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In recent times, more and more couples have been including the Unity Ceremonies in the wedding ceremony. This is the perfect way to symbolise your union as it represents the pledge of unity between the bride and groom and the merging of the two families and their lives and can be used in all types of weddings from the simple to the elaborate.
It can be performed at the beginning of the ceremony or after the exchange of rings. A discussion with the officiant can help to decide this and other options such as the readings.
Alternately and in the event that this cannot be done during the ceremony, it can take place during the reception. It can either be set up on the cake table just before the sticking of the cake or at the Head Table just before the toasts. |
THE UNITY CANDLE |
This is the most familiar and is used to symbolise the uniting of two individual lives, their families and friends.
Traditionally, the Ceremony incorporates three candles, two smaller candles which are used to light one larger central candle, after which the couple may decide to extinguish the smaller candles or leave them lit to symbolise their individuality within the union.
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THE CEREMONY
- The mothers of the bride and groom or other representatives from each family are invited to each light one of the small candles and present them to the bride and groom or alternatiely they may light the candles at the start of the ceremony.
- After the exchange of the rings, the bride and groom then each take one of the side candles and together light the larger center candle and replace the two smaller candles in their holders.
Parents, grandparents and children can also be included in the ceremony. Some couples opt to have the entire congregation involved. |
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All guests are given a candle, and the first guest's is lit. Guests pass the flame until all are lit, and then the bride and groom together light their unity candle. This version represents the unity of friends and family supporting the couple in their marriage.
Unity candelabra may be purchased and the candles personalised with the names and the date, and used as a keepsake from the wedding. |
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| During the Unity Candle ceremony, the following is an example of what may be said by the officiant: |
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The two outside candles have been lit by their families to represent their lives to this moment. The lights, representing the faith, wisdom and love _________ and ________ have received from their parents, are distinct, each burning alone.
________ and _________ are going to light their wedding candle, as a symbol of their marriage. The candles from which they light it represent each of them in the fullness of their personhood. They come into their marriage relationship as individuals and they do not lose their identity. Rather, they create through their commitment the relationship of marriage. Therefore, three candles remain lighted, one for each of them and one for their marriage as symbols of their commitment to each other and to a lasting and loving marriage."
As this one light burns undivided, so shall their love be one with God. From now on their thoughts shall be for each other rather than for their individual selves. Their joys and sorrows shall be shared alike.
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