Question about unity candles?

[Beautybelle43]

I've noticed several people having these and I've never heard of them before.

Is this just something Disney does or is it a religious thing? Are they included in the Escape wedding package?

Are they typically lit before, during, or after the ceremony?

TIA!

 

[Janet2k]

Beautybelle43, Wikipedia has some information regarding Unity Candles and what they are: click here. They've been around for a while and there are slightly different takes on them.

Even though I was well aware of the unity candle, I chose not to use it for my FTW vow renewal a few years ago. It just didn't feel right to me. I don't regret the decision that I made.

Now, with that being said, other folks love the unity candle and incorporate it into their marriage ceremonies all the time. It's truly a personal decision that only you and your future spouse can make. Give it some thought and see if it feels right to you. If it does, then consider adding it to your ceremony.

 

[Janet2k]

By the way, welcome to the Dis. I see that you're new around these parts.

 

[Beautybelle43]

Thanks so much!! Still not definate that our wedding will be at WDW-I'm still trying to gather into to convince DF that we can afford it!!
As of right now, DF loves WDW almost as much as I do (and we are in agreement to a WDW honeymoon at the very least), but he does like the SBP location and also the convenience of of the Escape package planning. Just have to show him that we can afford it on a $6000 budget!

Wow, wikepedia has a little something on everything, huh?

Anyways, hmm, I read it through and I'm not sure the unity candles are quite our style. I think we can do without it.

Thank you for all your help-everyone on this board is so nice and helpful!!

 

[Janet2k]

Still not definate that our wedding will be at WDW-I'm still trying to gather into to convince DF that we can afford it!!

Beautybelle43, please keep us posted. I'm sure no matter what route you take to the altar, it will be the right one. I wish you many years of happiness.

I eloped for my original wedding, but when it came time for my 20th wedding anniversary, we celebrated in WDW with a FTW custom vow renewal. Things may not work out for you now, but take it from me -- the future is a whole 'nother story.

Wow, wikepedia has a little something on everything, huh?

Yes, it is quite the database of both the most traditional AND bizarre information (I am so not going to go down that path right now!). I find it hard to not find what I'm looking for on Wikipedia. Of course, the Internet has tons more information regarding Unity Candles. A quick search will show you that.

I read it through and I'm not sure the unity candles are quite our style. I think we can do without it.

Don't count it out until you read some information regarding the ceremony on at least a religious website or two. Wikipedia tends to state info in more standard and less emotional terms. The Unity Candle really is a lovely tradition and many folks add it to their wedding. It also makes for lovely photos.

Thank you for all your help-everyone on this board is so nice and helpful!!

Yes, there are plenty of wonderful folks here on the Dis who share all sorts of information in regards to their FTW events. They're a wealth of information. Of course, if you go through with a FTW ceremony or a Disney honeymoon, we'll be expecting you to stick around and share your experiences, too.

 

[Beautybelle43]

Beautybelle43, please keep us posted. I'm sure no matter what route you take to the altar, it will be the right one. I wish you many years of happiness.

I eloped for my original wedding, but when it came time for my 20th wedding anniversary, we celebrated in WDW with a FTW custom vow renewal. Things may not work out for you now, but take it from me -- the future is a whole 'nother story.



Yes, it is quite the database of both the most traditional AND bizarre information (I am so not going to go down that path right now!). I find it hard to not find what I'm looking for on Wikipedia. Of course, the Internet has tons more information regarding Unity Candles. A quick search will show you that.



Don't count it out until you read some information regarding the ceremony on at least a religious website or two. Wikipedia tends to state info in more standard and less emotional terms. The Unity Candle really is a lovely tradition and many folks add it to their wedding. It also makes for lovely photos.



Yes, there are plenty of wonderful folks here on the Dis who share all sorts of information in regards to their FTW events. They're a wealth of information. Of course, if you go through with a FTW ceremony or a Disney honeymoon, we'll be expecting you to stick around and share your experiences, too.

Thanks Janet-you are very kind I'm praying this all works out.
I know this is very frivolous for our budget, but heck, if other folks get to do it, why can't we?? We might be paying it back for a while, but I figure you only live once and this is a once in a lifetime opportunity!

So far, it seems much cheaper than I thought and the price might actually be feasable! I'm just hoping I didn't miss a huge hidden fee or something!

I will take your advice and look into the unity candle again I thought it sounded nice enough on the Wiki site, but I garuntee that DF would look at it and call it "witchcraft" .....please forgive him as he knows not what he says See, this is where we differ. When we met, I was charging crystals and lighting incense while he was studying science and technology books for fun! ! Surprisingly though, we somehow have alot in common!

Yes, I will definately keep you all updated! IF this all works out, we will have to spend the next almost 2 years saving up, I know I will have plenty to gab about while we are planning!!

 

[Janet2k]

I'm praying this all works out.

Beautybelle43, I will keep my fingers crossed for you. In my humble opinion, the FTW folks pull off some of the most lovely weddings on the planet. You can have an extremely intimate affair for 2 or a full-blown affair for 500. The sky is truly the limit.

I know this is very frivolous for our budget, but heck, if other folks get to do it, why can't we?? We might be paying it back for a while, but I figure you only live once and this is a once in a lifetime opportunity!

I belong to the club of folks who try to live their life without regret. It appears that you belong to that club, too. If you follow your heart, your mind will find a way to make your dreams happen. It sometimes takes longer than you expect, but it can also take less time. As the saying goes, where there's a will, there's a way.

So far, it seems much cheaper than I thought and the price might actually be feasable! I'm just hoping I didn't miss a huge hidden fee or something!

I'm glad to hear that you think the price tag is doable. Great! Just keep a running tab of things that you'd like to incorporate into your event. When I was planning my event, I created an Excel spreadsheet with line-items for Ceremony, Officiant, Transportation, Floral, Linen, Entertainment, Food, Beverage, and so on. I also made sure to add a line-item for Gratuities.

I will take your advice and look into the unity candle again. I thought it sounded nice enough on the Wiki site, but I garuntee that DF would look at it and call it "witchcraft".....please forgive him as he knows not what he says. See, this is where we differ. When we met, I was charging crystals and lighting incense while he was studying science and technology books for fun! ! Surprisingly though, we somehow have alot in common!

I am an engineer and yet I have this completely wild side to me. What you said about you and your significant other made complete sense to me, have no fear! As they say in the field of life, opposites attract.

Yes, I will definately keep you all updated! IF this all works out, we will have to spend the next almost 2 years saving up, I know I will have plenty to gab about while we are planning!!

It will be fun seeing you around the boards. There are many here who are planning for two or more years down the road. You'll be in good company.

 

[jennifaerie]

Instead of a unity candle, we're actually doing a unity sand ceremony instead. It kinda went along with our childish-fall theme, and it's recommended for outdoor ceremonies, because candles can blow out.

Sand ceremonies can have just the two of you involved, or you can have friends and families take part too. Each person has a different color. You pour in your sand, your significant other pours in another shade of sand, and then you pour both your sands in together, to show the unity of your relationship.

Some people have a neutral sand at the bottom, to show a foundation of your relationship. Some have the officiant put sand in as well. You can customize it any which way you'd like, including what's said, the types of containers you have the sand poured into, etc.

It just seemed to make more sense, and it seemed more romantic.

 

[Beautybelle43]

Beautybelle43, I will keep my fingers crossed for you. In my humble opinion, the FTW folks pull off some of the most lovely weddings on the planet. You can have an extremely intimate affair for 2 or a full-blown affair for 500. The sky is truly the limit.



I belong to the club of folks who try to live their life without regret. It appears that you belong to that club, too. If you follow your heart, your mind will find a way to make your dreams happen. It sometimes takes longer than you expect, but it can also take less time. As the saying goes, where there's a will, there's a way.



I'm glad to hear that you think the price tag is doable. Great! Just keep a running tab of things that you'd like to incorporate into your event. When I was planning my event, I created an Excel spreadsheet with line-items for Ceremony, Officiant, Transportation, Floral, Linen, Entertainment, Food, Beverage, and so on. I also made sure to add a line-item for Gratuities.



I am an engineer and yet I have this completely wild side to me. What you said about you and your significant other made complete sense to me, have no fear! As they say in the field of life, opposites attract.



It will be fun seeing you around the boards. There are many here who are planning for two or more years down the road. You'll be in good company.

Thank you Janet!! Everyone on here has been so kind and welcoming!! If I win the lottery tomorrow, I am inviting you all to my WDW wedding-fireworks and all!