The Case for Candles in Your Wedding Décor

We include a conversation about candles in all of our consultations for couples planning both indoor and outdoor receptions. There’s really no limit to the places that a candle can be used to add interest to your décor. Candles are a finishing touch and a clear signal to your guests that you’ve thought of everything in your attempt to create a festive and romantic atmosphere.

And, they are so versatile. Worried about a darker corner in your venue? Tuck a trio of candles on a table and invite guests to wander into all areas of your space.

The effect of candlelight

Here’s the number one reason we suggest that you use lots of candles. Candles glow. No kidding, there is something so special about the way candlelight warms the human face while creating a natural shadow in the background. Your gown, hair or smartly dressed suit is heightened with the warmth of candles and as the evening continues, you and your partner look more and more radiant.

Many venues are allowing couples to use covered or protected light and some will even allow you to use open taper candles. We will certainly provide faux candles to you if you have no other alternative, but we are happy to report that this practice seems to be less necessary. 

Candles for rent

The good news is that you should be able to rent votives and candlesticks from your florist. We have a lovely collection of rental candlesticks, cylinders, lanterns, candelabras and votives in gold, silver, rose gold and glass. We will light candles during your consult and let you see first-hand the effect this ambient glow will have on your table. We will build the candles into the price of each centerpiece, working in threes or sixes (a good rule of thumb for your own events and parties).

Candles as a centerpiece

You may have noticed a trend toward candle-heavy centerpieces. In truth, these tables most often include both greenery and loose flowers surrounding the trios or larger groupings of candles. By adding natural elements, we create a design that coordinates with the rest of your floral decor. We recommend that you consider using a floral centerpiece on at least half of your tables to soften the room and accentuate your color palette. Then, with just a few stems, we can add hints of those colors in the loose, “tubed” flowers that we nestle in the greens. If your table count is going to be high, and budget a consideration, you may decide to use candle centerpieces on all of your tables.

Lanterns with greenery and florals are a lovely effect and add fullness to the table. A lot of venues like lanterns because the flames are protected. Lanterns come in several styles and can be worked into rustic to modern wedding decor. Glass cylinders, are another way to “cover” the flames of your candles and can be combined with mixed metallic gold or silver to create interest and texture.

Candles for tents and outdoor weddings

I mentioned indoor weddings and the effect that candles can have — candles are even more important for outdoor weddings either under the stars or in a tent. Unless you are hiring a lighting company, your ambient light may be limited to installed chandeliers provided by your venue, café style lighting and candlelight. That’s ok, in fact, it’s magical. We will illuminate the places where your guests are congregating and in the process, create a glow within your space. Use the same candle heavy principle for an indoor venue that has darker wood tones.

Candles for the ceremony

We have provided glass cylinders and candelabras for both indoor and outdoor wedding ceremonies. Groups of cylinder line the aisle, always clustered alongside a chair or pew. Safety dictated a wider aisle so make sure your venue knows that you will be using candles. They may consider spreading out the center space to allow for just a little more room.

We also like the hanging votives that a few wedding couples have been adding to their arches for a ceremony later in the day.

Candlelight as an accent or focal point

I mentioned that candles can be used to fill in empty spaces. A trio of cylinders can be added to accent tables, bars or even the restrooms. Dress up your cocktail hour with an oversized gold votive on each high top. Put lanterns or tall cylinder in front of your sweetheart table for a more dramatic effect.

Candles are affordable and should work in any budget. If your inspired to add a few more candles to your plans, a quick call to your florist should do the trick.