| Visualize weddings as like a jigsaw puzzle of traditions. | | | | candles. |
| Everyone has their own customs they bring from | | | | The practice of the lighting of the unity candles also |
| their family and culture. When a man and woman | | | | may have the bride and groom each lighting their |
| decide to marry, they each bring a piece of the | | | | own during the ritual. Then they come together and |
| puzzle to create a unique tradition of their own. The | | | | light the larger one in a symbol of unity, of two |
| lighting of unity candles is one of these traditions that | | | | becoming one. Some debate exists about whether or |
| have become more popular within the past ten to | | | | not to blow out the individual tapered unity candles |
| twenty years. | | | | or leave them lit. One argument for blowing out the |
| When referring to unity candles, there are actually | | | | individual candles is that it symbolizes your forsaking |
| three. Two thin tapered candles stand for two | | | | the single life and committing to one another in |
| individuals who will unite in marriage. There is also a | | | | marriage. On the flip side, leaving them lit means that |
| large pillar candle that will be lit which signifies the | | | | while you are committed to one another in marriage, |
| joining of the two individuals. Depending on the | | | | you are not forsaking your own individualism either. |
| location and preference, sometimes you will have a | | | | Now that you have an idea about the ritual of lighting |
| special candle dish or holder which will house all three | | | | the unity candles, did you realize that are so many to |
| unity candles. Other times you will have the large | | | | choose from too? The unity candles are made in a |
| candle in the middle and the other two flanking it. | | | | variety of styles, shapes and sizes. Some are simple |
| Individual candle holders may be used for the unity | | | | and unadorned. Others are elaborate and showy, |
| candles as well. | | | | decorated in a style suited to match your wedding |
| The lighting of the unity candles has no religious | | | | décor. |
| connotations, but is representative of what a | | | | These unity candles are customizable too. You can |
| marriage is all about. There are no written rules on | | | | make them personal by having your wedding date |
| how the lighting of the unity candles should be | | | | printed on it along with your names. A special quote |
| performed. Therefore, you can create your own | | | | or short poem might be appropriate to convey your |
| traditions and tailor this ritual to suit your wedding | | | | sentiments about marriage. |
| ceremony. | | | | Marriage is the biggest commitment a person makes. |
| Typically, though, the unity candles are lit right after | | | | Lighting of the unity candles as part of your wedding |
| the wedding rings are exchanged but before the | | | | ceremony makes a big impact. Not only are you |
| bride and groom are announced as husband and wife. | | | | reciting vows before your loved ones, but you are |
| There are also variations on who originally lights the | | | | also symbolizing your union in a very visual way. |
| individual unity candles. Sometimes, the individual | | | | So what do you do with the unity candles once the |
| tapered unity candles are lit before the ceremony | | | | ceremony is over? Keep them to light for special |
| starts and stay lit throughout the entire process. | | | | occasions like your anniversary or the birth of a new |
| Other times, the parents of the bride and groom | | | | child. You will be able to enjoy your unity candles for |
| step forward after the ring presentation to light the | | | | years to come. |