Jessie Taylor
A unity candle ceremony is a symbolic tradition often used to symbolise unity and love in a wedding. The ceremony involves lighting candles and joining them together, representing the enduring commitment and blending of two families. Typically, the unity candle is lit after the vows, symbolising the shared future of the couple. The ceremony can be personalised with music, readings, and poetry, with the candle lighting done by the couple, their mothers, or children. The unity candle ceremony is a beautiful way to express love and commitment, with the couple lighting the candle together, often after repeating their vows.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Symbolism | Unity and love of the couple, merging of two individual lives and their families |
| Timing | Typically lit immediately after saying vows, but individual candles are lit at the start of the ceremony |
| Who lights the candle | The couple, but individual candles may be lit by mothers or children |
| Music | A meaningful song may be played in the background |
| Readings | A poem or meaningful reading may be recited |
| Location | May be done outdoors but requires extra planning |
| Choreography | Practice lighting and choreography ahead of time |
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What You'll Learn
Unity candle ceremony symbolism
A unity candle ceremony is a symbolic tradition often used to personalise a wedding. The ceremony symbolises the unity and love of the couple, representing the merging of two individual lives and their families through the act of lighting candles.
The unity candle is typically lit immediately after the couple says their vows, although the individual candles are lit at the start of the ceremony. The individual candles are often lit by the mothers of the couple or by their children, especially if it is a second marriage. The unity candle is then lit by the couple using their individual candles, symbolising the merging of their lives.
The candle ceremony is often accompanied by meaningful songs, poems, readings, or instrumental music. The words chosen for the ceremony are meant to capture the essence of the moment. The officiant may say something like:
> "These candles represent the lives of two individuals, burning separately until this moment. As they come together, their flames will unite, symbolising their shared future."
The ceremony symbolises enduring commitment and new beginnings, with the couple working together to keep the candle aflame.
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Choosing music for the unity candle ceremony
The unity candle ceremony is a symbolic tradition that can be personalised to reflect the couple's relationship and journey. The candle symbolises the light of two people in love, their adoration, and their enduring commitment to one another.
Choosing the music for this ceremony is a highly personal decision. The song should be meaningful to the couple and their families, reflecting the essence of their relationship, their journey, and their hopes for the future. The music should seamlessly accompany the ceremony, enhancing the moment without overpowering it. It should be long enough to cover the duration of the candle lighting, typically a few minutes, and can be customised by musicians if necessary.
There are no rules regarding the genre of the music. Couples can choose anything from classical pieces to modern love songs, R&B, punk rock, or jazz. Popular choices include romantic ballads, meaningful love songs, or instrumental pieces. Some couples opt for classic love songs, while others prefer unique songs that hold special significance to their relationship.
Some song suggestions include "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri, "Amazing Grace", "This Ring" by Anthony Carter, "The Wedding Song" by Paul Stookey, "I'll Be" by Edwin McCain, and "From This Moment" by Shania Twain. Couples may also choose to include a meaningful reading or poem during the ceremony.
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What to say during the unity candle ceremony
The Unity Candle Ceremony is a symbolic tradition and a special way to show the joining of two families. It involves the couple using two separate candles to light a centre candle, symbolising their coming together as a family while maintaining their individuality. This ceremony is usually led by a celebrant or wedding officiant, who will introduce and explain the symbolism of the ritual to the guests.
> "As you commit to each other today, you're creating a family circle of love. So may you always carry that light within each other, may you nurture and tend to the flame in each other's hearts as you recognise your continuing importance in each other's lives. So now, please share the light of your love and solidify the unity of your family."
The couple may then blow out their individual candles, symbolising that their union cannot be divided.
> "As this one light cannot be divided, neither shall your lives be divided but a united testimony in your home. May the radiance of this one light be a testimony of your unity."
The Unity Candle Ceremony is usually followed by the couple saying their vows and exchanging rings. The ceremony can be personalised with music, songs, poems, or readings in the background.
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Who lights the unity candle
The unity candle ceremony is a beautiful way to symbolise the joining of two people in marriage. The ritual involves lighting two smaller taper candles, which then light a larger central candle. This ceremony is usually performed by the couple, who light the unity candle together, but there are no hard and fast rules.
The unity candle ceremony is a relatively modern tradition, first gaining popularity in the second half of the 20th century in American Protestant weddings. It is not a religious ritual, and it is not part of Catholic or Anglican wedding ceremonies. However, it has been embraced by couples of varying religions and beliefs as a romantic and meaningful addition to their wedding day.
The unity candle ceremony can be adapted to include friends and family. For example, mothers, fathers, siblings, or children of the couple can light the initial taper candles, which the couple then uses to light the central unity candle. Some couples prefer to light the taper candles before the ceremony begins, so they are already lit and ready to go.
The timing of the ceremony during the wedding is flexible, but it usually occurs after the vows and ring exchange and before the final remarks and official pronouncement or kiss. It only adds about 2 to 3 minutes to the ceremony. It is advisable to practice the lighting choreography ahead of time, especially for outdoor weddings where wind may be a factor.
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Unity candle ceremony choreography
Unity candle ceremonies are a beautiful way to symbolise the joining of two people and their families. The ceremony is usually led by a wedding officiant, who will guide the couple through the process and explain the symbolism to guests.
Choreography
The unity candle ceremony can be personalised to suit the couple and their families. The ceremony usually involves the couple each holding a taper candle and simultaneously lighting a larger 'unity candle' from their individual flames. This can be done at the start of the ceremony, or immediately after saying vows.
The unity candle itself can be personalised with the couple's names and wedding date, and the taper candles can be chosen in the wedding colours.
The individual taper candles are usually lit by the mothers of the bride and groom, or by children, especially if it is a second marriage. The couple then lights the unity candle together.
If the wedding is outdoors, consider using small votive candles in holders to light the candles, rather than a lighter that may blow out in the wind.
Readings and Music
The ceremony can include a reading, poem, or meaningful song chosen by the couple. The reading should encapsulate the blending of the two families and the new life they are forming together. The song should be meaningful to the couple and their families, with a message that reflects the merging of their families.
Sample Script
Officiant: "As you commit to each other today, you're creating a family circle of love. So may you always carry that light within each other, may you nurture and tend to the flame in each other's hearts as you recognise your continuing importance in each other's lives."
Officiant: "Now, please share the light of your love and solidify the unity of your family."
The couple then lights the unity candle together.
A unity candle ceremony is a simple yet meaningful way to symbolise the love and commitment of the couple, and the blending of their two families. With careful planning and personal touches, it can be a memorable part of the wedding day.
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Frequently asked questions
A unity candle ceremony is a symbolic tradition that symbolizes the unity and love of the couple, representing the merging of two individual lives and their families through the act of lighting candles.
The unity candle is typically lit immediately after saying your vows. However, there are no rules, and some couples choose to light it at the start of the ceremony.
The couple lights the unity candle together using their individual candles, emphasizing the merging of their lives. The individual candles can be lit by the mothers of the bride and groom or by children from a previous marriage.
The officiant or wedding celebrant usually leads the ceremony by introducing and explaining the symbolism of the ritual to the guests. Couples can choose to incorporate personalized vows, traditional phrases, quotes, or poetry to make the ceremony more meaningful.
Yes, you can personalize the unity candle ceremony by playing meaningful music or having guests sing a song in the background while the couple lights the unity candle.
