What Is The Meaning Of The Candles At A Wedding?

The use of candles in wedding ceremonies is a tradition that dates back centuries. Candles represent light, warmth, and the joining of two lives into one. In many cultures and faiths, the flame of a candle symbolizes the eternal love between two people. The soft, romantic glow of candles sets a beautiful ambiance at weddings. Candles are often incorporated into ceremonies and receptions through unity candles, votive candles, memory candles, sand ceremonies, the flame eternal, pillar candles, taper candles, and floating candles.

Unity Candles

Unity candles have become a popular wedding tradition over the past few decades. This ritual involves a candle being lit by the bride and groom during the ceremony to represent the joining of their two lives into one. The unity candle setup typically involves three candles – one large pillar candle in the middle and two taper candles on either side. The two taper candles represent the bride and groom as individuals. The parents of the bride and groom come up at the start of the ceremony to light these side taper candles, which may involve each set of parents lighting their child’s candle.

After lighting the side taper candles, the bride and groom come forward together to light the center unity candle. Lighting this central candle together symbolizes the union of their relationship and the joining of their two lives into one from that day forward. It is a profound visual representation of two becoming one. Some couples choose to blow out the side taper candles after lighting the middle candle, further demonstrating how they are leaving their individual lives behind and uniting as a new family. The lighting of the unity candle is a touching way for a couple to show their commitment to one another during their wedding ceremony.

Votive Candles

Votive candles are small candles that are often used to line the aisle or decorate reception tables at weddings. These candles help set the ambiance and provide beautiful decoration through their gentle, warm lighting.

Usually around 1-3 inches tall, votive candles are placed in small glass containers. Their small size allows them to be arranged in clusters along the aisle pews, steps, or around flower arrangements to accent the wedding decor. At the reception, votive candles may adorn each table, providing a romantic glow during dinner and dancing.

Votive candles come in a variety of colors, from classic white to ivory, cream, pink, purple, blue, and more. Couples can choose votive candles that coordinate with their wedding colors for a cohesive and elegant look. Votive candles are an affordable way to create a magical atmosphere bathed in the flickering light of dozens of small flames.

Memory Candles

A memory candle is a meaningful way to honor deceased loved ones at a wedding ceremony. The couple lights a candle and places it on the altar or ceremony table, along with a photo of the deceased relative or friend they wish to remember.

This symbolic ritual provides a touching moment to acknowledge important people who have passed on but hold a special place in the couple’s hearts. Lighting the wick of the memory candle allows the spirit of those who could not physically attend to still be present in the ceremony.

Some couples choose to light the candle at the beginning to welcome the souls of the departed, while others do so later in the service as a remembrance. The placement near photographs helps identify who the candle honors and serves as a focal point for reflecting on their lives and influence. This is a simple yet profound tradition embracing gratitude and love.

Sand Ceremony

The sand ceremony involves the bride and groom blending colored sands together in a unity ritual. Each person has a vase of colored sand, often using their favorite colors or ones matching the wedding palette. Then together, they slowly pour their two sands into a joint vase, blending the sands together to symbolize the uniting of their lives.

This unity ritual is a beautiful visual representation of two being joined as one. As the sands mix together into a new unified blend, it demonstrates how the couple is leaving behind their previous individual lives and joining together in marriage to create a shared future from this point onward. The flowing sands merging reflects the hope for a seamless blending of their lives and families into one new family built on love.

Many couples choose to keep the finished sand blend artwork as a special memento of their ceremony. This lasting artwork can remind them in years to come of the meaningful commitment made on their wedding day as they joined their two lives together as one. Others choose to leave their sand ceremony blend at the venue as a symbolic gift to the site that hosted their nuptials.

Flame Eternal

One of the most symbolic candles used in wedding ceremonies is the Flame Eternal candle. This candle represents the eternal bond and everlasting love between the couple getting married. The Flame Eternal is designed to never be extinguished, symbolizing that the couple’s love will never cease.

The Flame Eternal candle is often a large pillar candle or candelabra that has multiple wicks fused together. It may incorporate several smaller candles with multiple wicks braided together into one larger candle. This shows the intertwining of the couple’s lives into one. The many wicks allow the candle to keep burning continuously without ever going out.

During the ceremony, the couple lights the Flame Eternal candle together to represent the joining of their flames into one eternal flame. This is a powerful symbol of their commitment to each other and the permanence of their union. Just as the candle will keep burning, their love will remain constant. The Flame Eternal candle beautifully captures the enduring promise made between two people on their wedding day.

Pillar Candles

Pillar candles are large, decorative candles that are often displayed prominently at weddings. They symbolize prayer for the couple’s new marriage. These candles are traditionally very tall, up to 3 feet high, and have a wide diameter. The large size represents the significance of marriage as one of the biggest days in a couple’s life.

Pillar candles may be placed around a church or wedding venue to add ambiance and signify the prayers and blessings being offered for the couple. They create a warm glow and spiritual atmosphere. The candle’s upright stance is like hands joined in prayer for the wedding. Lighting the wick represents the start of the couple’s new life together.

In some traditions, pillar candles are lit by parents or godparents of the bride and groom. This shows their blessings and well-wishes for the couple. The flames burning upward symbolize prayers rising to heaven. Some couples will light a pillar candle during the ceremony to represent their marriage being blessed.

Pillar candles come in a wide range of colors and designs to match any wedding décor. They can be decorated with flowers, ribbons, or painted designs. Couples may choose pillar candles that align with their wedding colors or theme. For example, candles with nautical designs for a beach wedding. Pillar candles add a traditional touch with prayerful symbolism.

Taper Candles

Taper candles are tall, slender candles that elegantly line the aisle or altar at weddings. These candles come in various heights and widths, allowing couples to choose the perfect size and shape to match their wedding décor.

The classic taper candle provides understated yet sophisticated lighting, creating a romantic glow for wedding ceremonies. They work well in formal settings with chandeliers, sconces, candelabras, and other traditional wedding elements. Taper candles look beautiful when surrounding flower arrangements on the altar or lining the aisles to guide guests to their seats.

For many couples, taper candles represent a long-lasting marriage or relationship. Their slim shapes represent two lives coming together as one. The flickering flames symbolize faith, warmth, and an eternal bond. Taper candles set the mood for a heartfelt celebration of love.

With their timeless elegance and rich symbolic meaning, it’s no wonder taper candles remain a top choice for wedding ceremonies and receptions today. They easily elevate wedding décor for a classic, sophisticated look.

Floating Candles

Floating candles are a beautiful and romantic addition to any wedding ceremony. The candles are placed in glass vases or bowls filled with water, and floated on the surface.

When lit, the floating candles create a gorgeous ambiance and mood lighting. The candle flames flickering on the water provides a dreamy and romantic vibe. Floating candles are often used on the couple’s sweetheart table, but can also be incorporated in centerpieces and decor throughout the wedding venue.

Floating candles also symbolize unity, two flames coming together as one. They represent the joining of the couple into marriage. The candles drifting on the water surface signifies harmony, peace and tranquility in the couple’s life ahead.

Overall, floating candles add a picturesque, warm glow and idyllic ambiance to the wedding celebration. Their beauty and symbolism make them a perfect decorative touch for a romantic wedding.

Conclusion

Candles and lighting ceremonies have become an increasingly popular trend at weddings. Each type of candle has its own symbolism, but many center around unity, memory, and new beginnings. Candles represent the joining of two lives into one new family through marriage. The lighting of candles is a visual representation of the couple kindling the flames of their relationship.

Overall, candles hold ceremonial significance at weddings. Their warm glow provides a meaningful backdrop during special moments like vows or first dances. The flames represent the passion, commitment, and eternal love between the couple getting married. Candles remind us that even through life’s ups and downs, the marriage and love between two people can remain bright.