
Candle lighting ceremony:
The unity candle symbolises the very essence of the wedding ceremony. Two taper candles, representing the couple as individuals, are used to light a single centre candle as a visible symbol of their commitment to each other. There are many variations on the ceremony and it is completely up to you, to customise it according to your wishes. Here are some ideas to help you as you plan your ceremony.
Before the ceremony begins, place the unity candle on a small table. To prepare for the ceremony, it is a good idea to light the wicks for a moment.
There are several popular options for lighting your taper candles. You can have your parents come forward to light the side tapers as a symbol of your two families coming together as one. At this point, some couples choose to present their mothers with a rose. If you wish, the celebrant or best man and the maid of honour can light the tapers. Or, you may light the tapers yourselves from a candle on the table.
The Celebrant may say -
Option 1:
As (Bride) and (Groom) together light the centre candle, they will extinguish their own candles, thus letting the centre candle symbolise the union of their lives. As this one light cannot be divided, neither will their lives be divided.
If you'd prefer to leave your tapers lit …
(Bride) and (Groom) come into their marriage relationship as individuals and they do not lose their identity, rather they use their individuality to create and strengthen the relationship of marriage. Therefore, the three candles remain lit, one for each of them and one for their marriage.
This represents your commitment to each other and to a lasting and loving marriage. The Unity Candle symbolises the new family you are now forming from your past lives. The flames you light it with, both burn brighter when joined together. Now you both are charged with keeping this flame bright for the rest of your days.
Option 2:
Now (Bride) and (Groom) will commemorate their marriage by lighting a Unity Candle.
The Unity Candle Ceremony is a beautiful symbolic representation of your joining in marriage. Please take the two taper candles, representing your individual selves and light the centre candle, representing your marriage. Notice that the blame burns brightest when both candles are participating, co-operating and present. Be forever present for one another, shining light and beauty.
Option 3: Bride and Groom plus any family members.
The taper candles represent not only (Bride) and (Groom), but also their families; for it is their families who, through love and support, helped shape who they are. The centre candle represents their marriage - the joining of two friends with the added roles of husband and wife.
It is the light of love and the light of new beginnings. From this day forward, may you bask in the beauty of the light of your love. May it's light shine bright and steady upon your path together and may it's heat keep you warm through all the days of your lives and beyond.
After the candle lighting, the Celebrant may say -
May the blessing of light
Be with you always,
Light without and light within.
And may the sun shine
Upon you and warm your heart
Until it glows
Like a great fire,
So that others may feel
The warmth of your love
For one another.
If you wish to have a Unity Candle Ceremony, I am happy to work closely with you to develop a customised ceremony that fulfils all your wishes and needs. . . . . Lena.
There are many other ways to incorporate candles into a ceremony – please contact Lena if you would like to receive more information on this.
Anywhere, any time, any place - Hervey bay, Fraser Coast, Maryborough, Fraser Island or why not on the beach at Woodgate?
The unity candle symbolises the very essence of the wedding ceremony. Two taper candles, representing the couple as individuals, are used to light a single centre candle as a visible symbol of their commitment to each other. There are many variations on the ceremony and it is completely up to you, to customise it according to your wishes. Here are some ideas to help you as you plan your ceremony.
Before the ceremony begins, place the unity candle on a small table. To prepare for the ceremony, it is a good idea to light the wicks for a moment.
There are several popular options for lighting your taper candles. You can have your parents come forward to light the side tapers as a symbol of your two families coming together as one. At this point, some couples choose to present their mothers with a rose. If you wish, the celebrant or best man and the maid of honour can light the tapers. Or, you may light the tapers yourselves from a candle on the table.
The Celebrant may say -
Option 1:
As (Bride) and (Groom) together light the centre candle, they will extinguish their own candles, thus letting the centre candle symbolise the union of their lives. As this one light cannot be divided, neither will their lives be divided.
If you'd prefer to leave your tapers lit …
(Bride) and (Groom) come into their marriage relationship as individuals and they do not lose their identity, rather they use their individuality to create and strengthen the relationship of marriage. Therefore, the three candles remain lit, one for each of them and one for their marriage.
This represents your commitment to each other and to a lasting and loving marriage. The Unity Candle symbolises the new family you are now forming from your past lives. The flames you light it with, both burn brighter when joined together. Now you both are charged with keeping this flame bright for the rest of your days.
Option 2:
Now (Bride) and (Groom) will commemorate their marriage by lighting a Unity Candle.
The Unity Candle Ceremony is a beautiful symbolic representation of your joining in marriage. Please take the two taper candles, representing your individual selves and light the centre candle, representing your marriage. Notice that the blame burns brightest when both candles are participating, co-operating and present. Be forever present for one another, shining light and beauty.
Option 3: Bride and Groom plus any family members.
The taper candles represent not only (Bride) and (Groom), but also their families; for it is their families who, through love and support, helped shape who they are. The centre candle represents their marriage - the joining of two friends with the added roles of husband and wife.
It is the light of love and the light of new beginnings. From this day forward, may you bask in the beauty of the light of your love. May it's light shine bright and steady upon your path together and may it's heat keep you warm through all the days of your lives and beyond.
After the candle lighting, the Celebrant may say -
May the blessing of light
Be with you always,
Light without and light within.
And may the sun shine
Upon you and warm your heart
Until it glows
Like a great fire,
So that others may feel
The warmth of your love
For one another.
If you wish to have a Unity Candle Ceremony, I am happy to work closely with you to develop a customised ceremony that fulfils all your wishes and needs. . . . . Lena.
There are many other ways to incorporate candles into a ceremony – please contact Lena if you would like to receive more information on this.
Anywhere, any time, any place - Hervey bay, Fraser Coast, Maryborough, Fraser Island or why not on the beach at Woodgate?