Candles used in church wedding ceremony

I'm often asked by my couple-clients what candles will they be using during the church ceremony for their wedding.  It depends actually, if the couple will be having a Unity Candle Ceremony (usually adapted in a Christian ceremony) that means there will be additional candles.  


So to help everyone, below are the usual candles used for the wedding (photos taken from my recent event courtesy of Elnar-Aldeguer Wedding):


Ceremonial Candles

-very important; these are being lighted by the couple's Candle Sponsors (secondary sponsors); most of the time this is included in the church's package though couple has the option to provide for their own (usually customized candles prepared by the couple) - just make sure that the candle fits the church's candelabra




Offertory Candles

-important;  these candles are being offered by the couple for church's use and are usually brought by the assigned relative/friend of the couple during the Offertory Ceremony;  Couple can personalize this using their color motif






Unity Candle

-very important (for Christian Ceremony);  The Unity Candle Ceremony has always been part of the Christian Ceremony although early part of the 90's it has been adapted by Catholic Wedding (though some Catholic Churches do not include this in their ceremony as they would say this is for Christian rites only)
-after the ceremonial candles has been lighted by the Candle Sponsors, the couple will then light their Unity Candle to symbolize unity/oneness in their lives




Couple's Lighting Candles

-very important if couple has the Unity Candle Ceremony; these are 2 small size candles used by the couple to get light from the ceremonial candles after which they will lit their unity candle




Memorial Candle
-important; there is a memorial candle for couple's whose parents have already gone;  from the word itself they'd offer this in memory of their loved one - this is optional and yes, some Catholic Churches do not allow this as well.




So there, enjoy the ceremony!  


Best,
Cel