Unity Candles for Weddings

Unity Candles are a fairly modern wedding tradition, which began in the 1990s. Since that time Unity Candle Ceremonies have become remarkably popular with couples in this country.

Meaning of Unity Candle

The single tapers are often lighted by the mothers of the bride and groom, signifying that the mothers are the ones who have given them life A man and woman come into the marriage as individuals, bringing their own single lighted tapers. The lighting of the Unity Candle is a symbol of their commitment to the marriage and their new life together. As the bride and groom light the Unity Candle you will notice that their single lighted tapers coming together create a stronger flame, that is a picture of the strength that is gained in marriage. They will no longer be two, but one. After the Unity Candle is lit the single tapers can either be extinguished (to represent the commitment they have just made to the oneness of marriage) or the single tapers can remain lighted to symbolize that the man and woman are still individuals. The choice is entirely up to the couple getting married.

For couples who have children they are bringing into a blended marriage, the Lighting of the Unity Candle is a nice place to include the children in the wedding ceremony. The children can contribute the flame from their own lighted candles to the single flame of the new "family candle". This addition to the wedding ceremony can help the children feel they are an important part of this commitment to family unity.

Unity Candle Ceremonies

The Unity Candle Ceremony can take place at the beginning of the wedding ceremony, after the vows are spoken, or at the end of the ceremony. At the beginning of the wedding it can symbolize the couple coming together. The most common time for the lighting of the Unity Candle is after the vows have been repeated and rings exchanged. Some authorities say that the marriage must be created before it is celebrated. Sometimes the Unity Candle is lighted after the ceremony for the same reason. The lighting of the Unity Candle is a celebration of the new relationship between the bride and groom.

If you are having an out of doors wedding ceremony it would be a good idea to practice lighting candles on a windy day. Placing the candle in a hurricane lantern helps to keep the Unity Candle lighted.

One word of caution, the bridal veil can easily catch fire if it comes too close to the flame. Be careful as you turn away after lighting the candle. If this is a concern for you, there are alternatives to the unity candle.

Alternatives to the Unity Candle

One alternative to the Unity Candle is the Sand Pouring Ceremony. The Sand Pouring Ceremony is quite new, but quickly becoming popular. The Sand Pouring Kit includes one large cylinder vase and three smaller cylinders. Three colors of sand are used in the Sand Ceremony. One cylinder will contain white sand to represent the couple's spiritual foundation. The other two slender vases will each hold a different color that represents the individual bride and groom. There are many colors of sand available so that the colors can either be the bride and groom's favorite colors or coordinate with the wedding theme.

During the ceremony the person performing the ceremony first pours a layer of white sand into the large vase. Then the bride and groom each add a layer of colored sand to symbolize the individuality they are bringing to the marriage. Finally, the couple and the officiant simultaneously pour the fourth layer of sand into the vase to create a picture of their union.