Unity Candles

Unity candles are a wonderful tradition added to your wedding to signify the bride and the groom uniting two lives together. The unity candle is usually a large pillar candle flanked on either side by two smaller taper candles. During the wedding ceremony the bride and groom each take one of the taper candles and jointly light the unity candle in the center. This is a lovely moment when the flame is the symbol of your love growing strong when two become one.

Unity candles can come in many colors such as plum, green, pink or blue, but are usually white. Sometimes you may find a retailer that will have multiple ideas for you such as one tone for the candle and another for the tapers. The unity candles are placed in a silver or gold stand upon the alter of the church. Unity candle holders can be decorated with monograms, fresh flowers or hearts among other things. Make sure that when you purchase the unity candle holder it is big enough to fit all three candles and sturdy enough so that the candles do not fall over. It would be a horrible sign if when the bride and groom light the center candle the two outer candles fall over and catch the church on fire.

Unity candles can be single or double wick depending on the couple’s style. The couple can get very personalized unity candles or go with very traditional candles in the style of your family. Sometimes people from previous relationships want to get unity candles with three taper holders and have the children join in on the lighting of the center candle symbolizing not only two becoming one, but a family beginning. One cute idea for how to personalize your unity candles would be to have Mickey and Minnie unity candle taper holders if you are big fans of Disney. You can also have photographs put onto your unity candle to show the new bride and groom.

Do make sure that you check with your minister before getting any of the unity candles. You will want to make sure they are allowed into your ceremony. Most religions do now recognize the use of unity candles and welcome them into the wedding ceremony. Once you have the okay go ahead and find unity candles that fit the style of you and your wedding. There is such a beautiful simplicity in a flame symbolizing two becoming one.