Should I Have Candles At My Wedding?
Should You Have Candles at Your Wedding?
Candles are a classic wedding decoration that can add beauty and romance to your special day. From votives lining the aisle to large pillar candles on reception tables, candlelight creates a warm glow that sets the tone for celebration. However, candles also require thought and care to use safely and effectively. This article explores the pros and cons of having candles at a wedding to help you decide if they are right for yours.
Create Ambiance
Candles can instantly transform the ambiance and atmosphere of your wedding venue. The warm, flickering glow of candlelight sets a romantic mood and creates a stunning backdrop for the celebration. Unlike harsh overhead lighting, the soft illumination from candles flatters skin tones and makes photographs truly magical. Candlelight adds a touch of elegance that uplifts the entire event. Strategically placed candles can accent focal points, illuminate decor elements, and draw attention to important aspects of your ceremony and reception. The ambiance created by candlelight facilitates an intimate vibe and encourages your guests to relax and enjoy the splendor of your special day.
Enhance Decor
Candles are wonderful accents that can enhance your wedding decor. Strategically placed candles on reception tables, the altar, entranceway, or other focal points add a magical glow and romantic ambiance. Clustering small candles together or scattering them along table runners creates a dazzling effect. For a dramatic statement, use tall taper candles, candelabras, or votives of varying heights.
When selecting candles, consider your wedding color palette. Mixing candles in your chosen hues lends cohesion and really makes the colors pop. Alternatively, stick to white or ivory candles for an elegant neutral scheme. You can bring in color with decor items like flowers, table runners, or sashes around candle bases. With so many creative possibilities, candles are sure to add the perfect decorative touch to your wedding style.
Personalize the Event
Candles are a great way to add personal touches and meaning to your wedding. One popular option is unity candles, where couples light a central pillar candle to symbolize joining their two lives together. You can make it even more special by using taper candles decorated with photos, flowers, or other designs unique to your relationship.
Get creative with customized candles to reflect your personalities. Etch your names, wedding date, or romantic quotes on glass votives for table centerpieces. Use candles in your wedding colors to tie your décor together. Float floral candle wreaths in vases of water for a romantic glow. The possibilities are endless for infusing candlelight with personal significance.
Consider Logistics
When deciding whether to use candles at your wedding, be sure to consider the logistics involved. Allow enough time in your setup and cleanup schedules to properly place candles and clear them after the event. Sit down with your coordinator or venue manager to understand the timetables for vendor arrival, setup, the actual event, and post-event cleanup.
You’ll also want to check with your venue to ensure open flames from candles are permitted. Many venues prohibit open flames or have restrictions on the types of candles allowed. Venues with carpeted floors or combustible decor materials like fabric draping may not allow any open flames at all. Be sure to understand your venue’s policies, get any necessary permits, and consider having a trial run to test lighting candle arrangements ahead of time.
Factor in time to make a plan for melting wax drips as well. Place candle holders on surfaces that are heat resistant and easy to clean. Have rags or paper towels ready to wipe up spilled wax. Or use candles with dripless wax blends that don’t create messes. A little forethought goes a long way to preventing candle headaches on your big day!
Evaluate Safety
When using candles at a wedding, it’s crucial to evaluate potential safety hazards and take proper precautions. Open flames always carry some risk, so it’s important to minimize dangers when incorporating candles into your event.
Potential fire hazards are one key consideration with candles. Things like decor materials, table linens, arrangements, and even wedding attire can be flammable. Carefully evaluate what will be near lit candles and avoid placing them too close to anything that could easily catch fire. Also be aware of potential ignition sources like sparks or smoke.
There are some smart precautions you can take when using candles to reduce any risks. Place candles in stable, non-flammable holders and make sure they are on level, non-slip surfaces. Avoid putting them near exits, high traffic areas, or in places where they could get accidentally knocked over. Assign assistants to monitor all candles and promptly handle any issues like wax spills. Have materials on hand like a fire blanket or extinguisher in case of emergencies.
By being safety-conscious when incorporating candles, you can create beautiful ambiance while minimizing any hazards. A few smart precautions will allow you to safely add candlelight romance to your wedding.
Weigh Alternatives
While real candles can create a romantic glow, consider safer and more modern options. LED candles have come a long way in looking realistic while eliminating fire risks. LED candles come in all sizes and shapes to mimic traditional candles. They can be reused again and again, providing cost savings. Modern battery-operated candles give off a convincing flicker and work well for centerpieces. For mood lighting, consider string lights, lanterns, branches with fairy lights, or luminaries lining the aisles or reception. Uplighting along walls or behind furnishings can produce a stylish accent. For a sparkling dancefloor or head table, incorporate fiber optics or gobos. Collaborating with your lighting designer allows you to create an overall vision with accent lighting that ties in perfectly with your wedding theme.
Make It Memorable
Candles can provide lasting memories from your special day that you’ll cherish forever. The warm, romantic glow of candles in wedding photos looks absolutely beautiful and timeless. You’ll love looking back on pictures of your reception tables or ceremony aisle aglow with the soft flickering light of candles.
Scent also has a strong tie to memory, so consider using scented candles to create a signature fragrance for your wedding. Whenever you catch a whiff of that scent in the future, it can instantly transport you back to the emotions you felt on your wedding day. Popular scented candle options for weddings include vanilla, lavender, rose, jasmine and fresh linen.
If you want your wedding to be filled with indelible sensory memories from the perfect mix of sights, sounds and scents, consider incorporating candles into your event decor and photography. The candles will set the mood and provide those special finishing touches to make your wedding day unforgettable.
Set the Budget
Candles can add up when planning a wedding budget. From floating candles to candle centerpieces, it’s important to allocate funds for these decorative elements. Here are some costs to keep in mind when using candles:
Votive candles – These small candles are inexpensive at $1-2 each. They create a warm glow perfect for scattering on tables.
Pillar candles – At $5-10 each, pillar candles make elegant table centerpieces. Opt for battery-operated versions to reduce costs.
Vase candles – Large candles in glass vases run $15-30. Use sparingly for a dramatic effect.
Floating candles – For a romantic look, floating candles can cost $25-50 each. Limit to a few per display.
Candle centerpieces – Elaborate candle displays are $50-100 plus. Have 1-2 as focal points, supplement with other elements.
To save money on candles:
– Buy in bulk online or negotiate discounts from local vendors.
– Use LED candles rather than real wax, especially for accent lighting.
– Mix candles into centerpieces with low-cost greenery and florals.
– Group smaller candles together for a cohesive look rather than large expensive ones.
– Reuse candles from the ceremony at the reception.
Setting a candle budget ahead of time allows you to allocate funds wisely. With planning, candles can add ambiance without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
When considering whether to use candles at your wedding, there are several key factors to weigh. Candles can help set a romantic mood and enhance your décor through beautiful, soft lighting. They allow you to add a personalized touch that represents your style and vision for your special day. However, logistical factors like venue policies, budget, and guest safety should also guide your decision.
In the end, if used properly and safely, candles can be a wonderful addition to a wedding. Choose high quality, long-burning taper or pillar candles in attractive holders to create a stunning look without posing too much of a fire hazard. Strategically place them to provide flattering ambiance without danger or distraction. Consider battery-operated flameless candles for certain areas if concerned about safety or venue restrictions. Evaluate your options and decide what balance of candles and other lighting works best for your unique wedding.
With some thoughtful planning, you can safely incorporate candles to help make your wedding celebration feel warm, romantic, and magical.
