Tyler Brooks
Unity candles are a cherished tradition in wedding ceremonies, symbolizing the joining of two families and the couple's new life together. Couples can opt to create their own unity candles, adding a personalized twist to the traditional ritual. DIY unity candles allow for customization, from attaching ribbons and gemstones to incorporating pressed flowers or using wax beads. However, it's important to avoid using hot glue as it can melt the wax. Couples can also choose to personalize their unity candles with names, dates, and other meaningful details. The unity candle is typically lit during the ceremony and then blown out together by the couple at the end, symbolizing their unity and the start of their journey as a married couple.
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Attaching decorations
One way to avoid this is to place the candle in a vase, candle holder, or wreath and then wrap and decorate the outside. This way, you can still have a beautifully decorated candle without the risk of melting glue or wax. You could use a glue gun to attach decorations such as ribbon and gemstones to the vase or candle holder. Alternatively, you could use florist clay or Uglu adhesive to attach decorations, as these are less likely to damage surfaces than tape.
If you want to attach decorations directly to the candle, one method is to use a hairdryer to melt the wax where you want to place your decorations, and then press the decorations into the melted wax. This method has been used successfully with pressed flowers, and may also work with other lightweight decorations.
Remember to always take the necessary safety precautions when working with hot wax and open flames. It is also important to consider the placement of your unity candle, especially if your ceremony is outdoors. Shielding the candle with a glass covering, such as a hurricane lamp, will protect the flame from going out due to a breeze.
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Candle holders
Unity candle holders are available in a variety of styles and can be purchased or crafted to suit your needs. If you're looking for ready-made options, there are several online retailers you can explore, each offering unique and custom designs.
Etsy, for instance, is a global marketplace known for its handmade, vintage, and one-of-a-kind items. Here, you'll find a selection of unity candle holders with features like personalization, floating candles, and whimsical heart designs. Etsy also supports small businesses and creative entrepreneurs, so your purchase contributes to a vibrant community.
Amazon is another option, offering unity candle holders with various finishes like brushed, lacquered, painted, polished, and powder-coated. You can also find sets that include candleholders and candles, allowing you to create your own designs.
Walmart also provides a range of unity candle holders, including metal 3-pillar candelabras in gold, perfect for weddings or anniversaries.
If you're feeling creative and want to make your own unity candle holders, there are plenty of cost-effective options. You can explore second-hand stores, dollar stores, or online retailers like eBay, Quickcandles, or Garden Ridge. With a bit of creativity, you can find inexpensive items and transform them into elegant candle holders. Additionally, buying candles and candle holders in bulk from retailers like Dollar Tree, Walmart, or Amazon can be a cost-effective option.
Whether you choose to buy from small businesses, support creative entrepreneurs, or craft your own, unity candle holders offer a unique and personalized touch to any occasion.
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Candle type
Unity candles are a cherished part of wedding ceremonies, symbolising the joining of two families and the couple's new life together. There are many ways to create a DIY unity candle, from decorating a plain pillar candle to creating a candle from wax beads.
One popular method is to use a simple glue gun to attach ribbons and gemstones to a block candle. However, some people advise against this, as the wax may melt the glue or run over the ribbon, creating a messy appearance. Instead, you could put the candle in a vase or candle holder and wrap the vase with the ribbon and gemstones. Another option is to use a hairdryer to melt the wax and press flowers, ribbons, or gemstones into the candle.
If you're looking for a more personalised candle, you can create one using wax beads. Unfortunately, these can be hard to find. Alternatively, you can purchase a plain pillar candle and decorate it to your liking. You can add names, dates, and other custom details to make it unique.
For a romantic touch, consider a Suspended Heart Taper Unity Candle Holder, or opt for a vintage-inspired design, such as the Vintage-Inspired Iron Pillar Unity Candle Holder or the Vintage-Inspired Resin Taper Unity Candle Holder. If you want your candle to sparkle, choose a crystal unity candle holder. Remember to keep your unity candle safe during the ceremony, especially if it is outdoors, by using hurricane lamps, which are glass coverings that shield the candles from the breeze.
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Ceremony timing
The unity candle ceremony is an important part of your wedding ceremony. It symbolises the joining of two families and the beginning of the couple's life together as husband and wife. It is usually lit during the wedding ceremony and then extinguished once the ceremony is complete and all guests have exited the venue. The unity candle is traditionally relit on each wedding anniversary.
The unity candle ceremony should be initiated after the couple has lit their taper candles and before the officiant reads their script. The couple should light their taper candles before the ceremony, to avoid any disruptions.
If the ceremony is outdoors, it is important to shield the candles with hurricane lamps. These are glass coverings that protect the candles from the breeze. The wicks of the candles should be deep inside the hurricane lamps, to prevent them from blowing out.
It is recommended to have a matchbook or lighter nearby in case any candles need to be relit. It is also important to keep any veils worn by the couple away from the candles to prevent them from catching on fire.
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After the ceremony
After the unity candle ceremony, the couple traditionally blows out the unity candle together, symbolising their unity and the start of their journey as a married couple. It is customary to blow out the candle after the ceremony is completed and all guests have exited the venue. The unity candle is often kept as a souvenir, so it should be carefully wrapped up and stored after the flame is extinguished.
Some couples may choose to have a close friend stay behind after the ceremony to collect the candles and keep them safe. The unity candle ceremony is a powerful symbol of the couple's love and unity, so the candles are often cherished and kept safe for years to come.
If the couple wishes to incorporate other unity rituals into their wedding, there are several alternatives to the candle ceremony. A sand ceremony is a popular choice, where two different colours of sand are poured into a single vase, representing the blending of two individuals and families. The vessel of combined sand is kept as a symbol of the marriage. Another option is a wedding wine box ceremony, or a tree-planting ceremony, where two saplings are planted to represent the growth of the couple's love.
Regardless of the specific unity ritual chosen, the purpose is always to symbolise the joining of two lives and the creation of a new union. Couples may also choose to recite meaningful passages or poems during the ceremony, adding a personal touch to the ritual. The unity candle ceremony is a beautiful and meaningful way to express the love and commitment shared between two people.
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Frequently asked questions
The unity candle ceremony is a tradition where a couple lights a unity candle to symbolise their union and the start of their journey as a married couple.
You will need two taper candles, a unity candle, a table or platform for the candles to rest on during the ceremony, and a candle holder. If your ceremony is outdoors, you will also need hurricane lamps to shield the candles from the breeze.
There are many ways to personalise a unity candle, including adding names, dates, and other decorations such as ribbons, gemstones, or pressed flowers.
Using hot glue or a simple glue gun to attach decorations to a unity candle is not recommended, as the heat may melt the wax or the glue. Instead, you can try using a hairdryer to melt the wax where you want to attach your decorations.
You can find unity candles and decorations at Weddingstar, WeddingWire, Etsy, and Weddingbee.
