Unity candles
at
Little Chapel of
the Forest
Bride and Groom come together to light the Unity candle, each with their own
single candle. As they do so, the minister speaks on the symbolism of how the two flames
they hold separately will join as one flame...just as their
marriage unites their two separate lives into one life together.
Upon lighting of the Unity candle, special music begins to play; the wedding couple will hold hands, and face one another.
When the music fades, the minister pronounces them Husband and Wife.
R: Deluxe Unity candles on
alter table - $75
(Not pictured) Traditional Unity candles look similar, but they do not have
pearl beads - $50
Unity
Candle Element
Flower Exchange Element
Unity Candle Many couples choose to include the Unity Candle element in their wedding ceremony to symbolize the joining of their two families through marriage; in this marriage ceremony, the bride and groom each light separate candles, and them us them to light a single candle to symbolize their new union.
History of
the Unity Candle: The Unity Candle was introduced to weddings in
the early 1990's. Couples use two lit taper candles (symbolizing their
individuality) to light one big candle as a symbol of their two lives
becoming one in commitment.
Suggestions for use: One way to use them is when the bride is
given away. Her parents light her candle, his parents light his, and
then the bride and groom light the Unity Candle together.
A second way is to have the candle and two tapers on an altar or near the couple. After the vows have been said both move to the candle and light it together, either have someone special read a poem that is meaningful to you or use music at this time. This would be followed by the exchange of rings. It is also perfectly acceptable to do it right before the proclamation of marriage, both sets of parents can be involved here as well.
Another way is to have
the bride and groom light their respective side candles at the beginning
of the ceremony, and then use these to light the main unity candle just
before the pronouncement.
Flower Exchange
When outdoor conditions pose a challenge to candles that may be blown out
by the wind, there are other ways to represent the new marriage union.
The couple may choose to use two bouquets of flowers -- roses would be appropriate
-- that a family member or friend of the bride and groom brings down the
aisle and places in separate vases. Then, at the right time in the
ceremony, the bride and groom each pluck a single stem from their bouquet,
and place the two stems together in another vase.
Wine can also be used. A family member or friend of the bride and groom
each pour wine into a pretty cup, and everyone takes a sip; then the bride and
groom each pour some into another cup and sip from that cup as a married couple.
The Apaches have a similar unity custom that involves pouring colored sand
into a bowl. Or the couple can invent their own celebration of the new
union!
Unity Candle Considerations
Many couples are now incorporating unity candles into their wedding ceremonies. Some churches now have specific wording that can be used for this portion of the ceremony, which uses two taper candles, representing the couples as individuals, and a single center candle, symbolizing their commitment to each other.
The two tapers may be lit prior to the ceremony by attendants, or may be lit by the parents of the bride and groom during the unity candle portion of the ceremony. The bride and groom each take one taper, and blending the flames together, light the single center candle, which is often decorated.
A few tips about using a Unity candle:
-
Be sure there is a place set up for the candles prior to the ceremony, such as a small table near the altar.
-
Light the wicks of all three candles for a moment prior to the ceremony. New candles can be stubborn the first time they're used.
-
Remember to have matches! Ask a groomsman to tuck some into his pocket, just in case.
-
The bride and groom should decide before the ceremony whether they will extinguish their tapers after lighting the unity candle, or whether they will simply place them back in their holders still lit. Either is appropriate.
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Talk through this portion of the ceremony during the wedding rehearsal to make sure everyone knows what they're supposed to be doing. This is especially important if parents or other family members will be involved.