Unity Candles

Unity Candles

While the lighting of unity candles is oftentimes seen in non-denominational weddings, ceremony unity candles are now slowly also making their way into non religious weddings and even non-Christian ceremonies. A unity candle is oftentimes a larger pillar candle that is held in place with a specially crafted unity candle stand. Sometimes this stand may be heavily ornamented while at other times it is made from non flammable materials that carry the wedding colors. Unity candle holders come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, and thus offer an attractive alternative to those who are seeking the unusual and rare for their nuptials.

Generally speaking, a unity candle ceremony takes place after the exchange of the vows. A pillar candle that is placed in a unity candle holder is lit with two individual taper candles – one held by the bride, the other by the groom. The symbolism behind the unity candles signifies that two individual lights come together to form a new flame.

While in the past the unity candles that were used often were made from paraffin wax, today you will also be able to find an oil unity candle, Irish unity candles made from clover beeswax, and even the handcrafted variety often lovingly made by the bride with the help of unity candle kits. Usually a personalized unity candle is used, but once in a while plain unity candles may also be seen.

You may purchase your unity candles at wedding boutiques, have Celtic unity candle holders handcrafted by skilled artisans, use family unity candles that perhaps your parents may have used at their wedding, or go the unity candle wholesale route. While you will not possibly need more than one candle, the wholesale unity candles will give you the opportunity to also supply these devices to others as a reseller.

When you choose to incorporate the unity candle ceremony in your wedding, it is important that you rehearse the procedure. You want to make sure that there are no drafts that might extinguish the tapers or the unity candle once lit. Similarly, make sure the candle holders have a snug drip on the candles so they do not fall during the ceremony. In addition to the foregoing, keep in mind that the procedure of the lighting is an interruption during the ceremony, and if done without planning will lead to an awkward silence. It is best to have a violinist, cellist or harpist on standby to play a bit of music while you engage in this ceremony, thus adding more gravity to the proceedings.