The Wedding Unity Ceremony:

Will You Use the Unity Candle or Sand Ceremony?

The Unity Candle or Sand Ceremony for your wedding - which will it be? That’s assuming you want either, but one or other of these is used quite frequently by couples in their wedding ceremony to symbolize the “two becoming one.”

While I know of one couple who actually chose to do both in their ceremony, you will likely only to do one. The one you choose may simply depend on your personal likes and dislikes. But below are some considerations that can factor into your decision if you are uncertain.

But first a brief review of each of these ceremonies within the ceremony. The Sand Ceremony typically involves the use of three decorative glass-type containers. At the start of the ceremony, two smaller containers have two different colored sand representing the bride and the groom. At some point during the ceremony, the couple steps over and pours their sand together into the larger third glass container. The symbolism is that just as the grains of sand could never be separated again, so it will be for the marriage.

The Unity Candle Ceremony is better known and most have witnessed a couple take the lit side taper candles and light the center or pillar candle, which is their unity candle. Again, the symbolism is that of two becoming one.

Now, keep in mind these pointers when deciding which you might do. First, if the wedding is outdoors then hands down the best decision is to use the Sand Ceremony. It can be very difficult to light a candle outside with even the least amount of air circulating. At least two thirds of the time the couple can’t get their candle lit, or if they do it reminds lit only a few seconds. However, one word of warning about using the Sand Unity Ceremony. Don’t let the sand get damp! It clumps and it will be hard to pour it out of the container.

Second, if you are creating a blended family, then the Sand Ceremony might also be a good choice. Some suggest that the Unity Candle is good so that each child can light a candle. That’s a lot of fire! Better to use sand. Each child from very young to an older child can have a container with their own color of sand to pour into the larger container. Small children especially really enjoy taking part in the ceremony in this way.

It may sound like we are all for the sand ceremony and against the candle ceremony. Not so. Candles are very beautiful, and the symbolism is striking. For most weddings that are indoors the Unity Candle Ceremony is a beautiful addition to the ceremony. Typically, the mothers of the groom and bride light the taper candles when they are escorted in to represent their families.

After the couple has lit the center candle, they either blow out the taper candles, or some prefer to leave them lit to indicate that they are still individuals. Either ceremony can add significant meaning to the wedding, and hopefully these thoughts will help you to choose the one best for you.