Chloe Adams
Unity candle ceremonies are a popular way to symbolise the joining of two people in marriage. The ritual involves two taper candles that are lit and used to light a larger 'unity candle', representing the merging of two lives and the love shared. The unity candle ceremony is often chosen to represent the blending of two families, and can include family members such as parents, grandparents, or children. Couples can also choose to recite a meaningful passage or poem during the ceremony. The unity candle ceremony is usually performed after the couple's wedding vows and ring exchange, but can take place at any time during the ceremony.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ceremony type | Humanist, non-religious, religious |
| Participants | Couple, family members, wedding party, guests |
| Timing | After vows and ring exchange, or any time during the ceremony |
| Candle type | Long, non-drip, white or themed colour, with holder |
| Decorations | Ribbons, engravings, meaningful quotes |
| Candle lighting | Taper candles lit by family members, passed to couple to light unity candle |
| Candle blowing | Couple blows out unity candle together |
| Accompaniment | Poem, passage, music |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right candle
The unity candle ceremony is a symbolic ritual that takes place after the exchanging of vows. The couple uses two small taper candles to light a larger unity candle, signifying the union of their lives and the love they share.
Colour and Design
Most couples use a traditional white candle, but you can add a personal touch with candles in different colours or unique designs. You can also decorate the candle with colourful ribbons or other decorations that match your wedding theme.
Customisation
You can add personalised touches such as engraving the couple's names or a meaningful quote on the unity candle. This makes the ceremony more intimate and special.
Candle Type and Size
Long candles are recommended for the couple to make it easier to light the unity candle. The unity candle should be a larger pillar candle, which symbolises the merging of two lives into one.
Candle Holder
It is important to choose a strong base or candle holder that fits your unity candle securely. This ensures the candle doesn't topple over during the ceremony.
Weather Conditions
If your ceremony is outdoors, consider using hurricane lamps, which are glass coverings that shield the candles from the breeze. Ensure the wicks are deep inside the lamps to prevent them from blowing out.
Remember to choose a candle that reflects your beliefs, values, and the overall aesthetic of your wedding. This ritual is a powerful way to symbolise your love and commitment.
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Decorating the candle
Unity candle ceremonies are a great way to symbolise the union of two people in love. The unity candle is usually lit by the couple using their taper candles. The candle itself can be decorated in a variety of ways to match the wedding theme. Here are some ideas for decorating the unity candle:
Ribbons and Other Decorations
Colourful ribbons or other decorations that match the wedding theme can be used to adorn the candle. This can add a pop of colour and visual interest to the ceremony.
Personalised Engravings
Engraving the couple's names or a meaningful quote on the unity candle is a wonderful way to make the candle unique and special. It adds a personal touch and can be a beautiful keepsake even after the ceremony.
Crystals and Lace
Colour Choices
While traditional unity candles are usually white, choosing a different colour or unique design can add a personal touch. The colour can be selected to match the wedding colours or hold a special meaning for the couple.
Candle Holders
Using a candle holder or raising the candle on a platform can ensure the candle is visible to all guests during the ceremony. The candle holder can also be decorative, enhancing the overall presentation.
Hurricane Lamps for Outdoor Ceremonies
If the ceremony is outdoors, consider using hurricane lamps, which are glass coverings that shield the candle from breezes. This practical addition will ensure the candle stays lit throughout the ceremony.
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Preparing for an outdoor ceremony
Preparing for an outdoor unity candle ceremony requires some additional considerations to ensure the ritual goes smoothly. Firstly, the weather conditions can be unpredictable, so it is imperative to shield the candles from any breeze or wind. This can be done by using hurricane lamps or glasses, which are glass coverings that go around the candles and protect them from being blown out. These coverings also provide some protection from rain, but it may be worth setting up a tent or canopy to further safeguard the ceremony from unexpected weather.
In addition to protecting the candles, it is important to choose the right candles and candle accessories. The unity candle, typically a larger pillar candle, and the two taper candles, which are smaller, should be secured on a table or platform for the duration of the ceremony. The candle holders should be strong and stable, with a base that fits the candle snugly to prevent any accidents. Couples may also want to personalise their candles with decorations, engravings, or colourful ribbons that match their wedding theme.
Another important consideration for an outdoor ceremony is the involvement of other participants. While the couple getting married typically lights the unity candle together, sometimes family members, such as parents or children, may also be included in the ritual. In this case, it is important to ensure that these participants are aware of their role and are comfortably accommodated at the ceremony site.
Finally, the unity candle ceremony is often accompanied by words spoken by the officiant or the couple. If the ceremony is outdoors, it is essential to consider the acoustics of the space and ensure that any readings or music can be heard clearly by all guests. A sound system or microphone may be necessary to amplify the audio. Additionally, the ground should be level and sturdy to prevent any tripping or instability during the ceremony.
By carefully considering these aspects, couples can effectively prepare for an outdoor unity candle ceremony that is both safe and memorable. With the right preparations, the ceremony will be a powerful and symbolic moment that unites two lives and families in a beautiful and romantic gesture.
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Involving family members
There are several ways to involve family members in the unity candle ceremony. Firstly, the taper candles can be lit by parents or other family members before being passed to the couple to light the unity candle. This symbolises the unique light that each person brings to the marriage, representing their family, history, traditions and experiences. Alternatively, the couple's mothers can light the initial taper candles, signifying the joining of the two families. This is a nice way to include the mothers in the ceremony, as traditionally only the father of the bride is involved.
Another option is to ask a parent, child, sibling, or another family member to officiate the wedding. This can be done through free online ordination services offered by organisations like American Marriage Ministries (AMM). Involving a family member as the officiant adds a more intimate and personal touch to the ceremony.
The unity candle ceremony table can also be decorated with meaningful items, such as framed photos of family members, flowers, herbs, crystals, and colourful fabric tablecloths. These decorations not only enhance the visual appeal but also symbolise the couple's unique relationship and the merging of their families.
Additionally, the unity candle itself can be personalised with engravings of the couple's names or family trees. This adds a special touch that involves the family and serves as a cherished souvenir after the wedding.
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Blowing out the candle
The candle is usually blown out after the ceremony is completed and all guests have exited the venue. However, some couples opt to blow out their individual candles after lighting the unity candle, representing that they will never be fully separated from each other again and now exist as one.
If you are performing a unity candle ceremony outdoors, it is recommended that you use hurricane lamps to shield the candles from the breeze. These are glass coverings that go around the candles. It is also important to ensure that the candle wicks are deep inside the hurricane lamps so that they do not blow out during the ceremony.
If your venue does not allow candles or open flames, there are alternative options for a unity ceremony, such as using flameless candles or performing the ceremony at a different time or place on your wedding day.
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Frequently asked questions
A unity candle ceremony is a wedding ritual that symbolizes the joining of two people or two families into one. It involves lighting two taper candles and using them to light a larger unity candle together.
The unity candle is typically lit after the couple exchanges their wedding vows and rings. However, there are no rules, and the ceremony can take place at any time during the wedding.
The couple usually lights the unity candle together. Alternatively, they can choose to have their parents or elders light the taper candles, symbolizing their love and support, before passing them to the couple to light the unity candle.
The officiant usually explains the symbolism of the ritual and offers words of wisdom to the couple before they light the candle. The couple typically remains silent during the lighting. Some couples may also choose to recite a meaningful passage or poem or include a poem read by a special guest.
The couple will typically blow out the unity candle together after the ceremony is complete and all guests have exited. The unity candle can be kept as a decorative keepsake, and some couples even light it again each year on their anniversary.
