simply cannot find these words, leave a rose at your specially chosen place, and let that rose say what matters most---"I still love you." The other should accept this rose for the words that cannot be found, and remember that the unspoken love is the hope you share and the faith you have in your future together as husband and wife.