Fri 22 Jun 2007
The lighting of the unity candle is a relatively recent addition to the traditional wedding ceremony. It symbolizes the union of two individuals becoming one in commitment. At a certain point in the ceremony (typically between the exchange of vows and the formal declaration of marriage), the bride and groom light a candle together.
The unity candle involves two candles one with the groom and one with the bride they together burn a candle together, which is a central candle. This tradition represents coming together of two families. In some of the homes, the family members of the bride and groom are invited to join the unity candle. The family members light the candle of the bride and groom respectively and they in turn burn the Unity candle. This also symbolizes coming together of two families.
The traditional method involves only the bride and groom, but to involve all the members are invited to light the candle. They are asked to light their candle with the Unity candle. This ceremony involves all the family and friends and again it symbolizes the coming together of family and friends. This is a great way to involve all the guests in the ceremony.
If the wedding is big, this will take a lot of time so the other method is at the wedding reception the guests when enter get light a candle and put it in the candleholder placed on their tables. This candle is also known as Votive and the candleholder as Votive holder. The Votive or candleholder can be treated as a wedding favor, which will in turn add to the décor to the wedding reception.
If the bride choose to reduce the time spent on the ceremony can leave out the ceremony of Unity candle altogether. Alternatively, they can make a part of their reception like mentioned earlier. The unity candle can be lit while the short prayer is being said or just before the cake is being cut and the unity candle can add to decorate the cake table.
Many brides and groom choose to have this tradition of lighting a unity candle and incorporate it into their weeding plans.