Can someone explain exactly how the Unity Candle works? Is is something just me and my fiance do together? Or does it include the parents on both sides??? Thanks!
Hi Melissa! Basically it is a symbolic ceremony representing the uniting of two separate individuals/families into one. There is one large candle in the center and two tapers on the sides. The tapers are generally lit before the ceremony. After your vows are taken and you are married, you and your now husband each take a taper and light the center candle together. Then you extinguish the tapers to show that the two are now one (and only one!). It's a pretty ceremony. You usually purchase a unity candle set and then after the ceremony when you bring it home, some couples light it on their anniversaries as a reminder of their wedding day and vows. Its a nice ceremony.
From what I know, a member from each family, usually the mothers, light the 2 tapered candles right before the procession begins. I want our mothers to be a part of the procession so they won't be lighting the tapered candles until later in the ceremony, probably before we exchange vows. We're having a Catholic ceremony so we have a full mass. After we've exchanged rings, then my then-husband and I will each take a candle and light the center candle. I haven't worked out all the details but hopefully you get the idea.
There are many ways to do the unity candle, but the purpose remains the same. Sometimes it is done entirely by the bride and groom, sometimes the whole family, just moms, just dads, just parents, bride groom and parents, etc.
You may want to ask the person performing your service for suggestions. I am sure there are other ways to do it and times to do it as well.
My son and daughter will be lighting the tapers. Then we will all light the large candle together to show that my family (my children,my granddaughter and myself) and my fiance (well husband then) are all one family. I can't wait.
