How to Perform a Unity Candle Service at a Wedding
Lighting a unity candle during a wedding service is a traditional way to symbolize that the bride and groom are joining their two selves and two lives into one life together. This beautiful visualization of marriage is a meaningful way to incorporate loved ones into the service, and it is a special opportunity for the couple to share thoughts or music that demonstrate their feelings about uniting themselves in marriage. Though there are countless variations on how to perform the ritual, it's necessary to incorporate some basic elements.
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Instructions
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Designate a place to display the candles during the wedding ceremony so that all of the guests can see them. Traditionally, a taper or pillar candle is placed on either side of the larger, central unity candle. Use a specially designed unity candle or a plain candle.
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Decorate the table, if you desire. Some couples prefer a simple tablecloth in a color that coordinates with the wedding theme, while others prefer to showcase elaborate floral arrangements around the candles.
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Determine how the candles will be lit. Light the individual candles before any guests arrive, or make that part of your wedding processional. Often, the mothers of the bride and groom will light the candle that represents their child, using either matches or a candle that has already been lit.
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Write a short summary of the symbolism behind the unity candle for the minister to read during that part of the ceremony. Select a piece of literature or a song that alludes to the special meaning of two lives being joined. The bride and groom light the unity candle together using their individual candles while the song or poem is being performed.
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Blow out the individual candles to represent the extinction of the single life, or leave the candles burning to represent the bride and groom as individuals. Many modern couples choose to leave the individual candles burning.
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Tips & Warnings
In a wedding that joins couples with children from a previous relationship, the unity candle service is an excellent way to make them part of the service. Older children can light the candle that represents their parent, while younger children help. Some families might prefer to have the children help light the unity candle as a symbol of the families, not just the couple, becoming one.
Keep the candles away from anything flammable and make sure they are sitting on a stable surface.
