[michelle.bigley]

HELP! Any suggestions on how to light an encore unity candle set that includes the kids of a second marriage? How do we include our parents and our kids? Do the kids light it before the ceremony takes place and then we light in middle of ceremony? Do we blow out the kids pillars? I really need some help as my wedding is in about a month!

[RevSusanna]

There are various ways.

-The two of you may light your unity candle, then the two of you may light additional candles representing each of the children as a symbol of your commitment to them. If you wish, each child may help you with the lighting of the candle that represents them.
-You may all light a family candle together (each with their own individual candle).
-After the lighting of the unity candle, you may ask each child to light an individual candle representing their individual spirits, then you all light a separate family candle in addition to your unity candle.
It isn't as complicated as it may sound! You just need to choose which feels most lovely and right to you.
If none of it does, there are other options for including the children.
Blessings!