Please give suggestions for involving children
from previous marriages in lighting the unity candle, and how to tie this into
the ceremony.
Involving the children in the
unity candle
ceremony is a lovely way to make them feel included in the ceremony. You
don't mention how old the children are. If they are old enough, you could
have a candle for each child, as well as the bride and groom's candles. Place
those representing the groom's children next to his candle and those
representing your children next to your candle. The unity candle is usually
lighted after you have exchanged your vows. The minister can say something
about lighting the candle to signify the formation of a new family, then have
each child take their candle and all of you light the center candle at the
same time.
If the children are too young to have their own
candle, they might hold the hand of the bride or groom as the center candle is
lighted.
Some couples choose to make a vow to the children
after they have exchanged their marriage vows. If you would like to do this,
your officiant can help you create meaningful wording that includes vowing to
love, support, encourage, and cherish the children. This vow would be
repeated before the unity candle ceremony, then light the unity candle to
signify the vows that all have taken. If the children are teenagers or near
teens, they might like to also make a vow to you and your new husband,
affirming their support of the new family unit.
Best wishes to all of you.
