Incorporating Children Into Your Unity Candle Ceremony: What You Need To Know

Unity candle ceremonies traditionally involve the bride, groom, and their mothers. However, more and more couples are incorporating their children in this wonderful show of love and devotion. It is ideal for those who want to stress to their kids that just because they are marrying someone new, they are still a family.

Keep the following tips in mind to create a beautiful unity candle ceremony:

Small Children

Have little children hold onto their grandmothers during the ceremony. If they are big enough, have them hold the two tapers as the grandmothers light them before handing them to you and your groom.

Blended Family Candles

Use blended family candles (yep, they totally exist) to help your children feel even more involved in the ceremony. Each set comes with a stand for holding the unity candle, two tapers, and up to seven smaller candles for children to light. Get as creative as you want with your set, such as you and your groom holding the tapers while the children light the smaller candles, or two children (assuming you each have one) holding the tapers while the grandmothers light the smaller options.

Practice Rounds

Consider a few practice rounds with the candles to get your children used to working with open flames. If your kids are older, you probably can wait on this until the rehearsal dinner.

Alternative Options

Pick from plenty of alternative options to the unity candle if you simply do not want your children around fire. Pouring water or sand from different containers into a vase are both safe options,  with the water ceremony based on the Native American tradition of a couple drinking from a vase with two spouts. If neither of these ideas interest you, consider those involving ribbons or even a "unity sandwich"!

Enjoy coming up with a unique unity ceremony you and your family will remember always!