Unity Candle

Multiple Meanings of the Unity Candle

While the basic idea of the candle is to show the unity of the two individuals in marriage, it can be adapted in a variety of ways to fit different types of ceremonies and include multiple meanings.

For Christian ceremonies, the candle can incorporate a meaningful reference to Christ as the center of the marriage. Even as the two become one, they are also one in Christ, which serves as a powerful symbol of hope. For non-Christian ceremonies, it may symbolize a union of lineages and/or nature as well as the union of the new couple.

Styles

The unity candle is typically a pillar style of candle, and the accompanying candles used to light it, tapers. The candles in the ceremony are usually white or ivory, but the ornamentation varies widely.

Some unity candles are intricately carved and elaborately beaded, while others are more simplistic. Two common ways of adorning the candle are by choosing one with a meaningful phrase or saying, or displaying your wedding invitation in the front of the unity candle itself. If choosing the latter, many companies, like Keepsake Candles design candles so that you can simply slip the invitation so it rests in front of the candles. If you are the crafty type, you decorate your own unity candle.

Another popular idea for wedding candles is a personal monogram, with the couple's names or initials, often along with the wedding date. Since the candle makes a wonderful keepsake, adding special touches such as these only makes it more memorable.

Where to Buy

There are dozens of places to purchase wedding candles. Consider the following places:

• A wedding shop or wedding invitations catalog.
• Card and gift stores
• Candle Shops
• Florists
• Craft stores
• Mass merchandise stores
• Online retailers

Candle Stands

Many brides and grooms choose to purchase a candle stand along with their unity and taper candles. Beautiful and functional, candle stands are often silver and gold. Thos is the perfect solution to display your candles before and after the lighting. After all, no bride wants to ruin her wedding gown with hot candle wax!

A Different Take

For a different take on the typical candle, some companies, like American Bridal are now offering oil candles. These are beautiful glass candles filled with oil that can be chosen to match the colors of your wedding, or virtually any color you wish. The oil candles can be personalized with a saying, the couple's names or initials, and the date etched in the glass for a long-lasting and breathtaking keepsake.

Mini Candles as Favors

Many brides choose candle wedding favors. For a unique touch, consider a mini-version of the unity candle as a wedding favor. This could be as simple as scanning and minimizing the wedding invitation to paste on a simple white votive. Complete the package by wrapping the candle in tulle and accompanying it with a wedding matchbook for a relatively inexpensive wedding favor.

Questions

Some couples are unsure of exactly where to place the candle, when to light it, and when to extinguish it. Some couples wish to light the candle at the beginning of the ceremony, and some at the end. While you can certainly take suggestions from the clergy or other person who will be performing the ceremony, there is no universal right and wrong when it comes to the unity candle.

Related Articles

• Bridal Tiara
• Wedding Shoes
• Wedding Veils
• Unique Wedding Invitations
• Wedding Cake Topper