|
Fragrant, romantic, stylish, and
spiritual, candles add beautiful brightness to any wedding. First
developed by the Romans, wick candles aided night travelers and lit homes
and places of worship. Today, candles serve many symbolic and decorative
purposes. Strike a match and read on to see how these glittering beauties
can light up your wedding.
CANDLE SYMBOLISM
Unity Candles
Unity Candles symbolize the wedding ceremony's essence: two people
becoming one while retaining their own identities. They're visible
symbols of couples' commitments to each other.
Here's how unity candles work: Bride and groom, each holding a candle,
light a third candle together. You may blow out the individual flames,
or all three candles may remain lit throughout the rest of the
ceremony. You could initiate the process by having your mothers light
the individual candles; your mom lights yours, and your sweetie's mom
does the same for her child. Sometimes the entire congregation can
participate, holding candles lit from the unified flame.
Outdoor Ceremonies Using a Unity Candle
Protect the flame as you protect your love: Use hurricane lamps. You
can purchase these lamps in various sizes at most craft or department
stores. If the candle blows out, don't worry; it's not a sign!
Memorial Candles
The loss of a close friend or family member can be especially
difficult during a wedding. A memorial candle honors the memory of
your loved ones. At traditional Thai weddings, the candles' smoke is
believed to carry your thoughts to those who have passed on.
Candle Lighters
If you're having a dramatic nighttime ceremony with candles along the
aisle (or any other area), enlist a special friend to do candle duty
by lighting them just before the ceremony begins, or by distributing
candles to guests to be lit as part of the ceremony. At a Jewish
wedding, you can honor someone by asking her to light a candle during
the reception.
Candle Kids
In a Christian ceremony, steady-handed pre-teens (ages nine to twelve)
can light candles at the altar just before the bride's mother is
seated. They should stick around after the ceremony to snuff the
flames.
Candle High "Lights"
A candle is the love that lights our sweetie's world.
A candle brightens our beloved's life and wipes out darkness.
Like a moth to a flame, a candle draws people together, reminding us
of how love binds.
CANDLES AS DECORATION
Sizzling Centerpieces
The perfect romantic lighting option: Place candles on each table and
throughout the room. There are so many stunning and affordable
varieties that you can color-coordinate candles with flowers, your
dress, or even the main course. You can also use scented candles or
opt for floating candles that beautifully reflect dim light. Majestic
candelabras add drama to a room (think Liberace); traditional lanterns
can transform any site into a cozy, old-fashioned inn.
Thrifty tip: For easy, inexpensive centerpieces, fill glass bowls with
water and place floating candles in them. Surround the bowls' bases
with garlands of small ivy. When the candles are lit, they'll look
really elegant.
Candlelit Ceremonies -- Be Moody
First, make sure you know your local fire ordinances -- find out how
many candles you can light (if you can light them at all!). The
wedding site's manager can help you locate this information. Based on
the regulations, decide where to put candles. Make sure there is
enough light around the two of you at the altar. Put large candles on
stands, perhaps decorated with flowers, at the spot where you'll
exchange vows. Put one at the end of each pew, if you like. But don't
overdo it -- the purpose of candlelight is to dim the room.
Bright Bouquets
Have your bridesmaids carry ribbon-wrapped candles instead of
bouquets. The effect will be romantic and dramatic at the same time.
Even with ribbons, candles will cost less than half of what flowers
would cost. Make sure you provide candleholders: The last thing you
want is hot wax dripping onto your maids' hands. Ouch!
|
