Three Candles for Unity and One Candle for Memory

By Jennifer Clark
Guelph, ON, June 5, 2007

Long before the invention of the electric light bulb, the humble candles have been used to light homes when it gets dark. Even though they usually burn for a short time, and are required to be replaced after every burning, the candles were very much valued by every household because they provided light wherever and whenever they were needed. The lit candles were firmly fixed on simple candle holders and even chandeliers. The candle light provided a safe and secure surrounding in the family room for the children to play while their parents went on with their own chores close at hand. Throughout history, candles are also used in religious ceremonies and this includes the wedding ceremony.

The wedding candles are necessary in wedding rituals because they enhance the joyful wedding ambiance. Lighting the candles during the event can be very uplifting and euphoric for the happy couple as well as their families and guests. The candle lights move gracefully with the slight air movement as if dancing according to the tempo of the music played in the background. Indeed, these candles are capable in stirring the romantic mood in everyone present during the wedding ceremony.

There are several types of wedding candles in the market now. You can either purchase them straight from the supplier or place your order online. One of the popular types of wedding candle is the wedding unity candles. The wedding unity candles add a special touch to a wedding ceremony because they symbolize the eternal love between the happy couple. These candles usually come in the set of three candles. The two small candles, flanking a larger candle, are lit prior to the wedding ceremony to represent each individual life of the soon-to-be-married couple. Once the wedded couple has exchanged their nuptial vows, the large single candle in the middle is lit simultaneously by the newlyweds, using the flames on the small candles. This represents the newly-weds’ life together as one. The candles are then left to burn throughout the wedding ceremony.

These days, the wedding unity candles can be purchased in numerous designs. Some wedding accessories suppliers have their products attractively decorated with ribbons and beads. Some even offer the service to engrave the names of the couple on the candles. These candles are often sold with their matching candle holders. In addition, couples can have their wedding candles personalized to add their personal touch to their wedding celebration.

Other than the wedding unity candles, there are also the wedding memorial candles. These candles are commonly presented as gifts to honor the ones you love. They are often hand-decorated and personalized with the recipients’ names. The memorial candles are different from the wedding unity candles because they are presented as gifts and usually sold individually. However, they can be purchased   sufficiently in bulk, to be presented to your loved ones.

When you are thinking of purchasing wedding candles for your special day, it is wise to invest in superior quality candles because these candles are virtually smokeless and long burning. This is to avoid the venue of the wedding getting filled with the unpleasant smoke and odor emitted by the burning candles, which in turn will cause discomfort among the guests. The candles should last the whole ceremony. Wedding unity candles that burn out before the ceremony ends will impart the idea of the couple’s marriage to be short-lived.

It is central to consider the size of the room where the wedding ceremony will take place. It is not sensible to place a large number of burning candles in a small size reception hall because the fumes will be unpleasant to the guests. In addition, the candles should be safely placed on a fireproof surface, far from the guests to prevent accident.

On the other hand, the wedding candles are best bought with their matching candle holders to ensure a uniform wedding decoration for your wedding. The lit candles on their matching holders will definitely give an enchanting surrounding to your wedding ceremony.

Generally, when two hearts are joined on that very special day, the only thing that they have in their mind is the love that they have for each other. They want to light the candles to cast the light of optimism, commitment and unity in their new life as husband and wife. There is no better way to do this than lighting beautifully hand-decorated and personalized wedding candles after exchanging your marriage vows at the altar because three candles are for unity and one candle can last an eternity.