Wednesday, March 05, 2008

Unity Candle

{photo by Chad Mahlum}

The Purpose

The Unity Candle is a symbol of the individuals joining together in marriage to form one unit. Individual wants and needs still exist, but the good of the whole must be considered. A new edifice is created which is stronger for the combining. When this ceremony is added, it can give emphasis to the commitment and add drama to your service.

The Ceremony

The Unity Candle consists of two tapered candles representing the bride and groom and a large pillar candle that is lit from the tapers at the end of the ceremony to represent the two have become one. Some couples prefer to use colored sand and mingle into one. There is usually a song during this time. Since the lighting finishes before the song ends, it is best to add more to the ceremony.
Some couples will go to the Mother-of-the-Bride and present a single flower stem and an embrace and then to the Mother-of-the-Groom. It allows the parents the first opportunity to congratulate the couple and also includes family as being very important to the couple.
Another option is to have the marriage certificate on the altar and have the Best Man, Maid of Honor, the officiate, and the couple sign during this time. This allows the guests to be witnesses and gives a sense of completion.

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