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Unity candle at a reaffirmation ceremony?

carmen
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Post #1 of 2 (1822 views)

Unity candle at a reaffirmation ceremony?

hello,

It's going to be our 5 year Anniversary next year.

We are married civilly not religious. We are planning the religious wedding or reaffirmation of vows ceremony. I wanted to know do we still use the unity candle in the church even though we are married civilly and have 2 small kids? Also for the reception do we also toast and do the cake cutting together.

(This post was edited by the_admin on Jul 29, 2005, 4:13 PM)

Etiquette Now
WEDDING ETIQUETTE EXPERT

Post #2 of 2 (1817 views)

Re: [carmen] Unity candle [In reply to]

Hello Reaffirming,

This can not be confused with a wedding, so if you were to light a unity candle, your lighting should be in context with your continuing love. Including your children would be a great idea.

A blessing ceremony doesn't have to be a big ceremony. Often this is just the couple, their children, priest, and parents. So, it is usually understated.

The cake cutting is not something that is typically done as it is for a wedding reception. This is more of an anniversary party. Although you could both promise to provide for each other everyday of your life together as is the message in the wedding reception cake cutting.

Toast are appropriate, but are not the same as in the wedding reception. Your husband will probably want to toast you and your children and you may want to do the same.

Consider this your anniversary present to each other and you should be fine with your planning. Please visit this page for more vow renewal etiquette:

http://www.gettingremarried.com/vow_renewal_etiquette.html

Best wishes,
Rebecca Black, Etiquette Consultant
Etiquette Now
http://www.etiquettenow.com