Wedding candle lighting rituals are a beautiful way to symbolize unity, remembrance, and love. Here are some common types:

1. Unity Candle Ceremony

• The couple each lights a taper candle, then together use them to light a larger “unity candle.”
• This represents the merging of two lives into one.
• Often, family members (like parents) light the individual candles first, symbolizing their support.

Example Unity Candle Wording A:

The lighting of these family candles symbolises __ and __ separate lives and pasts before today (bride and grooms mums light the candles). Through the love, support, wisdom and guidance they have both received from their families, they are here today to join their lives as one.

__ and __, with the light from your family candles, unite the two flames into one (bride and groom light centre candles). The unity of this flame symbolises the union of your families and your separate lives, into a commitment made in love and kept in faith. The two of you now have a fire that represents love, understanding and the future. It will give you warmth and happiness through even the darkest times. This new fire represents a new beginning, a new life and a new family.

Example Unity Candle Wording B:

Love is like an eternal flame,
once it is lit,
it will continue to burn for all time.
(by Frans Candles)

Example Wording C:
Soft mists embrace two golden flames,
Alone they search the night.
Two souls adrift in dreams of love,
They seek to claim the light.
The path is long from which they came,
But sure they are it’s right.
Two flames embrace in dreams of love,
Two Souls – Two Hearts Unite.
(By Harold Douglas)

2. Memorial Candle Lighting

• A candle is lit in honor of loved ones who have passed away.
• This can be done at a designated memorial table or during the ceremony.
• Example wording: “Though we cannot see you, we know you are here, smiling down as we begin this new chapter in our lives.”

Example Memorial Candle Lighting Wording A:

Before we begin our celebration today, Mabel and Fred would like us all to take a moment to remember those family members who are with them today only in spirit, especially ________________.

Mabel and Fred appreciate all of the love and support ____________ have given them throughout the years and would like to take a moment to remember them now with the lighting of these candles.

The light of their memory can never be extinguished in the hearts of those who loved them.

Example Memorial Candle Lighting Wording B:

Although death has separated us physically, faith and love have bound us eternally.
Though we cannot see you, we know you are here.
Though we cannot touch you, we feel the warmth of your smile, as we begin a new chapter in our lives.

Today we pause to reflect upon those who have shaped our character, molded our spirits and touched our hearts.
May the lighting of this candle be a reminder of the memories we have shared, a representation of the everlasting impact you have made upon our lives.

Example Memorial Candle Lighting Wording C Verse:

Although we cannot see you
We know that you are here
Smiling down, watching over us
As we say “I DO”
Forever in our hearts
Forever in our lives
And so we say our vows in
In loving memory of you
This light shines
as a symbol of life
and love remembered.

3. Family wedding candle lighting rituals

• Each family member lights a candle to represent their role in supporting the couple.
• This is a great way to include parents, siblings, or children in the ceremony.

4. Cultural & Religious Wedding candle lighting rituals

Some multicultural traditions incorporate candle lighting in unique ways, such as Jewish weddings with the Shabbat candles or Hindu ceremonies with sacred flames. Check out where you can buy a wide range of candles.

Talk to your marriage celebrant how these wedding candle lighting rituals and other rituals can be incorporated into your ceremony.

Multicultural Wedding in Sydney

Are you about to have a Multicultural Wedding in Sydney?  No matter where you’re from or what you believe in, weddings are always special events. They are often filled with meaningful rituals from the cultural or religious backgrounds of the couple. But how do you approach the wedding planning journey when you and your partner don’t share the same heritage? How do you combine two cultures into one wedding? That’s where cross cultural or multicultural wedding planning comes in—arguably, combining two (or more) different cultures or religions into one celebration that can make a wedding day that much more special.

Weddings are not only about celebrating the union of two people, but also about honoring their respective cultures and traditions. When couples come from different backgrounds, it can sometimes be a challenge to combine these elements into one cohesive event. However, with careful planning and consideration, cross cultural weddings can be a beautiful representation of love and diversity.

Multicultural Wedding in Sydney… Approach 1

One approach to planning a multicultural wedding is to incorporate elements from both cultures into different parts of the event. This could mean having a traditional ceremony from one culture followed by a reception that incorporates customs from the other culture. For example, a couple can have a Hindu ceremony with all its rituals and then incorporate Chinese lion dancers at their reception.

Multicultural Wedding in Sydney… Approach 2

Another option is to create a fusion wedding, where traditions from both cultures are combined and celebrated together. This could include a fusion menu that incorporates dishes from both cultures or incorporating traditional attire from each culture into the wedding party’s outfits. In a multicultural wedding ceremony different rituals of cultural significance could include inclusions such as:

• Handfasting
• Ring Warming
• Candle Lighting
• Sand Ceremonies
• Stefana Crowning
• Veil and Cord Ceremonies

Communication

Communication is key when planning a multicultural/cross cultural wedding. It is important for the couple to openly discuss their expectations, values, and beliefs with one another, as well as with their families. This will help ensure that everyone feels included and respected throughout the planning process and on the actual wedding day. Engaging with an experienced Marriage Celebrant who is skilled in facilitating Multicultural Weddings in Sydney will be helpful.

Engaging Guests

It is also important to educate guests about the different cultures and traditions being celebrated. This could be done through a program or website that explains the significance of different customs. It would be wise to  provide translations for any non-English speaking guests.

In addition, it may be helpful to have a friend or family member from each culture act as a cultural liaison. This will help  to bridge any potential gaps in understanding and ensuring that both cultures are represented and respected throughout the event.

Make it Special

The most important aspect of a cross cultural wedding is to celebrate love and unity. By embracing each other’s cultures and traditions, the couple can create a unique and meaningful wedding experience. It can reflect the diverse backgrounds and the joining of two families. It is an opportunity to honor the past while looking towards the future, and a beautiful way to start their new life together as one. So if you are planning a cross cultural wedding, embrace the diversity and let your love shine through every aspect of your special day.

Additionally, incorporating elements of both cultures in the wedding can be a great way to pay homage to each family’s traditions and create a sense of unity. This could include having different types of music playing, serving a fusion menu that combines dishes from each culture, or incorporating traditional wedding attire from both cultures.

Other Considerations

It is also important to be respectful of any religious or cultural customs that may impact the wedding ceremony. This could mean adjusting the timeline or format of the ceremony to accommodate for prayer times or cultural rituals. It is crucial to communicate with each family and understand their needs and beliefs, so that everyone feels included and comfortable during the ceremony.

Moreover, including educational aspects in the wedding can be a fun way to teach guests about different cultures and customs. This could include having informational displays or interactive activities that showcase the significance of certain traditions. By educating others, not only are you celebrating your own cultures, but you are also promoting diversity and understanding among your guests.

Ultimately, a Multicultural Wedding in Sydney is a celebration of love and the merging of two families. By embracing diversity and incorporating elements from each culture, the couple can create a truly unique and memorable wedding experience that reflects their love for each other and their backgrounds. So let’s celebrate love in all its forms and embrace the beauty of diversity through cross cultural weddings. Through love, we can break down barriers and bring people from different backgrounds together to celebrate a joyous occasion. Let your cross cultural wedding be a symbol of unity, inclusivity, and love for all. So whether it’s through incorporating traditions or educating others, let us continue to embrace diversity and spread

Handfasting Ceremony in Weddings

The Significant History Behind Handfasting

Historically, in ancient Celtic culture, this ceremony was an integral part of a marriage.  It  symbolized not only the union of two people but also the joining of extended families. Marriage was viewed as a sacred and enduring bond. The act of binding hands was a visual representation of this lifelong connection.

Over time, what was once a tradition rooted deeply in Celtic heritage. It has transcended cultural boundaries and has been embraced in weddings across the world.

The Meaning Behind Ribbon or Cord Colors

The ribbons or cords used in a handfasting ceremony are not just decorative. They often hold symbolic meaning. Couples may choose colors that resonate with their personal values, relationship. Alternatively  they simply reflect their aesthetic preferences.

Here are the traditional meanings of some ribbon colors:

• Red: Passion and love
• Blue: Trust and loyalty
• Yellow: Joy and happiness
• Green: Growth and fertility

Although these meanings are traditional, today’s couples are encouraged to choose colors that feel significant to them. It’s also an option to use multiple ribbons. Each will hold its own special meaning, adding more layers of connection and symbolism to the ritual.

Adding Personal Touches to Your Handfasting Ceremony

One of the beautiful aspects of the handfasting ceremony is its flexibility . Modern couples can weave their own story into this ancient tradition. Here are a few ideas to make the ritual truly yours:

• Choose Your Own Colors: Use ribbons or cords in your favorite colors or ones that match your wedding theme.
• Add Ribbons with Meaningful Details: Include charms, engravings, or small symbolic objects that reflect your shared life or interests.
• Invite Family Members to Participate: Make the ceremony even more special by involving family or close friends in tying the knot. This can signify their support and blessings for your union.
• Multiple Ribbons for a Single Knot: Opt for multiple ribbons or cords and combine their meanings into one strong knot and symbolize the strength of your relationship.

Incorporating Handfasting Into Your Wedding

Handfasting can be done as a stand-alone ceremony or easily included as part of a larger wedding. For many, it offers a poignant moment to pause and reflect on the commitment being made. It’s versatile enough to be incorporated with vows, ring exchanges, or other wedding traditions.

Before the ceremony, discuss the symbolism and details with your celebrant to ensure it aligns with your vision for your big day. Consider weaving in a few words to explain the tradition to your guests, especially if it’s new to them.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re honoring Celtic heritage,  or simply inspired by the symbolism of intertwining lives, a handfasting ceremony is a heartfelt and memorable addition to any wedding.

Take the time to make it personal and meaningful, whether that means choosing unique ribbons, involving loved ones, or adding small mementos. By putting your own creative spin on this ancient ritual, you ensure it will be as unique as your love story.

Will the threads of your love story include a knot of unity? If so, make it a vivid and unforgettable moment in your celebration!

Check out this simple step by step guide about how to tie a handfasting cord.

Handfasting Ceremony in Weddings Example 1

Discuss handfasting with your celebrant.  They are the right person to help tailor this inclusion in your ceremony.

Marriage Celebrant… “Dario and Robyn have chosen to incorporate a traditional handfasting into their ceremony today. This is a symbolic binding of the hands that inspired the terms “Bonds of Holy Matrimony” and to “Tie the knot”. Throughout history in many different ways and in many different parts of the world, the hands of the bride and groom were bound as a sign of their commitment to one another. In many times rings were only for the very rich, but love knows no such bound. The cords are not permanent but perishable as a reminder that all things of the material world eventually return to the earth, unlike the bond and the connection that is love which is eternal.

Please join your right hands.”(Dario and Robyn hold hands, the ribbon is laid over the hands and tied into a knot underneath.)

Marriage Celebrant… “This cord represents the marital bond. It is strong enough to hold you together during times of struggle yet flexible enough to allow for individuality and personal growth. As your hands are now bound together, so shall your lives be bound as one. May you enjoy a lifetime of love and peace, happiness and prosperity.”
(hands to stay tied for the asking and the vows)