I love the idea of having our parents light our individual candles, and then the two of us lighting our unity candle. My problem is that my parents have been divorced for 10 years, and my mom has been in a serious relationship for about 8 of those years, and my dad is remarried. Who do I ask to light my candle? Just my mom and dad? But then I'm afraid that my step-mom and steve (my mom's long term boyfriend) will feel left out. I was really hoping to incorporate them into the ceremony too. They have both been a big part of my life for so many years. Do I have all four of them try to light my candle? Or can you think of something else special we can have them do?
There are various ways you can include step parents. How about having each of them do a reading? This seems like it might be the easiest way to include them without having anyone second guess the decision. Having four people to light one candle can be a bit much. There are other ideas but not knowing how everyone gets along this seems like the safest and most practical way to go. Best wishes and God Bless you. Bob Deacon Bob Tousey
Typically, the mothers of the bride and groom light the side candles, symbolic of their giving you life. Their are other ways of honoring parents and step-parents. They can do a reading/s, bestow a blessing, your minister can acknowledge them verbally, you can present them with flowers...
It is wonderful in that you want to honor and include all of them!
Unity Candle with our parents- mine divorced
