Unity Candle Cost

How Much Does a Unity Candle Cost?

Stands: $15-$25

Candles: $10-$75

Sets: $35-$100

As part of a wedding ceremony, many couples choose to light a unity candle. Two honored participants, usually the bride's mother and groom's mother, each light a tapered candle at the start of the ceremony as representing their family. Later during the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom each take their lit taper candle and join them together to help light the large unity candle as a symbol of coming together. The Wedding Channel lists variations of the unity candle ceremony.

Typical costs:

Unity candle sets including candles and stands typically range from $35 to $100. Advantage Bridal offers a scattered-crystal unity candle set for $72.
Unity candles typically range from $10 to $75, not including stands. For example, Joann.com sells a decorated center candle and two pillar candles for $43 shipped. In general, more expensive unity candles are characterized by personalized details, like a couple's names and wedding date. They may also be embellished with crystals, ribbon and charms.
Unity candle stands typically range from $15 to $25, not including candles. Elegant unity candle stands from Waterford Crystal cost $340, but this is uncommon.
As an alternative choice (especially if candles aren't practical), unity sand kits typically range from $30 to $80. Advantage Bridal sells a unity sand kit for $50.

What should be included:

A unity candle set should include a wide-base candle, typically white. There should also be two taller taper candles and a holder for each candle.
A unity sand kit typically contains two or three colors of sand, each contained in a small pouring vase. The officiant may pour one color of sand into the bottom of the vase and the bride and groom may take turns pouring their sand into a tall glass vase, which is included in the kit.

Additional costs:

If ordering unity candles online, expect to pay $7 to $15 for standard shipping within the U.S.

Shopping for a unity candle:

Plain candles from a department or craft store can be dressed up with beads and ribbon to coordinate with the rest of the ceremony. The DIY Network offers instructions on how to use a wedding invitation and common craft supplies to personalize a plain unity candle.
Consider dressing up a unity candle with a favorite verse or poem, like this Irish unity candle, in lieu of a traditional monogram.
Online retailers, like House of Brides or Unbeatable Sale, offer a variety of unity candles ranging from inexpensive to elaborate.
Check out unity candles from independent sellers on eBay and Etsy. Make sure the seller has positive feedback before placing an order.
The Knot suggests alternatives for unity candles in a wedding ceremony, including flowers, wine or sand.