Jessie Taylor
Unity candles are a romantic and powerful way to symbolise the union of two people in love. The ritual, which is often incorporated into weddings, sees a couple light a large 'unity candle' using two smaller taper candles, representing the merging of their lives and the blending of their families. Unity candles are a modern tradition, gaining popularity in Christian and interfaith weddings, as well as weddings in general. Couples can personalise their unity candle ceremony with colours, patterns, engravings, and accessories, as well as including friends and family in the ritual.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Occasion | Weddings |
| Symbolism | Union of the couple, joining of two families, love, faith, passion, commitment, bright years ahead |
| Participants | Couple, officiant, elders, children, friends, family, best man, maid of honor |
| Timing | After the couple's wedding vows and ring exchange, or any time during the ceremony |
| Number of candles | Three (two taper candles and one unity candle) |
| Candle type | Taper candles, pillar candles |
| Candle colour | Wedding colours |
| Candle design | Custom-made, engraved, decorated with ribbons or other decorations |
| Candle holder | Strong base or candle holder, matching the tone of the celebration |
| Accessories | Candle holders, ribbons |
| Ceremony location | Indoors or outdoors |
| Music | Special music, or quiet |
| Script | Read from a script, recite a meaningful passage or poem |
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What You'll Learn
Choose a candle set that matches your wedding aesthetic and colour scheme
Unity candle ceremonies are a beautiful way to symbolise the joining of two people and their families. The ritual involves lighting two taper candles to ignite a larger 'unity candle'. Couples can choose to incorporate their wedding colour scheme and aesthetic into the candle set-up in several ways.
Firstly, taper candles can be chosen in the wedding colours. Couples can also opt for custom-made unity candles engraved with their names, the wedding date, or a meaningful quote. Candle holders, ribbons, and other accessories can also be selected to match the wedding's colour scheme and overall tone. For instance, a vintage-themed wedding could feature a unity candle set-up with a family heirloom candle holder passed down through the generations.
For an outdoor wedding, the unity candle set-up can be designed to complement the natural surroundings. A beach wedding, for example, could feature a coral-coloured candle surrounded by seashells and pebbles.
Couples can also involve their friends and family in the ceremony by having them light the taper candles. This adds a unique and personalised touch to the unity candle ritual.
No matter the chosen colour scheme or aesthetic, it is essential to prioritise durability. Selecting a sturdy base or candle holder that fits the unity candle securely is crucial to prevent any accidents during the ceremony.
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Include family members in the ceremony
Unity candle ceremonies are a beautiful way to symbolise the joining of two families. While the ceremony usually involves just the couple, there are ways to include other family members to make it even more meaningful.
One way to include family members is to have them light the taper candles. This could be a parent or grandparent from each side of the family, who then pass the taper candles to the couple to light the unity candle. This symbolises the passing of their blessing and love to the couple.
If you have stepchildren, you could include a taper candle for each child, which they light together with the couple to light the unity candle, symbolising the joining of the family.
For a more extended family ceremony, you could have a candle for each family member, which is passed along and lit from the unity candle. This could be a beautiful way to include everyone, but it may be time-consuming and a little crowded.
A more simple way to include family members is to decorate the table with framed photos of them. This way, they are still a part of the ceremony without any added complexity.
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Personalise the unity candle with engravings or decorations
Unity candles are a beautiful way to symbolise the joining of two people and two families. Couples can personalise their unity candles with engravings or decorations to make them even more meaningful.
One popular way to personalise a unity candle is to engrave the couple's names and wedding date on the candle. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as burning the initials inside a heart with an arrow or simply writing out the full names and date. These engravings add a unique and special touch to the candle, making it a cherished keepsake long after the wedding day.
In addition to engravings, couples can also choose to decorate their unity candles with other meaningful designs or patterns. For example, a couple getting married on a beach might choose a coral-coloured candle surrounded by seashells and pebbles to match the setting. Those seeking a vintage-themed wedding could use a family heirloom candle passed down through generations. Ribbons, candle holders, and other accessories can also be chosen to match the colour scheme or theme of the wedding, creating a cohesive and stylish look.
Some couples may also opt for a natural, handcrafted candle made from sustainably grown birch, which can be personalised with unique engravings. These candles often come with additional taper candle holders that can also be customised with initials or other designs, creating a beautiful and cohesive set.
The unity candle ceremony is a special moment in a wedding, and personalising the candle adds an extra layer of sentiment. Couples can choose to engrave meaningful quotes, dates, or names, or decorate the candle to match their wedding theme, creating a cherished memory of their commitment to each other.
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Prepare a script for the officiant to read
Unity candle ceremonies are a beautiful way to symbolise the joining of two people and two families. The ritual is a powerful gesture of love and faith in the strength of the couple's relationship.
"Welcome everyone, today we are gathered here to celebrate the union of [name] and [name]. This ceremony is a symbol of the merging of two lives, two journeys, and two families into one. The lighting of the unity candle represents the bright years ahead and the love and commitment shared between these two people.
[Name] and [name], your taper candles represent your individual lives, and the lighting of the unity candle symbolises the creation of your new life together. As you light the centre candle together, your family also shares the union you create. The blending of the two families into one, supporting your marriage.
Please now blow out your taper candles to signify the joining of your two lives."
The unity candle ceremony is a special moment in a wedding ceremony and can be personalised with music, prayers, and other touches to make it unique to the couple.
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Rehearse the ceremony before the wedding
Rehearsing the unity candle ceremony before the wedding is an important step to ensure everything goes smoothly on the big day. Here are some key things to keep in mind when rehearsing:
Table Setup and Placement
Before the rehearsal, decide on the table setup, including the placement of the unity candle and taper candles. Consider the overall aesthetic and choose a table that fits the theme and colour scheme of the wedding. If the ceremony is outdoors, protect the candles from the wind with hurricane lamps, and ensure the wicks are deep inside to prevent them from blowing out. Place the table in a spot that is easily accessible for the couple, especially if they will be wearing long gowns or outfits that could catch on anything. A popular choice is to place the table behind the officiant, so the audience doesn't need to shift their attention during the ceremony.
Timing and Choreography
Practice the timing and choreography of the candle lighting during the rehearsal. Decide who will light the taper candles and when. The taper candles can be lit before the ceremony, or as part of the ritual by a parent, friend, or the officiant. The couple will then use these to light the unity candle simultaneously. Rehearse the movements and ensure that any long clothing or veils are kept away from the candles to prevent accidents.
Script and Symbolism
The unity candle ceremony is a symbolic ritual, so ensure that the symbolism is clear to those involved in the rehearsal. The officiant may read a script during the ceremony, explaining the meaning of the ritual and the merging of two families and two individuals.
Safety Considerations
During the rehearsal, pay close attention to fire safety. Keep the area around the candles clear of any decorations or drapery that could catch fire. Have a fire extinguisher or a bucket of sand nearby as a precaution.
Dress Rehearsal
Remember that clothing will be different on the wedding day. Ensure that the table placement and choreography accommodate any long gowns, trains, or decorative sleeves that could pose a safety hazard or restrict movement.
By rehearsing the unity candle ceremony, you can ensure that everyone involved is comfortable with their roles and that the ceremony runs smoothly and safely on the wedding day.
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Frequently asked questions
Unity candles are a symbolic ritual performed at weddings. The couple uses two small taper candles to light a larger 'unity candle', representing the union of their lives and the love they share.
The unity candle ceremony usually takes place after the couple has exchanged vows and wedding rings.
You will need three candles: two small taper candles and one larger pillar candle. You can also add candle holders, ribbons, and other accessories that match your wedding theme.
The setup can vary depending on your preferences. The couple typically lights the unity candle together, but some couples may choose to include their friends and family by having them light the taper candles. An officiant may also be included to read from a script and explain the symbolism of the ritual.
You can buy unity candles from online retailers such as Etsy, Zazzle, and Amazon, or you can make your own with decorations that match your wedding theme.
