Unity Candles
Unity candles have become quite popular for weddings, renewal of vows and naming ceremonies.
In its simplest form, all that you need are three candles and suitable holders. Usually, two of the candles are tall and slim and the third is wider. They can be co-ordinated with your colour scheme; adorned with ribbons or other decorations; they can be inscribed with your names and the date; or they can simply be left as plain, naked, candles. As always, it is your choice.
When used at a wedding, or renewal of vows, the taller candles are lit near the beginning of the ceremony. You may wish to light the candles yourself or perhaps ask a close member of your family to light a candle on behalf of you and your family. Usually, you would light the central candle together, after your vows, as this symbolises your unity.
For example, at our wedding my mum (who was the oldest guest) lit a candle on behalf of me, and my family, and my husband’s grandson (who was the youngest guest) lit a candle on behalf of his granddad, and his family. These candles represented us, as individuals, and also our separate families. Towards the end of the ceremony, we used the tall outer candles to light our central candle. The central candle represented the unity of our marriage and the uniting of the two families, into one.
The celebration of old and young and two into one was important to us. It was a very special, and poignant, moment in the ceremony and I treasure the memories, and photos, of my beautiful, recently departed, mum.
Whatever you choose to do, your Celebrant will be able to suggest wording to incorporate the Unity candles that will suit you and they will also explain the symbolism to your guests.
Memorial Candles
You may wish to include a pause for reflection, during your wedding, for people who have passed away. Lighting one, or more, memorial candles is a beautiful way to include loved ones who are not there, in person. Again, your Celebrant will be able to guide you on how to sensitively include this pause without it causing everyone to be in floods of tears for the remainder of your ceremony!
Hi, I am Lorraine Hull, an award-winning Celebrant, based in Liverpool.
I am most usually asked to conduct ceremonies in North-West England and North Wales but I am happy to travel anywhere within the U.K. or abroad.
At the risk of shouting (and sounding extremely cheesy) "I LOVE MY JOB!".
I really love getting to know the couples and families that ask me to be part of their special celebration, whether that is for a Wedding/Civil Partnership, Renewal/Reaffirmation of Vows, Naming/Welcoming, or Celebration of Life/Funeral
I love hearing, writing and telling love and life stories (and also finding out about hopes and dreams - which are the stories of the future!)
I love to create and conduct unique, meaningful ceremonies that are perfect for each couple, individual, and/or family.
I love helping to create and celebrate happy and poignant moments, which form memories that will last a lifetime (that also includes the memories that I get to keep too - what's not to love?)
I believe that ALL people (and animals) should all be treated kindly, fairly and with respect.
I think for myself and act for others. I advocate anti-racism, the appreciation and celebration of diversity, dignity, justice, equity and equality for ALL through everything that I say and do: Love is Love, Family is Family, Life is Life.
You may like to know that I was trained to the highest level as a Celebrant and have continued my professional development. I hold Public Liability and Professional Indemnity insurance. I adhere to a strict code of conduct and I am committed to identifying, developing and sharing best practice with my Celebrant colleagues, so that we can all be the best Celebrants that we can possibly be.
To contact me please email: lorraine@liverpoolcelebrant.co.uk or call: 0744 932 3988