3 Unity Candle Tips

The lighting of a unity candle is a wonderful way to express your love and devotion during your wedding. It typically involves the lighting of one candle with two separate tapers to symbolize commitment. If you are considering a unity candle ceremony for your upcoming wedding, use the following tips to get started.

Ceremony Prep

Place the unity candle on a small table close to the alter before the ceremony starts. Consider lighting the candle for a moment, as it makes it easier to re-light during the actual ceremony. Keep matches or a lighter on the table as well to prevent "Anyone gotta light?" questions during your wedding.

Taper Candle Lighting

Decide how you want to light the taper candles. Have your parents come forward to light them as a symbol of two families joining together, or ask the maid of honor or best man to do the honors. Asking the minister or officient to light the candles is another possibility, as is lighting the candles yourselves using a candle on the alter.

Extinguishing The Candle

Determine if you want to extinguish the unity candle or not. Some believe extinguishing the candle represents your commitment to each other, while others believe leaving the tapers lit is symbolic of your individuality within your union. Whatever you decide, find unity candle readings that speak to you. Plenty are available for extinguishing the candles or letting them burn.

Remember, your unity candle ceremony is personal, so feel free to get creative! You may want to make the ceremony one everyone attending your wedding can participate in by handing out candles upon their arrival. Have a bridal party or family member light the first candle, then allow the flame to "go down the line" until every guest has a lit candle. It is a great way to symbolize the joining of everyone in the room  as one big family.