So what does the Unity Candle & Unity Sand ceremonies represent? Both Ceremonies are performed to symbolize the joining of the two families, and their love for the bride and the groom, into one united family. More often it is to symbolize the union of two individuals, becoming one in commitment.
The Unity Candle Ceremony is quite popular and starts with the taper candles being lit by representatives from each family (generally the bride & grooms mothers) to symbolize the love and allegiance that each family has for either the bride or the groom. The bride and groom then use the lit tapers to light the unity candle.
The tapers 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.
The Unity Sand Ceremony acts in a similar way where the Bride & Groom pour sand from individual vases into one vase, symbolising their unity. You can also include other family members in this ceremony.
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