Unity Candle Ceremony

We'd like to show you some videos with examples of unity candle ceremonies along with some comments to help you think through how you want to do yours.

Do You Leave Taper Candles Lit? 

In the 5 minute video below (includes ring ceremony) in this ceremony, the minister speaks a few words explaining the meaning of the unity candle ceremony and then prompts the couple to light the candle. He steps to the side, the music starts up as they walk over (someone singing) and they light their candle which is setting on a table. I notice the minister walk back into the picture and say something. Not sure what. Maybe he ask if they wanted to blow out the side candles. Most couples do but this couple apparently chose not to. It works either way. Some leave the side candles lit to symbolize that though their lives are becoming one in marriage they also maintain their individually. The videographer gets a close up shot of the candles and you can see that they oil unity candles. The advantage of these is that you can refill with oil and use later maybe for a renewal of your vows.

Do You Like This Way to Light the Candle? 

This unity candle ceremony is a bit different. There is only the one candle and the minister hands the couple a single candle that they use to light their candle. Then they blow out the taper candle and the minister speaks some more words about the meaning of the event. Meanwhile there is piano music playing in the background. I can’t say that I’m particularly crazy about this way of doing it but you be the judge. It looks a bit awkward to me. The couple does not quite seem to know what to do.

What’s the Best Way to Stand? 

In the short video below, the couple first steps behind the unity candle table. The advantage of doing it this way is that the guests are able to the couple better. Sometimes the couple gets turned inward so much that people can’t see them or what they are doing very well. This is also true of the ring ceremony. If possible the couple needs to remember to stand so that the guests can see and the photographer is able to get good shots. This is something they can practice at the wedding rehearsal. In this ceremony, instead of music during the candle lighting, the officiate talks about its meaning.

How to Avoid Unity Candle Mishaps 

This video illustrates a unity candle mishap. I have seen a number of things go wrong (or maybe I should say not just right) in ceremonies. Nothing major like catching the church on fire! But is always a good idea to check and double check the candles to make sure they are ready to be lit. Too short of a wick is going to make it hard. In this case, the priest offered a little assistance and they were able to get the candle lit finally. Again, this was no major disaster and probably something to help make the wedding even more memorable. But you may not want to risk it, so rehearse lighting the candle. You don’t actually have to light it but just going through the motions will add to your comfort level.

Thanks for visiting our page unity candle ceremony.