How to Perform Unity Candle Wedding Ceremonies
Weddings performed in the United States often incorporate symbolic rituals of the union between the bride and the groom. Lighting a unity candle symbolizes the intertwining of the two families through marriage. Performed by the bride and groom and their mothers, the unity candle lighting usually takes place after the exchange of rings and before the couple is pronounced husband and wife.
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Instructions
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Ask the mothers of the wedding couple to participate in the unity candle ceremony. Offer the position to another member of the immediate family if one of the mothers is unable to participate.
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Give each mother a long-stemmed lighter, often used to light cooking grills. Have the ushers seat all the guests, including the mothers. Start the ceremony by having the officiant gesture to the mothers to approach the altar.
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Have each mother light a tapered candle while soft, instrumental music is played. Place the two candles on either side of the unity candle. Often, a special holder is used to accommodate the three candles.
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Watch for the officiant to gesture to the mothers to have a seat. After the mothers are seated, continue the wedding ceremony.
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Wait for the officiant's prompt. Then both bride and groom approach the candles and position themselves so the candles are visible to the audience.
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Listen as the officiant speaks of the symbolic meaning of the unity candle. While he speaks, the bride reaches for the candle lit by her mother and the groom reaches for the candle lit by his mother.
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Light the unity candle. Raising the tapered candles in unison, the couple place the flames of their candles together and ignite the wick of the unity candle. After the flame is established, the tapered candles are returned to their holders still lit, and the couple goes back to their position near the officiant.
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Tips & Warnings
Test the wick on the unity candle and the two tapered candles before the ceremony. Trim off excess wax, and light each candle for a moment, ensuring it will light during the ceremony. Use new lighters for the ceremony to ensure a smooth flow of fuel.
Wearing a veil near the unity candle can be hazardous. The bride should not lean too close to the candle if she is wearing a long veil that flows easily.
