The Proper Way to Light a Unity Candle
The unity candle represents the new bond that is formed between a husband and a wife. You can perform the lighting of the unity candle whenever you would like during the ceremony. Some people choose to do it after the exchange of rings. Others choose to light the candle after the vows but before the rings are exchanged. You can even light the unity candle at the reception, before the dinner if you would like, though most light the candle during the ceremony. Decide what is appropriate for your ceremony as each ceremony differs in style and order of events.
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Instructions
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Set up the unity candle off to the side of the alter. It is recommended that you light the unity candle and the taper candles in advance and then blow them out. Sometimes new candles can be hard to light and you don't want to ruin your unity candle lighting experience.
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Choose between taper candles, which are long, thin candles, or your parents' unity candles as lighting devices. The unity candle is lit by two other candles in most occasions. Some people like to use their parents' unity candles, if they have them, to show the extent of the bond that they are making. Other couples prefer the tapered candles as they look nice and will serve the function.
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Light the taper candles before the ceremony starts. Lighting the taper candles before the ceremony begins allows you to move directly from the vows to lighting the candle without any extra steps. Allow your parents to light the candles as an honor for them if you are planning on lighting them in advance. Mothers or fathers can perform this task. When this path is chosen, most couples have a parent from each side of the family light one of the candles.
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Light the unity candle as a couple. Once you are ready, move to the unity candle set-up and each of you stand on one side. Gently lift the taper candle and in unison, light the unity candle. This candle is symbolic of the bond created in marriage and promises that you just made. Keep this candle and display it in your house to remember your commitment each time you look at it.
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References
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