Conversation so far:
where does the unity candle go in a wedding ceremony
At the start of a wedding ceremony, it is traditional for the mothers of the bride and groom to approach the altar area and each light one small candle.
can you light the unity candle during the reception
Although there should not be a ceremonial lighting of the candle during the reception, it may burn brightly during the evening as a symbol of the newly formed commitment.
where should the unity candle go during the wedding reception
The candle may be placed on the head table near the wedding couple, or near the guest book.

Question: can you light the candle before the ceremony
Self-contained rewrite: can you light the unity candle before the ceremony