Glow Up Your Wedding: Timeless Ways to Use Candles in Your Decor
Candles hold a unique power to transform any event, especially weddings, into an ambiance filled with romance, warmth, and sophistication. Whether you’re envisioning a rustic barn ceremony, a chic ballroom affair, or an intimate seaside celebration, candles seamlessly adapt to elevate your wedding décor. From casting a soft glow to enhancing your floral arrangements, candles add depth and charm to your venue. Let’s explore how you can make candles a standout feature in your wedding design and ensure they leave a lasting impression.
know your candles
The type of candle you choose can significantly enhance the overall atmosphere and design of your wedding. Each style serves a unique purpose and offers specific benefits to your decor. Whether used individually or in an assortment, these candles bring versatility and charm to your wedding design. By carefully pairing candle types with your wedding’s theme and overall vision, you can create an environment that feels intimate, luxurious, or whimsical—whatever fits your special day best.
pillar candles
Pillar candles are perfect for bold, elegant statements, often used in clusters or placed within glass hurricanes to create height and visual impact. These are especially stunning when paired with smaller accents like bud vases filled with complementary flowers. If you upgrade to a beeswax candle, they also smell absolutely amazing and will last for hours after your wedding in your home.
taper candles
Taper candles bring timeless sophistication to long tables and altar arrangements. Their slender shape adds height and draws the eye, making them a classic choice for formal weddings. These days, there are so many color options that they are also a very subtle way to add a touch of color to your palette without feeling kitschy.
floating candles
Floating candles add an ethereal and romantic feel, especially when placed in glass hurricanes or bowls filled with water. The gentle glow of these candles creates a dreamy, almost magical atmosphere, ideal for evening receptions or outdoor ceremonies.
combination
Combining taper candles, pillars, votives, and floating candles in one cohesive design can add depth and texture to your décor, ensuring that every corner of your venue feels intentional and inviting. It is also an easy way to add height to your design which makes it more visually interesting to your guests.
insider candle tips from a real-life wedding florist
Before choosing candles for your wedding, it’s essential to confirm your venue’s flame policy. Some venues allow open flames with restrictions, while others may not permit them at all. Knowing this detail in advance will help you plan accordingly and decide if faux candles might be necessary.
When selecting candles, base their color on your wedding décor. Crisp white candles beautifully complement black-and-white floral designs, while creamy blush tones enhance ivory or taupe palettes. For colorful, cheerful weddings, consider incorporating vibrant candle hues to reflect the lively atmosphere.
Planning your candle ratio is also critical to achieving a balanced look. Create a detailed layout of where each candle type will go—this eliminates last-minute confusion and ensures a cohesive design. We recommend doing everything in sets of 3 on long tables and even numbers on round tables.
Opt for votives and holders that are easy to clean. An insider tip: place a small dab of dish soap under pillar candles can make removing wax from holders much simpler.
how candles set the tone
Candles are a key player in determining whether your wedding exudes a fun, lively energy or a romantic, intimate atmosphere. For a romantic tone, think about soft, flickering candlelight paired with muted tones and natural textures. Taper candles in elegant holders or clusters of pillar candles create a serene glow that invites guests to linger and soak in the moment. These setups are perfect for a cozy winter wedding or a classic ballroom affair.
On the other hand, colorful or uniquely shaped candles can add a sense of playfulness and vibrancy to your wedding. Think about bright hues in modern holders or candles paired with bold floral arrangements to energize the space. Pairing these candles with dynamic lighting or outdoor settings creates an atmosphere full of joy and excitement, making them ideal for summer celebrations or garden receptions. Ultimately, candles serve as an artistic tool to express your vision, seamlessly transforming the mood of your event to match your unique style.
where to source candles
Sourcing quality candles is essential for achieving the perfect look. Yummi Candles is a top choice, offering a wide range of colors, sizes, and holders that make it easy to match your design vision. Ordering in bulk is a great way to save money and ensure consistency across your decor.
Quick Candles lives up to its name with fast shipping and a user-friendly ordering process. However, their packaging can be excessive, so it’s worth having a plan for recycling or disposal. Jamali Garden is another favorite, known for its unique votives and containers available to both wholesale and public customers. Pairing their candles with their bud vases can create a cohesive and stunning look.
Koyal Wholesale offers a wide variety of options, from candles and holders to chargers and bud vases. Their fast shipping is ideal for last-minute needs, but it’s always a good idea to double-check sizes and color specifications before placing your order.
Candles are more than just a decorative element; they are a storytelling tool that brings light, warmth, and emotion to your wedding day. Whether you choose real or faux, they can transform any space, complement your floral design, and create unforgettable moments. By selecting the right candles, placements, and styles, you’ll craft a wedding atmosphere that’s uniquely yours.
Ready to bring your candlelit wedding dreams to life? As an experienced wedding floral designer in Connecticut, we specialize in creating cohesive and breathtaking designs that incorporate candles, flowers, and personal touches. Contact us today to start planning your dream wedding in New Haven, Hartford, or anywhere in Connecticut!
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Photographers In Order of Appearance: Kel C Photography | Mindy Briar Photography | Lauren Hawkins Photo | Nicole Croce | Molly Mia Photography | Colleen Anne Lennehann Photography