Should You Utilize a Unity Candle in Your Ceremony?

There really is no standard way to perform a unity candle ceremony, nor is there a specific place in your wedding where you must have it if you choose to do so. Though many couples do it after they trade rings, it has been commonly done at the very beginning, at the very end, or even during a song. The great thing about a unity candle ceremony is that it allows you to add as much or as little flair to your wedding as you want and gets you moving a little bit so you and your partner don’t faint. Some people light the tapers as a part of the start of the ceremony. Others light them as they go up to light the candle. Still others have multiple tapers already lit and the bride and groom just take one of those. It’s whatever you want to do – just make sure you have it rehearsed before hand so there are no mixups. The unity candle has become an integral part of many weddings since the year 2000. The lighting of the unity candle from two separate candles is another reflection of the two partners becoming one unified force in today’s world. The unity candle lighting can be a fond memory of a ceremony and the unity candle can be a mantle piece in your home – it is non-denomination, non-religious, and can be done by anyone, which is why it is such a perfect addition to your ceremony. That’s right – a unity candle is actually a set of candles, not just that one big gigantic candle that you always see. A unity candle set will come with a large single candle in the center of the presentation, and two slim taper candles on either side. The candles are placed in holders that are either specially designed for the unity candle presentation or in separate holders. Then, some time during the ceremony, the soon to be couple lights the candle together to symbolize their love and affection for each other as they join together… and hopefully the flames don’t die out.
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When lighting the center candle, a little choreography comes into play. You want the couple to come together at the same time, but you don’t need a little song and dance. After the candle is lit, some couples blow out the old candles, some leave them lit – again, totally up to you. Make sure you set up the display before the ceremony begins. If it is going to be a part of your ceremony, it should be run through at the rehearsal the night before, and that’s a good time to set everything up. It’s also a good idea to pre-light the candles so you don’t stand there forever trying to get one to light.