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Candles in ceremonies

At the beginning of the ceremony the bride and groom each light a candle. After they have been declared husband and wife they each take their lit candle with their right hand and light the marriage candle as the symbol of their union. The separate candles, symbolising their past, separate lives, are then extinguished.

Alternatively,  the mother of the bride, and the mother of the groom could step forward at the start of the ceremony and each light a candle. Later,  after vows have been exchanged the couple can then light a taper from the two candles,    and together,  light one unity candle.

Candles can also be lit in memory of a loved one, i.e. a parent or grandparent who has passed away.     This can be done at the start of the ceremony and the celebrant would say some simple words about 'although your loved one is not here today, we know they are watching over you with pride'.