Best Ideas To Decorate A Wedding With Candles

Candles can add a romantic, warm glow to any wedding. Strategically placing candles throughout your ceremony and reception is an easy way to set the mood. The flickering light creates an intimate ambiance and can make any venue feel more elegant. From the ceremony to the reception, candles allow you to add your personal touch. Read on for the best ideas to decorate your special day with candles.

Ambience

Candles can transform the ambience and set the perfect mood for your wedding day. The soft, romantic glow of candlelight creates an intimate atmosphere filled with elegance and romance (A Guide To Wedding Candles: Gorgeous Ideas For …, 2022). Strategically placed candles can enhance the look and feel of your venue. For example, lining the aisle with candle votives or hanging tea lights from trees can create a magical fairytale vibe. Candlelight also sets a romantic tone for your reception. Scatter tea lights on side tables or use candelabras with taper candles as elegant centerpieces to bathe your tables in a warm glow.

No matter your wedding style, candles help provide a dreamy and romantic ambience. Their flickering flames evoke feelings of warmth and love—ideal for celebrating your union. Carefully incorporate candles to establish the perfect mood and transport your guests into a romantic wonderland (Setting the perfect mood for your wedding day, 2023).

Centerpieces

Candle centerpieces can add a romantic glow and visual interest to reception tables. Here are some creative ideas for candle centerpiece arrangements:

• A cluster of pillars or votives gathered into a bed of rose petals, crystals, or river rocks.

• Floating candles in glass vases or bowls filled with water for a serene, magical look.

• A combination of taper and pillar candles in varying heights for dimension.

• Candles surrounding a low floral arrangement or wreath of greens and baby’s breath.

• Mismatched candle holders like mason jars, bottles, and tea cups for a rustic chic style.

• Tall thin candles around a centerpiece of fruit for a garden style.

• Ornate candelabras dripping with crystals for an elegant ambiance.

Aim for a glow that romantically illuminates faces without being too bright or hot. LED candles also offer flickering ambience without an open flame. Whatever your taste and theme, creative candles can infuse warmth and magic into your reception.

Candles for Wedding Ceremony

The wedding ceremony is one of the most important parts of a wedding day. Thoughtfully placed candles can enhance the ambience and create a romantic, magical feel. Here are some ideas for incorporating candles into your ceremony:

Line the aisle with candle lanterns or hurricanes. Place them along each row of seats or down the sides of the aisle. Opt for white or ivory candles to complement floral arrangements. This will illuminate the bridal party’s walk down the aisle.

Use tall taper candles in candelabras on the altar or ceremony stage. These stately accents frame the spot where the couple says their vows. For added drama, vary the heights of the candles.

Decorate the backs of chairs with ribbons and small votive candles. This adds a soft glow during the ceremony. Just make sure to use votive holders that attach securely.

Place candle lanterns or clusters of pillar candles in ceremony aisles or on stair railings. This guides guests and adds warmth to outdoor ceremonies.

Light a unity candle after exchanging vows and use it during your recessional walk. This is a popular way to symbolize two lives joining together.

Incorporate candles into your decor however fits your venue and wedding style. Thoughtful candle lighting creates an intimate vibe and timeless romantic glow.

Aisle

One of the most romantic ways to incorporate candles into your wedding decor is by lining the aisle with them. This creates a beautiful, warm glow as the bride makes her walk down to meet the groom. There are a few options when it comes to lining the aisle with candles:

You can place votive candles or tea lights directly on the floor on either side of the aisle. These should be contained in glass votive holders so the flame is protected. Make sure to leave enough space between the candles so guests’ dresses or pants don’t accidentally catch fire. Scatter rose petals around the candles for an extra romantic touch (https://www.pinterest.com/bajansteppa/wedding-aisle-candles/).

Another option is to place taller pillar candles in hurricane vases or tall candle holders along the aisle. These create even more of a dramatic effect. Place them far enough apart so guests can easily walk between them (https://community.weddingwire.ca/forums/candles-lining-aisle–t18017).

For outdoor weddings, lining the aisle with luminaries creates a beautiful glow. Place a tea light inside each bag and space them evenly along the sides of the aisle.

No matter which option you choose, lining the aisle with candles sets the romantic mood from the moment guests arrive and creates gorgeous photos as the bride makes her walk down the aisle.

Candles for the Reception

The reception hall is where guests will spend the majority of the wedding celebration. Decorating with candles can create a warm, romantic ambience. Here are some ideas for using candles to decorate the reception:

• Place pillar candles of varying heights on each table as centerpieces. Mix tall and short candles for visual interest.

• Use floating candles on mirrors or in glass vases filled with water on each table.

• Line the hall walkway with votive candles in glass holders.

• Use LED candles to line staircases or accent walkways for safety.

• Arrange votives around the base of the wedding cake.

• Place large pillar candles on the head table or sweetheart table.

• Use candlelight to accent the dance floor or stage.

• Arrange candle centerpieces on side buffet tables.

Candles create a warm glow for an evening reception. Be sure to use flameless LED candles near floral arrangements or fabrics. Proper placement and mixing candle heights add lovely ambience to any wedding reception.

Outdoor

Outdoor wedding ceremonies and receptions allow you to take advantage of natural lighting and scenery when decorating with candles. Using candles outdoors creates a warm, romantic ambience amidst lush greenery, water features, or other outdoor elements. Some popular ideas for outdoor candle decor include:

Hanging glass lanterns or jars with tea lights from tree branches to create a magical atmosphere as the sun sets (see this wedding idea). Make sure to use weather-proof candles and secure hanging methods.

Placing votive candles or tea lights in mason jars and grouping them around the ceremony or reception seating. The jars help block the wind while letting the candles’ glow shine through (Brides.com).

Floating candles on ponds, fountains, or pools to create dramatic reflections. Use floating candle holders to securely contain the flame.

Lighting the aisles or walkways with votives in glass hurricane lamps or lanterns. Position them to safely guide guests to their seats.

Incorporating pillar candles of varying heights into centerpieces on dining tables. Citronella candles can help repel insects.

Outdoor environments present some challenges for candles, but there are many creative and beautiful ways to use them with proper precautions.

Favors

Candle favors make for a classic and elegant wedding favor that guests will appreciate. You can find beautiful candle wedding favors on Etsy, or create your own DIY candles. Opt for candles in your wedding colors, or scented candles for an extra special touch. Some popular candle favor ideas include:

• Mini votive candles or tealights
• Scented candles in glass jars or tins
• Pillar candles wrapped with ribbon
• Wax melts presented in pretty boxes or bags

For a personalized favor, add custom labels with the couple’s names and wedding date. Or display candles in boxes or bags tied with ribbon bows. Candles make for an elegant yet affordable wedding favor that guests will enjoy lighting in their homes after the wedding.

DIY

Making your own candles and decor is a great way to add a personalized touch to your wedding decor. Here are some DIY candle projects to try:

Floating candles – Create a serene floating candle centerpiece for your reception tables. Use a clear glass bowl filled with water and add floating candles on top. Surround with flower petals for an elegant look.

Painted jars – Upcycle jars into beautiful luminaries. Clean and paint the outside of glass jars, then add a candle inside and dot them along walkways or around your venue.

Wax art candles – Make custom sculpted candles by carving shapes, letters or designs into plain pillar candles. These make for personalized table numbers, escort cards or favors.

Sand and shell candles – Mix shells, sand and tiny sea glass into clear containers like hurricane vases to hold candles. Lovely for beach weddings.

With a little creativity and effort, you can make candle holders and luminaries that reflect your style. DIY adds special significance to your decor.

Conclusion

In summary, candles can add a romantic and elegant ambience to any wedding celebration. Strategically placed candles can dramatically transform a venue’s look and feel. From ceremony votives lining the aisle to reception centerpieces with pillar candles, flames cast a warm glow over the event. DIY candle projects allow creative couples to put their personal stamp on decor. Outdoor weddings especially benefit from the magical atmosphere candles provide at dusk. Whether used sparingly or in abundance, candles never fail to impart style. They tie together other decorative elements through color schemes and cohesive lighting. Your wedding day candles become part of the sensory memories guests take away. The flickering flames represent the spark between two people starting their new life together.