How to Light a Wedding Unity Candle

The lighting of the unity candle symbolizes a union of two who are becoming one through marriage. A nice aspect of lighting a Unity Candle is that it is has no religious significance, and can be customized any way you want as part of your ceremony.A Unity Candle is actually a set of candles: a large single candle in the center and one taper candle on either side. The candles are placed in holders; either a special unity candle-holder or individual bases. During the ceremony, you will each take a lighted taper and together will light the big center candle, symbolizing your unity and commitment to each other.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Unity candle
• Two tapers

1. Decide when you would like to light the candle during your wedding ceremony. There is no “set” time. Make sure that the person conducting your ceremony knows when this will occur in the sequence so they can introduce it as part of the ceremony.
2. Plan how and when the taper candles are to be lighted. This can be simple or elaborate. You may wish to have them lit just prior to the start of the ceremony or during it. Consider having two special people each light a candle, such as a family member, close friend, the best man or maid of honor.
3. Place your unity candle and tapers in the location you would like to light them during the ceremony. This may be on a table, podium, or altar. It can be behind the person conducting the ceremony or off to the side.
4. Practice lighting the Unity Candle lighting during wedding rehearsal (without actually lighting the candles).
5. Light the Unity tapers as previously decided during the wedding ceremony.
6. At this point in the ceremony, you will both go to the unity candle and already-lit tapers are displayed. Each of you will take a taper and at the same time will light the unity candle.
7. Place the tapers back in their holders. You may choose to leave them lit or blow them out.
8. Return to the altar or podium and continue the ceremony.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are having an outdoor ceremony, the wind can be a problem. Make sure your candles are placed in a location protected from the wind.
• Save the unity candle and tapers. If you decide to periodically renew your vows with a formal ceremony, it makes the event extra special to relight the candles.
• Some churches and houses of worship may not permit this ceremony, so it’s important to check in advance to see if it is allowed.

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