Should I Use White Or Ivory Candles For Wedding?

Candles play an important symbolic role in wedding ceremonies. Their warm glow helps set the atmosphere and represents the joining of two lives into one. While candles used to come in a variety of colors, there has been a trend towards using white or ivory candles in modern weddings.

The tradition of lighting a unity candle during the ceremony, where the couple each light a taper candle before using them to light a central pillar candle together, dates back to the early 20th century. This ritual highlights the concept of two becoming one in marriage. While colored candles were common initially, white and ivory candles have become the norm as they fit well with most wedding décor and their neutral hue doesn’t detract from the bride’s white dress.

Today, white and ivory candles are by far the most popular choices for weddings. Their clean, classic look works with any style from elegant and formal to rustic and DIY. While colored candles can still be incorporated for pops of color, sticking with white or ivory for the majority of candles helps maintain a cohesive aesthetic. Their bright yet neutral glow highlights the beauty of the wedding while keeping the focus on the couple and the ceremony.

Symbolic Meaning of Candle Colors

Candles hold deep symbolic meaning in many cultures and spiritual traditions. The choice between white or ivory candles for a wedding often represents the energy you wish to invoke for your ceremony.

The color white traditionally symbolizes purity, innocence, and new beginnings. White candles represent these values and are often used in wedding ceremonies to signify the purity of the couple’s love and commitment. White can also represent the blank slate of the couple’s new shared future.

Ivory has a similar symbolic meaning to white. As a softer, warmer shade, ivory candles represent elegance, sophistication, and beauty. Ivory candles give off a romantic glow, perfect for an elegant wedding celebration.

Both white and ivory candles represent the light and warmth of the couple’s love. They signify hope for the future and the guiding light the couple will share in their new life together.

Aesthetics

When it comes to aesthetics, both white and ivory candles can be beautiful options for a wedding. However, there are some subtle differences in their look that couples may want to consider.

White candles often give off a very clean, crisp appearance. The bright white color creates a classic, elegant look. White candles pair effortlessly with silver, metallic, or glass accents for a glamorous feel. They also stand out well against rich colors like red, purple or navy blue.

Ivory candles have a slightly warmer, more natural tone. While still giving a light and airy appearance, ivory can look a bit softer and more romantic than stark white. Ivory complements pastels and earth tones very nicely. Ivory also tends to match better with venues that have cream or light wood elements.

Ultimately, white and ivory candles both complement most color schemes. White offers a more bold, striking look, while ivory provides a softer, more organic aesthetic. Couples should consider their overall wedding vision and color palette when deciding between the two.

Photos

When it comes to how white or ivory candles will look in your wedding photos, there is a clear difference between the two colors. White candles will pop more and stand out in photos. The bright white color provides contrast against other elements like flowers, table linens, and decor. This makes the candles a focal point that draws the eye in photos.

Ivory candles, on the other hand, can often get washed out and blend into the background in photos. Ivory is a pale, off-white shade that is closer to a cream color. With less contrast against other wedding elements, ivory candles may look muted and not show up as prominently in photos. The ivory tone can appear very subtle and soft rather than eye-catching.

So if you want your candles to be a statement detail in your wedding photos, radiant white candles are the better choice. For a more understated candle look that won’t distract from other elements, ivory candles may work better for your wedding photography style.

Styles

When it comes to wedding candles, there are a few common styles to choose from:

Tall Tapers

Tall tapers are thin, elegant candles that are approximately 12-18 inches tall. These are commonly used for candle centerpieces and lining the aisle. The tall and thin shape creates a gorgeous glow.

Pillars

Pillar candles are thick, column-shaped candles that are 3-6 inches tall. These give off a bright light and can be used for centerpieces and decor.

Votives

Votive candles are short and squat, about 1-3 inches tall. These are ideal for lining walkways and creating ambiance. Votives come in disposable cups to catch wax drips.

Decorative Options

There are many ways to decorate candles to match your wedding theme:

• Add flowers, greenery, ribbons, lace, or other embellishments to candle holders
• Use colored candles instead of plain white/ivory
• Etch or stencil designs into pillars or votives
• Suspend crystals, seashells, or other dangles from tall tapers

Get creative with different candle shapes, sizes, and decor to achieve your perfect wedding vision!

Logistics

When using candles at a wedding, there are some important logistics to consider regarding timing, safety, and setup:

Burn Times

The burn time of a candle depends on its size and shape. Small votive candles may burn for 2-4 hours, while larger pillar candles can burn for 8 hours or more. Make sure you get candles with burn times that fit your wedding timeline. You don’t want the candles burning out too soon, or still burning late into the reception.

Fire Safety

Take fire safety precautions when using candles. Do not place them near flammable materials, and make sure they are in stable holders on non-flammable surfaces. Assign someone to monitor the candles and extinguish them at the end of the event. Provide fire extinguishers in case of emergency.

DIY or Hire a Professional

You can save money by setting up simple candle arrangements yourself. But for more complex lighting, consider hiring a professional lighting designer. They can map out an elegant plan with the right number, placement, and types of candles and lighting. This ensures a beautiful ambience and minimizes safety risks.

Budget

When deciding between white or ivory candles, the cost difference is an important factor for many brides and grooms. Ivory candles tend to be more expensive than plain white candles.

This is because the materials to produce ivory candles, such as beeswax, are generally more costly. The coloring process also adds to the overall price. Ivory candles from high-end boutique wedding shops can be upwards of $5-10 per candle. For budget-conscious couples, this can really add up, especially if you need candles for hundreds of guests.

On the other hand, bulk ordering plain white candles from a wholesale retailer can bring the cost down to under $1 per candle. So if you’re watching your wedding budget closely, white candles may be the more affordable option. Just remember that brighter white candles can still have an elegant, romantic glow for a wedding.

There are pros and cons to both boutique and bulk ordering candles. While specialized shops have higher prices, you’ll often get better service, uniqueness, and attention to detail. Ordering in bulk can save money but typically means you get a plainer product without the special touches.

At the end of the day, deciding between white and ivory candles requires balancing your wedding vision with budget realities. Being open to creative solutions, like mixing and matching candle types, can help you get the look you want at an affordable cost.

Scent

When choosing between white and ivory candles for a wedding, scent is an important consideration. The fragrance of the candles can enhance the overall ambiance and aromatic experience of the event. Popular fragrance options for wedding candles include:

– Vanilla: evokes feelings of warmth, comfort, and tranquility. The sweet scent of vanilla is soothing and universally enjoyed.

– Floral scents like jasmine, rose, or lavender: provide a romantic and delicate fragrance. Floral notes pair beautifully with weddings.

– Citrus scents like lemon, orange, or grapefruit: bring a bright, uplifting scent and notes of freshness. Citrus scents promote positivity.

Beyond individual scent preference, the fragrance of wedding candles can set a tone and mood. Soft floral or vanilla scents create a gentle, romantic ambiance. Citrus scents feel joyful and energetic. It’s important to consider the vibe you want to cultivate when determining candle fragrances.

Additionally, scent can trigger memories and emotions. Choosing a fragrance with personal meaning or nostalgia can enhance the significance of the event. For example, a floral candle that reminds you of your wedding flowers or a familiar, comforting scent from childhood could make your wedding more meaningful.

In summary, don’t overlook the power of scent when selecting your wedding candles. The fragrance should complement your event vision and style.

Ethical Concerns

When choosing between white and ivory candles, it’s important to consider the ethical and environmental impacts of different wax and oil sources.

Beeswax candles are considered one of the most sustainable options, as they are made from a renewable resource produced by honey bees. However, beeswax can be more expensive and may not be vegan-friendly. Paraffin wax, on the other hand, is made from petroleum products and has raised health concerns when burned due to the release of carcinogens. However, paraffin is generally more affordable.

For the oil used in candles, soybean oil is a renewable crop, while palm oil production has led to deforestation and habitat loss for endangered species. Seeking out responsibly sourced palm oil is an option for more eco-friendly candles.

When possible, look for candles made from natural waxes and oils sourced through ethical means. This may require some additional research into a brand’s supply chain and commitment to sustainability.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing between white and ivory candles for your wedding, there are a few key factors to take into consideration:

On aesthetics, ivory candles can provide a softer, warmer glow that complements natural elements like wood, greenery, and earth tones. White candles give off a brighter, crisper light that stands out boldly against darker colors. Consider the overall style and color palette of your wedding when deciding which mood you want to create.

For photography, white candles will show up better in photos and videos. Ivory can blend into the background more easily. But neither is necessarily better or worse for capturing your memories.

Price and availability shouldn’t be major concerns, as most vendors offer both colors at comparable costs. Just be sure to order early, especially if you want ivory, as stock can be lower.

In the end, choosing between white and ivory comes down to personal preference. Both can work beautifully. If you’re aiming for a classic, elegant feel, crisp white may suit you best. For a romantic, organic look, the warmth of ivory is ideal. Trust your own style and taste – either option will glow radiantly on your big day.