Brooke Martin
Unity candle ceremonies are a popular choice for weddings, vow renewals, and other ceremonies. The unity candle ceremony is a non-denominational ritual that involves lighting two taper candles at the beginning of the ceremony, which are then used to light a larger candle together. This symbolises the joining of two individuals and the creation of a new family unit. The unity candle ceremony is usually performed after exchanging vows and rings, before the couple kisses and is announced.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When it takes place in the ceremony | Typically, the unity candle is lit after the vows and ring exchange. However, the individual candles are lit at the start of the ceremony. |
| Who lights the candles | The couple lights the unity candle, but the individual taper candles are often lit by the mothers or children of the couple. |
| What the unity candle symbolises | The unity candle symbolises the joining of two individuals into the marriage bond. The taper candles can be left burning to represent the two original families or blown out to symbolise the end of their independent lives. |
| What the taper candles symbolise | The taper candles symbolise the individuality of each person in the couple. |
| What the candles look like | The candles are usually white, but they can be any colour. There are two taper candles and one larger pillar candle in the centre. |
| What happens during the ceremony | The couple each takes a lit taper candle and simultaneously lights the centre candle. |
| Where unity candle ceremonies take place | Unity candle ceremonies are popular in religious and non-religious weddings. They are not part of Catholic or Anglican wedding ceremonies. |
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What You'll Learn
Unity candle ceremony order
Unity candle ceremonies are a popular choice for couples, whether their wedding is religious or non-religious. The ceremony is a powerful symbol of two individuals joining together as one, and the merging of two families.
The unity candle ceremony usually takes place after the couple has exchanged vows and rings. The unity candle ceremony involves three candles: two taper candles and one centre candle. The taper candles are lit at the beginning of the ceremony, often by the mothers of the couple, and are placed at either side of the centre candle. The couple then uses the taper candles to light the centre candle together. This can be done in silence, or with music, a poem, or reading in the background. The taper candles are then either left burning, or blown out to symbolise the end of their independent lives.
The unity candle ceremony can also include other family members, such as children, to symbolise their important role in the new, blended family.
Planning and Personalisation
Couples can choose to personalise their unity candle ceremony with candles in their wedding colours, or with custom-made candles featuring their names and the wedding date. It is also possible to include special music, prayers, or other personal touches.
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Unity candle symbolism
Unity candle ceremonies are a popular choice for wedding rituals. The unity candle ceremony is a non-denominational practice with no religious significance, making it a popular choice for religious and non-religious ceremonies alike.
The unity candle ceremony involves the couple using two separate candles to light a larger candle together, symbolising the joining of two individuals into the marriage bond. The two taper candles represent the couple as individuals, with distinct flames that can still go their separate ways. However, when the couple uses these flames to light the larger candle together, it symbolises the couple joining together in marriage as one united family.
The taper candles can be left burning to represent the couple's original families, or they can be blown out to symbolise the end of their independent lives as they join together as one. The unity candle ceremony is often performed after the couple has exchanged their vows, symbolising their enduring commitment to each other and the blending of their two families.
The unity candle ceremony is a relatively new tradition, gaining popularity after its appearance in a 1981 episode of the TV show General Hospital. Despite its recent origins, the unity candle ceremony is a romantic and memorable way to symbolise the union of two people in marriage.
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Unity candle colours
Unity candles are a popular choice for wedding ceremonies, both religious and non-religious. The unity candle ceremony is often performed after the couple has exchanged their vows and rings, as they are now united as one. The unity candle symbolises two individuals joining in marriage.
The unity candle ceremony usually involves two taper candles, representing the couple as individuals, which are used to light a larger central candle, the unity candle. The taper candles can be left burning, symbolising that the couple has not lost their individuality, or they can be blown out, indicating that their lives have merged.
The unity candle is usually white, but there are no rules on the colours, shapes, and sizes of the candles. Couples can choose any colour they like and even personalise the candles with names, dates, scripture, vows, or photos.
The unity candle ceremony is a recent tradition, gaining popularity after it appeared in a 1981 episode of the TV show *General Hospital*. It is not part of the Catholic Wedding Ceremony, but it may be allowed at the discretion of the pastor. For Christian couples, the unity candle can be compared to the Holy Spirit and Jesus, who is the light of the world.
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Unity candle cost
The unity candle ceremony is a popular choice for both religious and non-religious wedding ceremonies. It is a romantic and symbolic ritual that represents the joining together of two people and their families. The unity candle is usually lit after the couple has exchanged their vows and rings, as this is the moment they become one.
The cost of a unity candle kit can vary, but it is generally an affordable addition to your wedding. You can expect to pay anywhere between £15-£60 ($20- $75) for a kit. The more elaborate and personalised the candle kit, the more expensive it will be. If you are crafty, you could save money by creating your own unity candle kit. A basic kit includes two smaller taper candles and one larger pillar candle. You may also want to purchase candle holders and a long-reach lighter.
The candles selected for this ceremony are usually white, but you can choose any colour, shape, and size. You can also decorate the candles to match your wedding theme or include special details such as your names or a family tree. If you are including flowers with your candle display, you may need to factor in additional arrangement costs with your florist.
Some couples choose to keep their unity candle as a memento of their commitment to each other. It has become a custom for some couples to relight their unity candle each year on their anniversary to celebrate their marriage.
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Unity candle alternatives
Unity candle ceremonies are a popular choice for weddings, but they are not for everyone. Unity candles can be expensive, and some people may want something more unique or personalised. Here are some alternative unity ceremony ideas:
Unity Sand
One alternative is a unity sand ceremony, where two glasses of sand are poured into a bottle or carafe to make one container of blended sand. This can be kept as a memento, and some couples choose to include their children in this ceremony.
Wine Ceremony
A wine ceremony involves two small carafes of red and white wine, which are poured together to make a rose-coloured wine. The red wine symbolises passionate love and health, while the white wine symbolises strength and longevity. This can be your first toast as a married couple.
Planting a Tree
Planting a tree or another plant together is a way to symbolise your growing marriage. You can watch it grow and thrive alongside your relationship.
Art
Some couples choose to create a piece of art together, such as a painting, which can be displayed in their home.
Hand-binding
Hand-binding is a unity ceremony that can be performed with or without religious elements. It involves tying a knot with your spouse to signify your bond.
Bonfire
For an outdoor wedding, a bonfire can be a unique alternative to a unity candle. It can be a great way to involve your guests, who can gather around the fire and even roast s'mores.
These are just a few ideas, but there are many other ways to symbolise your unity during a wedding ceremony. It is a special moment that should reflect your personality and taste, so feel free to get creative and come up with something meaningful to you as a couple.
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Frequently asked questions
A unity candle ceremony is a wedding tradition where two taper candles are lit at the beginning of the wedding, and then later are brought together to light a larger candle, representing the couple uniting.
The unity candle ceremony typically takes place after the couple has exchanged their vows. The individual candles are lit at the start of the ceremony, and the unity candle is lit after the vows and ring exchange.
The unity candle is usually lit by the couple, but there are variations. In some ceremonies, the mothers or children of the couple light the taper candles, and the couple lights the unity candle together.
