The unity candle ceremony is no longer an obscure ritual for weddings. It has gained in popularity as a symbolic way of showing a bride and groom's commitment to uniting their lives. As a matter of fact, some cultures and families even include both sets of parents in the unity candle lighting ceremony to signify the union of two families. This latter practice, though, is strictly by choice and no means, a compulsory part of the original unity candle ceremony.

Unity candles usually come in threes - two are equally sized and the One is the much bigger, heavier version of the other two. This is positioned between the two candles and should remain unlit throughout the ceremony until The Moment of lighting. The other two may or may not be lit throughout the ceremony. What transpires during the ritual is that the bride first lights her candle (if it is unlit) and holds it in her hand. The groom then does the same and both bring their candles together to light the single big one. Symbolically, this means their two separate lives molded into one and that they are now united in their individual life goals. The two individual candles can either be left lit or blown out thereafter. If parents are included in the unity candle ceremony, smaller ones are used to merge into the single, big flame, to symbolize the joining of not just the wedded couple, but their families as well.

Unity candles are great as both ritual tools as well as wedding keepsakes for the couple. In fact, miniature versions of these candles, with slight modifications, would make beautiful and unique wedding favors for the guests.

Today, unity candles for weddings come in almost any size and color. The traditional and conservative choice of ivory-colored or natural-colored candle is still very much the popular pick for most couples. These unity wedding candles are also commonly circular in shape. These types are most preferred as finding holders for these are the easiest, particularly if one wants a wider range of candle holders to choose from.

Just because these are the most common types of candles does not mean they have to look exactly like any other. Unity candles for weddings can each be made unique in their own ways with a little bit of effort on the bridal couple's part. For one thing, when shopping for unity candles, the couple should browse through as many candle designs as possible before deciding on one. When doing this, it is best to have decided beforehand if their miniature unity candles are going to be wedding favors or not so the design chosen will fit both purposes.

Personalizing unity candles can be done by adding the first names of the bride and groom onto the candle surface - as background design, the family emblem or composite of both letters in their names can be used. For such engravings, colors can be used to highlight the imprints. For an added shimmer, sprinkle a little glitter on the candle surrounding the design. Tying a colored ribbon around the candle base or trunk is another way of personalizing the unity wedding candles. These are particularly useful in spicing up the conventional unity candle, especially if the ribbons are printed with significant phrases like "Tom & Mary are united in their love today ..." and such.

Another way of personalizing unity candles for weddings is by adding on unconventional design, like embroidery of flowers, pearls, crystals, colored stones or rhinestones. These are best done by professionals, as it can be tedious and possibly messy if not done well. These designs help to liven up the otherwise common candle, without compromising on its traditional beauty.

There is an increasing demand for unconventional unity candles for weddings today. These have given rise to somewhat oddly shaped candles - some are triangular, square, even star shaped. These may be more difficult to source for, but not impossible. Finding candle holders for these, however, may be quite challenging.

Other unconventional unity wedding candles may be in unconventional colors - maroon, brown, moss green, honey and even black candles have made their debut at weddings. While these are still largely uncommon, they may be a good idea to consider as they fit into wedding themes and colors better than their conventional ivory-colored counterparts. Fall and spring weddings, for example, may require bolder and brighter colored ones to suit the seasons.

Again, unity candle decorations are strictly optional, depending on wedding themes, colors and couple personality. Adding maple leaves and snowflakes may be suitable for fall and winter weddings, while beach weddings may want to think of seashells and sailboats on their unity wedding candles.

As a consideration for guests, it is best to keep the designs pleasant and not too radical as the wedding is supposed to be a celebration of joy and love.