Of course "The Unity Candle" is always beautiful and classic. Two candles are lit (usually by the mothers of the couple to be wed) those two lit candle stand beside a large pillar candle. During the ceremony the couple each takes a single candle and using it's flame they light, together, the large pillar candle. This is to symbolize the two families lights combining into one light. And I believe that the couple should - "Let the light of the unity candle be a beacon through out their lives, let it shine wherever life takes them, let it's warmth fill their hearts and home. " Just as family should.
Another type of unity being done is a sand ceremony. Different colors of sand poured into a vase or shadow box by couple, and any child being brought into the marriage. The different sands are said to represent the individuals and their uniqueness. Although the sands can stand alone and be a whole, when layered by the pouring, they soon become a more intricate family. Just as the sands can never be divided and poured back into their separate containers so should this family be together forever.