I was given a Unity Candle with the 2 taper candles? But when do you light the candle?
But I am not sure when during the wedding ceremony to light the candle? Do we say something to each other the bride and groom? Why do you you light the candle? Whats the purpose? Please help and explain the steps. Thanks for the help!
The mothers of the bride and groom light the taper candles? Then the mother give to the bride and groom to light the Unity candle? Is that how that goes?
After you’ve said your vows
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March 9th, 2010 at 4:09 pm
The unity ceremony comes after you say your vows and it is just symbolic that you are unifying your individual selves to the unity of one in your marriage. I’ve been at weddings where the mothers light the tapers signifying their daughters leaving their houses(so to speak) then the couple each uses the taper to light the unity candle.
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March 9th, 2010 at 4:33 pm
The Unity Candle Ceremony has become a very popular and symbolic aspect of weddings within the last 10 years. The lighting of the Unity Candle symbolizes the new union of a husband and wife, two individuals who are becoming one through marriage.
A unity candle is actually a set of candles: a large single candle in the center, with two slim taper candles on either side. The candles are placed in holders, either a special unity candleholder or individual bases. The unity candle is often placed off to the side of the area where the wedding ceremony will be performed. Some time during the ceremony, the couple will each take a lighted taper, and together will light the big center candle, symbolizing their unity and commitment to each other.
There is no “standard” way to perform the Unity Candle ceremony, nor is there a specific place where it will occur within the ceremony. It is very common to have the Unity Candle ceremony after the exchange of rings and before the pronouncement of husband and wife. But one very nice thing about this ceremony is that it can be customized and the individual details are completely up to you.
Here are some ideas to help you with the planning of your Unity Candle Ceremony:
Prior to the ceremony: The unity candle area is set up. It is often a good idea to light the wicks ahead of time then blow them out. A pre-burned wick is easier to light (many couples have been in the middle of their ceremony and couldn’t get the wick to light!)
Lighting the tapers: There are many different variations on lighting the side tapers.
Some people have them already burning before the ceremony starts, to symbolize the bride and the groom as individuals.
You can opt to have the mother of the bride and groom each light one candle with special music playing while this is going on. The mother of the groom is escorted in by either an usher or a male member of the brides family, where she will then light a taper then is ushered to her seat. The mother of the bride is escorted in by the groom himself, an usher or a male member of the grooms family, where she will light the other taper, then gets escorted to her seat. At this time the bridesmaids music begins and the ceremony starts.
The groom will light a taper before the ceremony, and after the bride is escorted in, she will light her taper.
If the couple are bringing children into the marriage, you can opt to have the children light the tapers.
Lighting the center candle: The couple will move to the area where the Unity Candle is displayed. Each will take a taper, and together they will light the large center candle. Some people choose to blow out their tapers, to symbolize their commitment to each other and as a show of their unity. Other couples leave their tapers lit, to symbolize that they are still individuals even though they have been united in marriage. No matter if you plan to keep your tapers lit or not, the choice is totally up to you.
Some couples choose to have a special song played while they are lighting the unity candle. Any song you wish can be used; popular Unity Candle songs include “Here and Now” by Luther Vandross, “Ava Maria”, “ Grow Old With Me” by John Lennon or Mary Chapin Carpenter, and “To Make You Feel My Love” by Garth Brooks. You can also choose to have a special poem read or you can choose to have a moment of silence.
If you are having an outdoor ceremony, you may want to consider not only pre-lighting the wicks of the candles, but also putting them inside glass hurricane lamps to protect them from the wind. There is nothing more frustrating than being outside and the wind prevents you from lighting your candles! You can find hurricane lamps in a variety of sizes and shapes at most craft, department or discount stores.
The Unity Candle Ceremony is non-denominational, which means it has no religious significance. This makes it a popular choice for both religious and non-religious ceremonies alike. One thing to keep in mind; many houses of worship may not allow this ceremony, so if you have your heart set on it, you may need to check with the appropriate people to see if this is allowed.
References :
http://www.todays-weddings.com/articles/unitycandle.php
March 9th, 2010 at 4:52 pm
You would set the candles up on the alter (if at a church) or on a small table near where you two will be standing. The two side taper candles are lit by I believe the two mothers when they arrive. tell your priest or whoever is doing the ceremony that you have unity candles. They will know when to tell you two to light it. It is usually during the ceremony I believe after your vows. The symbol of the unity candles is two families becoming one. That is why the mothers light the two side ones and then you each take a candle and light the main one uniting the families.
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March 9th, 2010 at 5:32 pm
You can have each mother light the two taper candles when they are seated. Your mother would light your candle (left side)and his mother would light his (right side). When you do your candle ceremony (usually somewhere mid ceremony) you and your fiance would take your taper candle that your mothers lit and would light the center candle together. You can leave the taper candles lit or you can blow them out. I would suggest leaving them lit. Nothing like smoke blowing around during the ceremony. This symbolizes the two families becoming one. Your candle ceremony would be something you need to discuss with your officiant. They will give you some suggestions on the wording. Normally the bride and groom don’t recite anything to each other during the unity candle ceremony the officiant does. But you can have a special song sung or played during the time you light your candle which adds a nice touch.
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March 9th, 2010 at 6:03 pm
After you’ve said your vows
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March 9th, 2010 at 6:22 pm
Traditionally at the start of the ceremony candles should be lit on the altar to symbolize God’s presence in the church. From the lit candle each set of parents lights the taper candles as they are seated from the candles on the alter symbolizing that you were from God and they now give you to be married. Together his parents light his (right side) then your parents light yours (left side). If parents are separated/divorced, then moms should do the lighting. They burn as you say your vows and exchange rings. Traditionally accompanied by a song, you and your now husband light the unity candle together from your tapers. The tapers should stay lit symbolizing that you are still individuals and the unity candle symbolizes your uniting as husband and wife and the uniting of the two families.
There are different versions too like each parent carries a vase of sand and you and your husband poor each vase into one big vase to symbolize the union. It’s really a decision between you and your fiance if you want to use any symbolism or not. Your wedding should be personal to you. Good luck!
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March 9th, 2010 at 6:50 pm
Each mom lights one taper candle. And after your vows you both will take one taper candle and together will light pillar candle which is the big candle in the middle. It symbolizes the 2 families coming together as one.
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