The Unity Candle ceremony is usually performed after the exchanging of vows but before the official declaration of marriage. The bride and groom each takes one of the smaller candles and present it to a person who has known them longer than they have known their soon-to-be spouse, usually a family member, who lights the candle. The bride and groom then return to the Unity candle. They then combine the flames of their individual candles to light the central candle. Once the central candle is alight the bride and groom place their individual candles beside the central Unity candle.