What Do You Write On Candle Wedding Favors?
Candle favors have become an increasingly popular choice for wedding favors in recent years. According to this article, candles are one of the top wedding favor trends to look out for. There are many reasons couples choose to give candle favors to their guests. Candles make for a thoughtful and personal gift that guests can continue to enjoy long after the wedding. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, scents and designs so couples can pick options that align with their wedding theme and style.
Candle favors allow couples to share light and warmth with their guests. The glow and scent of a candle can remind guests of the warmth and joy of the wedding day. Candles are also reusable and last a long time so they make for a practical favor. Popular types of candle favors include votive candles, pillar candles, floating candles for centerpieces, and candles poured into tins, jars or other decorative holders. Soy candles have also grown in popularity as an eco-friendly option. With so many styles to choose from, it’s no wonder candle favors are a top choice for weddings.
Meaning Behind Candle Favors
Candles hold special meaning in wedding ceremonies, representing the couple’s everlasting love. The candle flame is a longstanding symbol of marriage, signifying the joining of two into one and the warmth and light of love.
The tradition of a unity candle lighting ceremony is common at many weddings. The bride and groom each take an individual candle representing their separate families and light a center unity candle together to symbolize the joining of their lives (source). This ritual represents the illumination of a new family and eternal bond.
Candles given as wedding favors echo this special significance. When guests bring the candle home, they carry the light and love of the newlywed’s marriage (source). The enduring glow serves as a reminder of the joyful union and everlasting commitment celebrated that day.
Popular Candle Favor Options
When selecting candle favors for your wedding, you have various styles to consider. Some of the most popular options include:
Votives/Tealights
Votive candles and tealights are small, inexpensive candles that make great favors. According to The Knot (source), these classic candles are available in a variety of colors and scents, and can be presented in attractive votive holders or dishes. Votives and tealights have a burn time of 5-10 hours.
Pillar Candles
Pillar candles (source) come in varying heights and widths for a classic, elegant look. These longer burning tapers can be decorated with ribbons, lace, or other embellishments. Pillar candles offer 10-20 hours of burn time and provide a substantial feel.
Floating Candles
Floating candles are a modern trend, where candles float on water inside glass vases or bowls. According to Amazon (source), these serene favors combine beauty and ambiance. Floating candles last 5-10 hours when lit. They offer a contemporary style for weddings.
Scented Candles
Scented candles infuse wonderful aromas and come in an array of scents like vanilla, lavender, ocean breeze, and more. They set the mood and encourage relaxation. Popular scented candle favors are soy-based or vegetable wax rather than paraffin for a natural option.
Decorating and Presentation
Candle favors can be presented in creative ways to match your wedding theme and colors. Decorative holders like glass or metal votives, patterned bags, and matching boxes can showcase your candles beautifully. According to Forever Wedding Favors, colored tins and patterned paper bags are popular choices for dressing up plain candles.
Customizing your candle favors is easy and adds a personal touch for guests. Have your names and wedding date printed or stamped on candle tins or bags. Monogramming with your first initial is another classic option. Choose ribbon colors and decorations like flowers, pearls, or gemstones that coordinate with your wedding colors. You can also match your table numbers, programs, or signs to create a cohesive theme.
No matter what decorative holders or custom accents you select, take care not to cover any warning labels on candle packaging. Safety should be the first priority when decorating candle wedding favors.
Candle Safety Tips
Proper candle safety is crucial when selecting candle favors for your wedding. Here are some key tips to keep in mind:
Use candle holders that are sturdy and will not tip over easily. Glass votive holders or small metal tea light holders work well. Be sure the candle fits snugly into its holder. According to The Knot, tea lights and votives are the most common and safest shape choices.
Look for candles labeled with safety instructions like “keep away from flammable objects when burning.” Quality candles will provide warnings so guests know to place them carefully and not leave them unattended. The Forever Wedding Favors collection highlights candles with safety tips right on the labels.
Setup candles thoughtfully on tables so they don’t crowd other items. Place them where they can burn safely without risk of catching anything on fire like linens or floral arrangements. Group smaller candles together on mirrors or trays to contain any potential drips or spills. And remind guests to blow them out before leaving the reception.
When to Give Candles
Candles can be given out as wedding favors at different times during the event:
At the Ceremony: Some couples choose to place candles at each guest’s seat to be lit during the ceremony. This creates a beautiful ambience and allows guests to take the candle home as a favor. Candles can be given out when guests are escorted to their seats or after the ceremony concludes.
At the Reception: Candles are commonly given as favors at the reception. They can be placed at each table setting or given out at the end when guests are leaving. Placing them at table settings allows guests to enjoy the candlelight during dinner. Giving them as guests depart provides a nice parting gift and memory of the event.
With Other Favors: Candles pair nicely with other small gifts like cookies, chocolates, soaps etc. Grouping several favors together makes for a nice presentation.
On Their Own: Candles also work great as standalone favors. Opt for decorative candles in your wedding colors or scents that complement your theme. Simple votives or pillars wrapped with ribbon make elegant, unfussy favors.
Determine when and how you’ll distribute favors based on your vision and logistics. Candles given anytime during the wedding will be appreciated keepsakes.
Choosing Scents
When selecting candle scents for wedding favors, there are a few important factors to consider:
Popular scent options for weddings include floral fragrances like rose, jasmine, gardenia, and peony. Citrus scents like lemon, grapefruit, and orange are energizing. Vanilla and sandalwood provide a warm, cozy feeling. According to Bottlehouse Events, baked goods like pumpkin pie, snickerdoodle, and sugar cookie are nostalgic scents perfect for weddings.
Consider the season and theme of your wedding when selecting a scent. Floral and fruit scents suit spring and summer weddings, while gourmand baked goods and spiced scents like cinnamon and clove work for fall and winter events.
Be mindful of allergies and scent sensitivities. Avoid strong florals if you have guests with allergies. Test your scents beforehand to ensure they aren’t overpowering.
Budget Friendly Options
Candle favors don’t have to break the bank. There are plenty of budget friendly options to explore:
Buying candles in bulk quantity can help lower costs. Check websites like Amazon, Etsy, and wholesale wedding supply retailers for inexpensive candles in bulk packs of 10 or more.
Get creative with DIY decorating. Simple additions like ribbons, lace, sequins, or fabric scraps can transform plain candles into elegant favors. Use supplies you already have at home or source inexpensive materials from craft stores.
Consider alternative vessels like glass jars, tin cans, or teacups which can hold a battery-operated flameless candle. This skips the cost of real wax candles altogether. Hollowed out fruits like oranges or apples also make quirky organic holders for regular or LED tealight candles.
With a little creativity, it’s easy to provide beautiful candle favors your guests will love without blowing your budget.
Eco-Friendly Candles
Eco-friendly candles are a great candle favor option for environmentally conscious couples. These candles use natural waxes like soy wax or beeswax that are biodegradable and non-toxic, avoiding petroleum-based paraffin wax. Soy wax in particular is a renewable and sustainable wax made from soybeans. Beeswax is also a good eco-friendly choice as it is a natural byproduct of beekeeping.
Many eco-friendly candle vendors also use recycled or reusable glass containers, rather than disposable plastic containers. This reduces waste and allows the candles to be repurposed. Vintage glasses or jars get a second life as candle holders.
Opting for candles made locally by independent artisans is another way to reduce the environmental impact of shipping and support small businesses. Sites like Etsy have a wide selection of handmade eco-friendly candles from local sellers. For example, Cedar Creek Candles makes soy candles in renewable containers in Indiana.
Eco-friendly candles make beautiful favors that align with sustainability values. Couples can feel good about choosing natural, non-toxic candles in recycled containers from local makers.
Conclusion
Candle wedding favors offer a memorable token of appreciation for guests. When carefully selected and presented, they can add beauty and charm to wedding decor. Small votive candles, scented tapers, or customized containers reflect the couple’s style. Eco-friendly soy blends and beeswax provide natural alternatives. With proper precautions, candles make safe, charming favors. When tied to the ceremony with scents invoking love or unity, they hold deeper meaning.
In summary, couples should choose candle favors that align with their wedding theme and budget. Votives in bulk keep costs low while providing guests a useful item. Scented tapers tied with ribbons suit formal affairs. Custom labels and containers add personalization. Regardless of type, candles remind guests to cherish the special day. With thoughtful selection and presentation, they become favors worth saving for years to come.
