How to Set Up a Candle Light Vigil

I hope that you never have to use this information, but in the event that you do, I wanted to put this information on our website so that you can plan your candle light vigil to be a success for your loved one who is needing to be found or brought justice.

STEP ONE

The first step in having a wonderful vigil is to find a proper location. Places like church parking lots, or open paved parking lot areas always work out great. You will need to remember that the area should be able to occupy your well wishers/vistors in terms of standing as well as parking. Make sure that you get permission from the land owner for your event to ensure that there is no problem once the ceremony begins.

Example photo of an open parking lot area

STEP TWO

The next important step is to plan your vigil at a time that brings your visitors in at nearly dusky dark. This will give them daylight to see where they are going to get to their prospective areas, receive their vigil material, and then by the time the sun is down, you are ready to begin the vigil.

STEP THREE

I recommend that you provide at least 50 candles with cups even if you are requesting your vistors to bring their own vigil material. The vigil material will be 50 taper type candles as well as 50 dixie foam cups. I would not spend a lot of money on real expensive candles due to the fact that some of your visitors do not always return them at the end of the ceremony. The taper candles are the long candles. The dixie foam cups are best because you will need to cut an X in the bottom of the cup to slide your candle through the bottom. The purpose of the cup is to help shield the candle from the wind and to catch any dripping hot wax.  You may also want to fiind someone to assist you in assembling these as well as passing them out and taking them back at the end of the ceremony. God forbid you need to hold a second ceremony, these items are reusable for many vigils if properly stored.

Example photo of how candle is placed in a cup.

STEP FOUR

You are going to need someone to lead the ceremony or basically tell your visitors/well wishers what they are to do. You really do not need to do a lot but instruct the group that they will be saying a few words, possibly singing a few songs, saying a prayer, and when to light candles or release balloons. I always recommend that more than one person is there to give out fliers to all visitors and to remember to thank everyone as a group while they are there and can hear you. They need to know that taking their time to come out is appreciated. If you having a spiritual leader, simply let the group know when it's time for a prayer or moment of silence. If there is going to be more than one person speaking at the vigil. It might be a wise idea to make a small agenda to show who is speaking and what order. This helps avoid any confusion.

STEP FIVE

Three to four days before your ceremony, I recommend that you call your local media and give them the information regarding your event and the location. The media always needs to be included in events like this especially when you have a missing person case. I recommend inviting every news channel in your area, not just one. Once the media arrives, make sure that they are able to speak to someone regarding the case.

Please see page two for more valuable information on holding a vigil ------>

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