Unity Candle Options....
Unity is represented in a number of ways during a wedding and committment ceremony... the exchange of rings, the kiss, the walk together back down the aisle to name a few. The one that I feel truly represents two lives becoming one the best is the Unity Candle.
Over the years, and through the wide variety of heritage traditions, there's a number of ways to accomplish this in a way that embodies the relationship of you and your fiance.
CANDLES...
This is probably the most common version of unity we all tend to see. It's generally done with one large candle in the center (the actual unity candle), and two smaller ones on each side (sometimes known as the bachelor candles). Most often, the bachelor candles are lit at the beginning of the ceremony during the processional by the mom of groom and mom of the bride. At some point during the ceremony the bride and groom walk to the candles together, take the bachelor candles, and light the unity candle at the same time, representing how their two lives become one. (Photography note: when you light your candles stand off the the side and not directly in front of them with your back to your guests. Otherwise we can't see what you're doing, and your photographer won't be able to get the shot of the candle.) While I most commonly see the Unity Candle lit just after the vows and exchange of rings, I've also seen it lit at the very beginning of the ceremony (which is what my husband and I had opted to do).
If you come from a larger family and want to involve more people, you may want to expand on the candles. On each side add three more candles (giving you a total of nine candles). The two most outside candles are lit before the guests enter, and are meant to symbolize those who have passed away yet are still present in our thoughts. During the processional the two next to these candles are lit by honored friends (who may or may not be part of your wedding part) to symbolize the influence and support friends provide helping you get to this day. The next two can be lit by honored extended family, as aunts and uncles, etc sometimes play a large role in our lives to get us where we are. And finally, the next two are the bachelor candles lit by the moms. Each candle is lit off the one before, showing how we're all tied together.
THE SANDS OF TIME...
If your ceremony is outdoors, candles may be a bit of a challenge. If you don't want to risk the winds or deal with tall hurricane glass candle holders, there's another wonderful option. All you need are two smaller (think tall plain shot glasses), and one larger glass vase. In each of the smaller vases fill a different color of sand, I've usually seen this done with a tan sand and a white sand. Then at the chosen moment during the ceremony, the bride and groom will each pour the sand from their small vases into the larger one at the same time. The sand blends together, makes beautiful patterns, and is a wonderful way to symbolize the marriage.
HAND FASTING...
This is honestly one of my favorite traditions, yet rarely seen. This is an Irish and Scottish tradition that goes back ages, and is where the origination of the phrase "tying the knot" stems from. Originally, the bride and groom's wrists were tied together at the start of their engagement agreeing they would stay together for a year and a day. At that time they would choose to part or stay together. Nowadays, the handfasting is done during the wedding ceremony, and the fabric is either tied around the wrists or loosely around the hands. So that you don't have to have your hands tied the remainder of the ceremony, the cloth is untied and can be worn over the groom's shoulder. Some couples use the family tartan colors, a plain cloth, or for my brother's wedding, we painted an Irish Blessing. It's become a family keepsake for them and a wonderful momento of their big day. If you make your own, allow at least 24 inches length of fabric if not more.
ROSE CEREMONY
Roses (or really any flower or your choice) are exchanged by the bride and groom during the ceremony. You could choose to have the roses waiting on the altar, or even pull a flower from the bride's bouquet, and a flower from the groom's boutineire. Another option is for the groom to present a flower to the bride's mom, and for the bride to present a flower to the groom's mom to signify the blending of the families.
The are endless options to symbolize unity, and I'm always hunting for more. If any of the above don't quite suit you, feel free to shoot me an email and I'd be happy to help you find an option that speaks to you the most. Email me at dawn@dlhgphoto.com.
Tags: Wedding Photography Wedding Planning