What Candle Is Used For Wedding Ceremony?

Intro to Wedding Candles

Candles have been a part of wedding ceremonies for centuries. They are used in many ways to add beauty, ambiance, and symbolic meaning to the occasion. While candlelight is associated with romance, candles also represent the joining together of two lives into one new family.

Some of the oldest traditions incorporate candles, such as the unity candle ceremony. Modern weddings continue these time-honored rituals while also embracing creative new ways to use candles. From elegant candelabras to delicate votives, candles help create a warm glow and celebratory atmosphere.

The history and significance behind wedding candles make them a beloved part of many ceremonies across cultures and faiths. Their flickering flames impart a sense of reverence and continuity, connecting past generations to the hopes and dreams of the couple starting their new journey together.

Unity Candle

The unity candle is a popular wedding tradition that symbolizes two people joining together as one (All Seasons Weddings, 2022; The Celebrant Directory, n.d.). During the ceremony, the officiant will provide a candle holder with 3 candles – one large center candle, and two smaller taper candles representing the bride and groom. The two outside candles are lit at the start to represent the separate lives of the bride and groom. Later in the ceremony, the bride and groom each take their individual candles and together light the center unity candle to symbolize their two flames becoming one as they unite in marriage (Rozrety, n.d.). This merging of the candles represents the joining of the couple into a new family and new life together.

The lighting of the unity candle signifies the bride and groom leaving their pasts behind and forging ahead into a shared future. It demonstrates their commitment to each other and the new bond they are forming as husband and wife (WeddingWire, 2021). Some couples choose to involve their families in the lighting to represent the joining of families. The large center candle stays lit as a visual reminder that the couple is now one. This meaningful ritual is a highlight of many wedding ceremonies.

Pillar Candles

Tall pillars candles are frequently used to line the aisle at wedding ceremonies to create a warm, romantic glow. These candles are often placed in tall holders or candelabras to rise above seated guests, illuminating the ceremony space with a soft flickering light.

Pillar candles come in varying heights, from 12 inches up to 36 inches tall. The tallest pillars make a dramatic statement when lining a long aisle. Ivory, white or off-white pillars candles are traditional for weddings to complement most color schemes. The candles can be plain or ornate with molded designs.

According to Yummi Candles, pillar candles are a favorite choice for brides because they burn slowly and last throughout the entire wedding reception. This provides continuous ambiance and lighting. Tall pillars topped with flickering flames evoke romance and set the mood for a celebratory occasion.

When used to illuminate the aisle, pillar candles guide guests to their seats and focus attention on the ceremony. They also make beautiful backdrops for wedding photos. The soft lighting is flattering for portraits. Pillar candles add warmth and a cozy feel to indoor wedding venues.

Votive Candles

Votive candles are small candles that are commonly used at weddings to create a warm, romantic ambiance. These candles are usually around 1-3 inches tall and 0.5-1 inches wide. They come in a variety of colors and are placed in cute votive candle holders. Votive candles are great for wedding ceremonies and receptions because they create a cozy, intimate feeling through their soft, flickering glow (https://www.yummicandles.com/collections/wedding-votive-candles).

During the ceremony, votive candles are often arranged around the altar or along the aisle. For receptions, votives can be scattered along the tables as part of the centerpieces. Some popular ways to incorporate votive candles into wedding decor include lining walkways, placing them along staircases or mantlepieces, and floating them in glass votive holders or small bowls. There are many creative ways to use votives to add ambiance on a budget (https://www.amazon.com/Wedding-Votive-Candle-Holders/s?k=Wedding+Votive+Candle+Holders).

Votive candles create a warm glow and intimate atmosphere perfect for romantic weddings. Their small size makes them easy to arrange in large numbers for a big visual impact. Votives are an affordable way to set the mood at any wedding venue.

Taper Candles

Taper candles are tall, slender candles that gradually taper to a point at the top. They are typically made from wax and have cotton or paper wicks. Taper candles are a classic and elegant choice for wedding ceremonies and receptions.

Placing taper candles in candelabras creates an incredibly sophisticated centerpiece for wedding tables. Candelabras are decorative candle holders, often made of metal with branching arms to hold multiple taper candles. Using crystal or silver candelabras with ivory taper candles results in a timeless and romantic aesthetic. The soft glow from the candlelight creates a warm ambiance.

According to Brides, taper candles in gorgeous candelabra centerpieces lend an air of formality and tradition to the wedding celebration. They recommend starting with simple bud vases containing a single bloom, adding sprigs of fresh greenery, and rounding out the look with a trio of candlesticks for an elegant tablescape.

Floating Candles

Floating candles in glass vases or bowls create a magical, romantic effect at weddings.sources The candles seem to float on water, mirroring the reflection of the flame above. Floating candles are often used to decorate reception tables, surrounding floral arrangements, votives, or stones. They can help create a serene yet dazzling ambiance. The flickering flames of floating candles make for an eye-catching centerpiece. Brides may opt for floating candles in hurricane vases, tall cylinders, fish bowls, or shallow bowls. The glass vessel is filled partially with water and a floating candle is placed on top, giving the illusion that the candle is floating. Colored candles can also be used for a pop of vibrancy. Floating candles complement both rustic farm-style and elegant ballroom weddings. They work for both big tables at a reception or small intimate dining tables. Floating candles never fail to infuse warmth while also feeling modern and chic.

Sparklers

Handheld sparklers are frequently used for exciting wedding send-offs. Sparklers create a celebratory effect as the newlywed couple leaves the ceremony or reception. They provide a beautiful, sparkling light display as guests wish the couple well. Most sparklers used for wedding send offs are 20-30 inches long and burn for 1-2 minutes (Source).

Sparklers are popular for wedding exits because they are affordable, safe when used properly, and create a festive, memorable experience for the couple and guests. The sparkling lights make for great photos and videos. Sparklers come in various colors like gold, silver, pink, purple, and more to match the wedding theme. Some venues may have restrictions on sparklers, so couples should check regulations before planning their wedding exit (Source). Overall, sparklers add excitement and celebrate the newlyweds in a bright, joyful way.

Candle Favors

Giving small candles as wedding favors is a thoughtful gesture that provides guests with a meaningful and useful souvenir to remember the special occasion. Candles make for classic yet creative wedding favors that can be customized with the couple’s names, wedding date, or monogram. They come in a variety of shapes, styles, colors, and scents to suit any wedding theme or taste. Popular options are glass jars, tins, or elegant boxes with one or more votive or tealight candles inside. Personalized labels, ribbons, or other decorative touches can make these favors even more special. When guests take home these charming candle favors, they’ll be reminded of celebrating the couple’s marriage and the warm, romantic ambiance created by candlelight at the wedding ceremony or reception. Candles are also very practical keepsakes that guests can reuse in their own homes after the wedding. Lighting these gifted candles helps continue the magical glow of the couple’s wedding day.

Source: https://www.etsy.com/market/candle_wedding_favor

Safety Tips

When using candles at a wedding, it’s important to keep safety in mind. Consider using flameless LED candles rather than traditional open flames. LED candles provide the same beautiful ambiance without the fire risk. If using real candles, make sure to follow these precautions:

Position candles away from exits, drapes, decorations, or anything flammable. Keep them on stable surfaces where they can’t be knocked over accidentally. Use hurricane lamps or glass sleeves to protect candle flames from drafts. Place candles on surfaces that won’t burn, like metal or stone. Have a fire extinguisher and water readily available in case of emergency. Assign someone to monitor lit candles and extinguish them after the event. Never leave burning candles unattended.1

It’s also wise to avoid highly combustible decorations like hay bales or dried flowers around candle displays. Make sure smoke detectors are installed and functional. Inform vendors like caterers and florists that candles will be used so they can take additional precautions as well. Practicing candle safety will allow you to incorporate beautiful, romantic lighting without putting guests at risk.

Conclusion

In summary, candles play an important symbolic role in wedding ceremonies. The different types of candles each have their own significance. The unity candle is the most popular and represents the joining of the couple into one. Pillar candles line the aisle and represent guidance. Votive candles are used for ambiance and decoration. Taper candles are elegant and classic. Floating candles evoke romance. Sparklers add excitement and celebration. Candle favors are keepsakes. While beautiful, candles also require care and safety precautions.

The use of candles in weddings dates back centuries and carries profound meaning. They represent the love and commitment between two people starting a new life together. The candle lighting ritual has become a cherished tradition for couples to include in their ceremony. Though styles and designs vary, the light from the candle flame signifies the brightness of the couple’s future and the warmth of their bond.