Let's Talk Candlelight...

Candlelight is something I can’t get enough of. It may seem simple, but candles transform your event and add an abundance of elegance. Honestly, it’s hard to have too much candlelight. 

There are endless possibilities and tons of different types of candles, so how do you pick? Let’s start with the basics.

Types of candles:

    • Votive: a votive is a tea light in glass. This glass can be clear or virtually any color or shape
    • Pillar: These are solid wax pillars that can vary in size
    • Floating Candle: These are candles that float on water. They can float in all sorts of different glass.
    • Stemware: An elevated vessel that holds candles on top.

    The list can go on and on. Candles often compliment your tables and centerpieces, so start with what type of florals or centerpieces you want. This often helps narrow in on the design.

    Candle Planning:

    If you have a tall centerpiece, then you should have taller candles mixed with some shorter ones. If you only use votives on this table, there will be a large empty space between the table and the florals. You can fill this in with taller candles.

    If you have a limited budget for centerpieces, candles are a great way to create a beautiful tablescape.

    For example, three floating candles with loose foliage weaving around the base and a sprinkling of loose flowers with votives is a very beautiful centerpiece that is cost-effective.

    Don’t limit yourself to one type of candle, a mixture of sizes, shapes and styles makes your centerpiece interesting and adds even more romance to your room.

    Personally, I love to mix and match with all sorts of different candles.

    For venues that do not allow candles, there are battery-operated candle options. My only rule for one or the other is not to mix. If you are going with real candles, keep them all real, or vice versa. Also, pay attention to the tone of light the battery operated has and try to match them. Some are warm and have a yellow glow, others are cool and have a white glow. You should keep these consistent.

    • Not all venues allow candles, so make sure to ask your venue.
    • Open flames must be contained. Most venues require candles to be in glass that is tall enough to go at least half an inch past the wick. This is why stem candles are often not an option (unless battery-operated)
    • Some venues require a fire permit. I’ve experienced this in some big hotels in Las Vegas. We had to get each candle type approved by the fire marshal. This was done for a fee.
    • Floating candles will be much more cost-effective than pillar candles.
    • Make sure there is no greenery or flowers, or anything for that matter, over the candles.
    • If you notice children’s place settings, place the candles strategically so the child won’t have access to them.
    • Is your event in the daytime or night

    A few things to keep in mind:

    1.  Make sure your aisle is wide enough to allow for the train of the bridal gown. You don’t want to have the train brushing against the candles.
    2. Section off your aisle so guests are not stepping over them.
    3. Make sure the glass goes above the wick.
    4. Don’t use votives or something super small, it’s just asking for an accident and looks a bit silly if not done correctly.

    Candles in ceremony spaces:

    I absolutely love the look of a row of candles down the sides of the aisle. There is nothing more romantic. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you choose this as an option.

    1. Make sure your aisle is wide enough to allow for the train of the bridal gown. You don’t want to have the train brushing against the candles.
    2. Section off your aisle so guests are not stepping over them.
    3. Make sure the glass goes above the wick.
    4. Don’t use votives or something super small, it’s just asking for an accident and looks a bit silly if not done correctly.

    A great way to save some money is to use your candles from your ceremony (and florals, but that’s a whole other discussion) and use them in your reception. A few tricks to transporting candles between sites:

    1. Don’t blow out the flame, instead, place something over the top to snuff it out. If you blow out the candles, wax can fly off and get all over the glass.
    2. If you are using floating candles, take the candle out. Once you move it inside, replace the candle with a new one and light. I recommend this because once the candle is wet it does not re-light and the old floating candle is often hard to place back in because it’s hot and somewhat melted depending on the size.

    Cleaning up:

    After the party you have a bunch of glass with candles. Here are a few ways to help get that wax out.

    1. Put the glass in the freezer. Once frozen the candle will pop right out.
    2. If there is a little wax on the glass, put it into boiling water and it will melt it off.
    3. Before you even light the candle, put a bit of water in the bottom (this works great for votives). This makes it so the wax can’t stick to the bottom.

    Reusing and sustainability are very important to me. And the good news is that there are lots of ways to do this with candles. Here are a few tips.

    1. Look at goodwill or your local Facebook marketplaces for used candles.
    2. Make your own using old containers. This can add a lot of character as well.
    3. Melt down old wax to create new things.

    I offer half-price on pre-burnt pillar candles so that we can maximize their use from them, and it helps with a bride’s budget as well. I only use candles that will last the entire evening and only ones that are in good condition with clean glass. I honestly even think pre-burnt candles add a romantic feel.

    So, when planning out your tablescape, don’t skip the candlelight!