Unity Candle Ceremony: Planning Your Perfect Wedding Moment

Unity candle ceremonies are a popular wedding ritual, visually representing the joining of two lives and two families. The ceremony involves two taper candles, each lit by a member of the couple, which are then used to light a larger 'unity candle' together. The unity candle ceremony is often led by an officiant, who can be found using resources like The Knot Vendor Marketplace. The candles can be purchased from online retailers, and couples may choose to personalise their candles with engravings, colours, ribbons, and other accessories. The ceremony is usually performed towards the end of the wedding, after the vows and ring exchange.

Choosing the right candles

Number of Candles

Firstly, you will need three candles in total: two taper candles and one larger pillar candle. The two taper candles represent the couple and their individual personalities, while the pillar candle symbolises the union of the couple and the blending of their two families.

Colour and Design

The customary option for unity candles is a white or ivory hue. However, you can choose any colour or design that matches your wedding theme or aesthetic. For instance, if you are hosting your wedding on a beach, you could choose a coral-coloured candle surrounded by seashells and pebbles. You can also decorate the candles with colourful ribbons or other accessories that complement your wedding style.

Personalisation

To add a unique touch, you can personalise your unity candles with engravings of your names, the wedding date, or a meaningful quote. This will not only make the ceremony more special but also create a decorative keepsake that you can cherish long after the wedding.

Candle Holders and Stability

It is important to select strong candle holders or bases that fit your unity candles securely. This will prevent any accidents during the ceremony and ensure the safety of those involved. Consider choosing candle holders that match the overall style of your wedding.

Outdoor Considerations

If you are having an outdoor wedding, it is crucial to take extra precautions to protect the candles from the elements. Use hurricane lamps, which are glass coverings that shield the candles from the breeze. Ensure that the wicks are deep inside the lamps to prevent them from blowing out.

Candle lighting order

Unity candle ceremonies are a popular way to symbolise the joining of two people and two families. The ceremony usually takes place after the couple has exchanged their vows and rings.

The unity candle ceremony involves three candles: the middle candle, which is the unity candle, and two taper candles on either side. The taper candles are usually lit by each mother, but some couples ask fathers, siblings, children, or close friends to do the honours. The taper candle lighters are usually people the couple has a close relationship with and wants to include in the ceremony.

Once the tapers are lit, the couple will take their taper and simultaneously light the larger candle together. The couple should then blow out the taper candles, leaving the unity candle lit for the remainder of the ceremony. Once the ceremony is complete, the couple traditionally blows out the unity candle together, symbolising their unity and the start of their journey as a married couple.

Some couples like to add participation from their friends and family by having them light the two taper candles. However, the tapers can also be lit before the ceremony begins, so they are already lit when the unity ritual starts.

Symbolism and meaning

Unity candle ceremonies are a relatively new wedding tradition, with the custom first becoming popular in the second half of the 20th century. The unity candle ceremony is a symbolic ritual that takes place after the vow exchange, when the couple lights one main candle with two separate candles, representing the merging of their two families and two individuals into one. The lighting of the unity candle symbolises the joining of two people in marriage, with the two taper candles representing each individual and the larger 'unity candle' representing their union.

The ceremony is popular because it brings a visual storytelling component to the wedding ceremony, and the couple is left with a decorative keepsake. The candle's flame can also represent the passion each partner has for their spouse. The unity candle ceremony is also a way for couples to involve family members in their wedding ceremony, with some couples choosing to have their mothers light the candle to symbolise the joining of two families.

The unity candle ceremony is a popular unity ritual in non-religious, Christian, and Pagan weddings, and can have non-religious or religious meanings depending on the couple's beliefs. For some, it is a religious symbol of their commitment to God, while for others, it is a romantic gesture. In Christian weddings, the unity candle can be seen as a representation of the Holy Spirit and Jesus, the Light of the World, within the souls of those who have been baptised. In a mixed marriage between a Catholic and a Christian of another tradition, the unity candle can be used as a sign of the baptismal unity of the couple.

The unity candle ceremony is also a popular part of many humanist weddings, which are non-religious weddings that are unique, personalised, and meaningful. In a humanist ceremony, the couple can choose to involve family members in the unity candle ceremony, including children, to symbolise the creation of their new family.

Candle decoration

Unity candle ceremonies are a popular choice for weddings, symbolizing the joining of two individuals into the marriage bond. The ceremony involves lighting two taper candles, which then light a larger pillar candle in the centre, known as the unity candle. This ritual is often accompanied by an officiant who explains the symbolism behind the candle lighting.

Unity candles come in various shapes, colours, scents, and styles. Couples traditionally choose a white or ivory candle, but some opt for a unique touch by engraving their names, wedding date, or a meaningful quote. The unity candle can also be personalized with a pattern or design that matches the wedding aesthetic.

Candle holders, ribbons, and other accessories can be chosen to complement the wedding's tone and colour scheme. For example, the candle holders could be decorated with flowers, herbs, crystals, or colourful fabrics.

For outdoor weddings, it is important to shield the candles with hurricane lamps, which are glass coverings that protect the flames from the breeze.

It is also essential to prioritize fire safety when decorating for a unity candle ceremony. Ensure that drapery and other decorations are not placed too close to the candles, as they may accidentally catch fire. Additionally, the table holding the candles should be at a comfortable height for the couple and easily accessible.

Unity candles are a meaningful addition to a wedding ceremony, and with the right decorations, they can also enhance the visual appeal and atmosphere of the celebration.

Candle safety

Candlelight creates a soft, romantic feel for your wedding ceremony, but safety is always a concern with open flames. Flameless candles are a great alternative, producing a similar glowing effect without the safety concerns. If your heart is set on open-flame candles, here are some safety tips to keep you and your guests safe:

First, check with your venue. Some venues require a permit for open-flame candles, and heritage buildings often do not permit them. Communicate the venue's rules to all relevant vendors, including event stylists, day-of coordinators, and florists. If your venue allows open-flame candles, ensure exits are kept clear and fire extinguishers are accessible.

Second, consider using flameless or LED candles. Flameless candles are battery-powered, inexpensive, and reusable. LED candles allow you to enjoy the cosy and romantic ambiance of candles without the risk of an open flame.

Third, if you do use open-flame candles, be mindful of decorations and clothing. Long gowns, bridal trains, and decorative sleeves or shawls could catch fire. Keep candles away from flammable decorations.

Fourth, ensure candles are safely sitting atop a smooth and stable surface. Uneven surfaces can cause candles to tip over, potentially resulting in a fire hazard.

Fifth, protect your tables and tablecloths by using enclosed votives and cylinders, especially if it will be hot on the day of your event. Dripping wax can be challenging to remove and can cause damage to table linens. Tapered candles should be covered with glass sleeves to protect the candle and the table.

Finally, do not use scented candles. You don't want your guests to smell a perfumed candle during your wedding meal.

Frequently asked questions