Meaning of the Unity Candle Ceremony and It's Use

Throughout a formal wedding ceremony, many symbols of unity may be identified and each year a growing number of couples have opted to include in their ceremony, unity candles for weddings. More than just the union of the couple being wed, the unity candle symbolizes the union of two families.

The Unity Candle  

The unity candle ceremony is simply the lighting of three candles. One taper candle for each couple and a pillar candle, as the unity candle itself.

There is no prescribed color for the unity candles but most couples choose to have a white unity candle as the color symbolizes spirituality, purity, peace and calm.

More adventurous couples may choose colors that match the wedding color motif or have a white unity candle decked and decorated with lace, flowers and ribbons following the wedding color tone.

Couples may decorate the unity candles themselves. Do-it-yourself instructions in making a unity candle are available online. With some candles, ribbons, lace and lots of imagination, the couple may have a beautiful unity candle with an even deeper meaning with the memory shared of having done it together. Decorating a unity candle together may be a good activity for couple to do together while relaxing or talking about some wedding details.

Ready-made candles are also available at wedding stores and even to order online. The good thing about ready-made candles is that some professional details could be added like engraving of names and, if the candle is large enough, the lines from the vows the couple themselves are exchanging. Some online stores even offer beautiful candle holders that go with the candles.

Whether store bought or done by the couple themselves, the candle is a great keepsake after the wedding for the symbolism and meaning it has with it.

The Lighting of a Unity Candle 

In a wedding with a full entourage, the candle sponsors take the candle with them while walking on the aisle. The pillar candle, or unity candle is usually set up on the right side of the altar with some space allowed for the parents and the couple to light it for the ceremony.

More popularly, the parents of the bride and the groom each light their child’s individual candle with the mother holding the candle and the father lighting it with a match of an automatic lighter to represent how each parent gave life to their children. The parents hand the candle to each child and then the couple proceeds to light a third larger candle to symbolize unity.

Although, friends, former mentors and even relatives other representatives may light the taper candle.

Most couples blow out the flame from each candle. However, some couples choose to keep each of their candles lighted even after the larger candle has been lit to symbolize their independent spirits even though they are united as one family.

After the ceremony 

In order not to forget the candle, a person must be assigned to collect it after the ceremony. It may be incorporated in the wedding venue by allowing it some space near the wedding cake to give it more opportunity to be included in photographs. There are unity candle alternatives for those who like the idea of a unity ceremony of some kind but for one reason or another, don't want to use candles.