Unity Candle Ceremony for a Second Wedding

Lighting a unity candle has long been a traditional component of the wedding ceremony. More recently, as it's popularity and significance rises, the unity candle ceremony has expanded to include additional family members—and today’s brides and grooms seek the perfect unity candle song to accompany their ceremony.

For the 25 percent of brides and grooms entering a second marriage, we envision a more powerful tradition—one beyond the traditional wedding ceremony: a special candle-lighting ceremony at the reception. This allows you to recognize and warmly acknowledge new family members - especially your children. Second marriages often prove to be an emotionally difficult time for children, regardless of their ages and, even under the best circumstances. We’ve found that many loving parents who are getting married again use this candle-lighting ceremony to help make their children and other family members feel welcome and an important part of the new family.

The desire to create family unity and express heartfelt emotions prompted the creation of “ Yours, Mine & Ours.” The song is perfect for unity candle ceremonies, honoring loved ones in your blended family who deserve to be recognized and welcomed.

If you decide to light a unity candle during your second wedding ceremony, consider buying a special encore unity candle. This keepsake candle is personalized with your names, wedding date and children's names. By lighting three candles, you signify the union of your families. The officiate can recite the following:

"The lighting of the center candle represents not only the union of (bride) and (groom) in marriage, but also the unity formed in this new family, in which your lives will now shine as one." (Or, if you are blending two families: "As you light your candles, and the flames become one, let this signify the blending of two families. "

Express your love and welcome your children into your new blended family by including them in your candle-lighting ceremony. Don't forget to include parents and grandparents too!

Family Medallion Unity Candle Set

Make your unity candle ceremony a symbol of the new blended family as you include your children the lighting. Special handmade ceramic base with a pearl finish, a three-ring design symbolizing the new family and space to insert up to 7 kid's candles. Each set includes the base, one 9" unity candle that reads "Our Family Candle", two 9.5" taper candles for parents, matches for lighting and ideas for your ceremony.

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And, since no ceremony is complete without personalized music, be sure to select a special song or background music to accompany the candle-lighting ceremony. A gifted singer can perform live, or you can play a recorded version as you exchange vows.

MUSIC: Unity Candle Lighting Songs:

Song	Artist	Audio Clip Click to Listen
Circle of Life	The Lion King
Unity Candle Song	Traditional Unity Candle Song
Love Will Be Our Home	I Will Be Here: 25 Wedding Songs
Shine On Us	I Will Be Here: 25 Wedding Songs
Coming Home	Yours, Mine & Ours - A special collection of songs specifically written for families.
T Carter Music	Here We Stand
The Wedding Song	Wedding Music Central

The Unity Candle Ceremony is non-denominational, with no particular religious affiliation. It’s an extremely popular choice for couples planning second wedding ceremonies. Be sure to check with your church, synagogue or other house of worship to ensure they will allow the candle-lighting to be part of your second wedding ceremony.

Premier Unity Candle Set

Since not all second weddings will include family or children, consider a traditional unity candle set like this one which allows bridal couples to choose from 7 printed designs for a uniquely personalized wedding candle keepsake. From the the monogram to the claddagh, these unity candles are a welcome departure from the standard fancy/frilly sets. Includes everything you need for a memorable unity candle ceremony including a 3"x 9" unity candle, two 6" dripless taper candles and a stand in metallic gold or silver.

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More unity candles and stands.

Sample Unity Candle Vows

As adapted from The Wedding Planning Ceremony Planner:

Every human being possesses a special light that burns within them.

When two spirits, destined to be together, find each other, their streams of light flow together, and a single brighter light, goes forth from their union.

Bride and groom, by committing to one another today, you kindle the light within each other, and promise to do your best to always see that light within each other, to nurture and tens that flame in your partner as best you can, especially in difficult times, when this may be hardest to do.

Bride, take this candle as a symbol of your spirit, and Groom, take this candle as a symbol of your spirit.

Now joining your individual flames together, light the center candle which symbolizes the spirit of your union and the new greater flame of your marriage. As you do so, silently vow to tend the spirit of this union, and never forget that just as this union is made stronger by your strength as individuals, so are you as individuals made stronger by this union.

Get more sample ceremonies and unity candle vows, including ceremonies and vows for children / family in The Wedding Ceremony Planner - the essential guide to the most important part of your wedding.