How to Create Your Own Unity Candle

Unity candles are often all white, but frequently accented with wedding colors.

The phrase "two become one" can be embodied in a unity candle lighting during a wedding ceremony. A unity candle is a large pillar candle lit by both the bride and groom simultaneously, using two separate taper candles. The symbolism of the lighting reinforces the concept that two individuals are coming together in marriage and uniting as one family. Unity candles can be decorated to coordinate with the colors of the wedding or may be all white to reflect the purity of a couple's love.

Things You'll Need

• Vellum paper
• Scissors
• Double-sided tape
• Pillar candle
• 2 taper candles
• Ribbon, 1-inch wide

Instructions

1. Create a logo or symbol for your wedding. Design it on your computer so that you can save and print it later. The logo could be the initial of your last name if you will be sharing a name, or perhaps a combination of both of your last name initials, or a decorative design. Incorporate the date of your wedding and your first names in the design. Instead of a wedding logo, consider a bible verse that has special meaning to you and your future spouse, or favorite lines from a poem.

2. Print out your final design on vellum paper. Apply double-sided tape to the back of the vellum. Press firmly to attach the vellum sheet to the pillar candle.

3. Measure and cut strips from the ribbon to fit around the pillar candle. Cut two more strips that will fit around the taper candles. Attach double-stick tape to the ribbon.

4. Press the longer ribbon strips onto the pillar candle at the top and bottom of the vellum. Wrap the smaller ribbon strips around each of the taper candles, making sure they stick. Place candles into appropriately sized candle holders.

Tips & Warnings

• Embellishments such as rhinestones, small bows and dried flowers can also be added for more personalization.

• Inject some color into the candle by putting a colored sheet of paper behind the vellum and attaching both to the candle.

• Align the vellum paper with the bottom of the candle and away from the wick to avoid the paper catching fire as the candle burns.

References

• Bride Craft: Design Your Own Custom Unity Candle with Paper
• Craftyweddings.com: Make a Unity Candle