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
Many of my bride-groom clients would include the Unity Candle in their usual church ceremony (for catholics) - in fact the unity candle ceremony has really been part of many protestant and christian weddings. But I guess it was in the 80's that catholic couples adapted it (though some catholic churches still doesn't follow it).
The Unity Candle Ceremony is a touching way to signify the union of two lives in holy matrimony.
How is it being done?
- It usually starts with the Lighting of the Ceremonial Candles - any special someone chosen by the couple can light the taper candles (for christian ceremonies) but for catholic weddings that will be the responsibility of the Candle Secondary Sponsors;
- Lighting of the Unity Candle - this is always handled by the bride and groom and typically takes place just after the vows and rings have been exchanged; to light the Unity Candle the couple will be using their individual lighting candles for this part.
What is the symbolism of the UNITY CANDLE?
It is sometimes performed to symbolize the joining together of the two families, and their love for the bride and the groom, into one united family that loves the new husband and wife. More often it is to symbolize the union of two individuals, becoming one in commitment.
As the bride and groom use these two flames to light the unity candle, they bring the love of both families together in a united love of the new couple.
Generally, the two ceremonial candles are left burning and replaced in their holders (because each family's love for their own will continue). However, in some ceremonies they may blow out their individual candles.
When the ceremony is alternatively performed to symbolize simply the joining together of the bride and groom, the ceremonial candles may be blown out, to indicate that the two lives have been permanently merged, or they may leave them lit beside the central candle, symbolizing that the now-married partners have not lost their individuality
If a couple would like to have the Unity Candle as part of their usual ceremony they should consider the following:
- Unity Candle
- Ceremonial Candles - the two medium size candles in front of the altar
- Lighting Candles of the Couple - small size candles that the couple will be using to get the light from the Ceremonial Candles so they'd be able to lit their Unity Candle
Below is a sample pic of a Unity Candle with the Lighting Candles of the couple:
and here is a sample of the taper or ceremonial candles:
