The candle lighting ceremony is becoming more and more familiar in today’s weddings. The ceremony represents the pledge of unity between the bride and groom and the merger of two families. It is usually a significant person who lights their tapers before taking their seats, generally to a special piece of music.

Traditionally, there are three candles. The celebrant or others will each light one of the side candles. Then the bride and groom each take one of these candles and together they light the centre candle. They may then blow out their individual side candles to symbolise the extinguishing of their two single lives. Or, as is more common today, they may keep those candles burning to demonstrate that their individuality is not lost, even though they are united in marriage.