Fairytale Wedding

Are you trying to decide whether or not to include a unity candle ceremony in your wedding?  It may help to know that although the history of origin of this ceremony is unclear, the act of lighting a unity candle is packed with symbolism, a tradition that joins the families of both the bride and groom in an act meant to show the union of matrimony.

History: In America, sometime in the last 50 years or so, including a unity candle ceremony became a trend, used by many Christian marriages.  While the use of unity candles has become wide-spread, it is prohibited in some churches.  It is not part of the Catholic wedding ceremony.  Many priests do not allow its inclusion because the ceremony is not included in the wedding mass, and thus would not be sanctified by the church.

Tradition: The ceremony usually takes place after the vows are read.  There are many alterations that may be made to a unity candle ceremony in order to fit the families involved. However, in general, the bride and groom’s mothers will both light a candle. Each set of parents will pass their flame on until it reaches the bride and groom.  Grandparents and children of the bride and/or groom may also become involved.  Lastly, the bride and groom will take their own candles and light the unity candle. They may choose to blow out their candles to symbolize the union of a new individual, or leave them lit to symbolize that they retain their personalities even in marriage.

Keepsake:  As a visual symbol for your guests and a lovely reminder to be displayed later in your home, a simple white or ivory unity candle makes a forever keepsake.  As the tradition continues, many more unity candle design options have surfaced to fit any family situation or wedding theme.  Aside from a basic white pillar candle, there are also more contemporary styles now available in many shapes and colors.