Unity Candles for Weddings

I don’t know the history behind unity candles, and you can find that information elsewhere for sure. But unity candles for weddings have been used by countless couples to symbolize the union of their lives in marriage.

This website will answer some of the basic questions that I hear from couples about the Unity Candle ceremony in a wedding.

Question: What is the unity candle ceremony in a wedding?

The unity candle consists of one large candle that sits in the middle. On each side is a taper candle. This is what is referred to as a unity candle set. You do need unity candle holders. Often there is a special unity candle candelabra or floor stand. There can also be a special candle floral arrangement and dripless candles are used especially when dripping was would cause damage to the floor. If the ceremony is outside a hurricane may be used over the candles.

When the mothers are escorted in they go up to the taper candles and light them to symbolize their respective families. One good way to do this is to have a votive candle lit before the wedding starts. The mothers step to the candles and take the taper candle out of its holder, point the candle and wick down into the votive candle, and the replace the taper candle in its holder. This is much better than trying to use a gas lighter and certainly better than matches.

Sometime during the ceremony, usually after the ring ceremony, the couple lights the center candle. The wedding minister or officiant typically speaks for a moment about the meaning of what is about to happen and prompts the couple. Here is a common wording that is used:

“Mike and Katie, today your two lives are becoming one. That means that from this forward your thoughts will no longer be for yourselves alone for each other. Your sorrows in life will be cut in half and your joys double. May this candle burn brightly as a symbol of your commitment to live a truly shared life. You may now light your unity candle.”

The wedding officiant moves to the side if necessary and the couple steps up, or if the candle is off to side the couple simply moves over to where it is. It is usually best in case to place the candle to side where the bride is so that she will not have to move as far. That is especially helpful if she is wearing a wedding dress with a large train.

The bride takes one taper candle (the one lit by her mom) and the groom takes the other taper candle. At the same time, they light the big center candle. Most couples then blow out the taper candles before placing them back in the holders. The symbolism is “two becoming one.” The old joke is that after the wedding you find out which one! Other couples prefer to leave the tapers candle lit thinking that while they are becoming one in marriage, they are still individuals and want to symbolize that by leaving the candles lit.

It does not take long to light the candle. Most couples will come back immediately to where they were for the rest of the ceremony. Some like to stand there for awhile and music plays in the background or a soloist sings. One caution: you can only stand there looking at each lovingly for so long! So don’t make the unity candle song too long.

Unity candles for weddings come in many different designs now. Some of these include the:

Butterfly, Oil Candles, Irish Unity Candles, Cross, Ivory Unity Candles,
Gold Plated, Silver Plated, Themed and Personalized Unity Candles

There are many options now to choose from in color, design and price. You can purchase more expensive elegant and unique unity wedding candles. Or if you prefer fairly cheap unity candles if you want something simple. I saw some advertised for just $20. Looking around online to order a unity candle is a good way to go. You can find free shipping deals and get unity candle prices below retail.

I hope this website helps you filter through some of the many options you have and you will find the perfect unity candle for your wedding.

Unity Candles for Weddings