What Is A Candle Favor?

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What Are Candle Favors?

Candle favors are small, decorative candles given as gifts to guests attending celebratory events like weddings, baby showers, graduations, and birthday parties. The purpose of candle favors is to provide guests with a memorable keepsake from the event that expresses gratitude for their attendance and participation.

Candle favors are traditionally 2-4 ounces in size and made from wax, ranging from paraffin to soy to beeswax. They come in a variety of shapes like pillars, tapers, votives. Candle favors can be accented with decorations like ribbons, beads, seashells, or scented with essential oils. Popular candle favor styles are designed to represent the theme or mood of the event.

The gifting of candle favors serves both a practical and symbolic purpose at events. On a practical level, they provide guests with a small but useful gift they can enjoy long after the party ends. Symbolically, the candle’s flame represents the light and warmth shared between the event hosts and their guests. When recipients light the candle later on, it rekindles those fond memories.

Types of Candle Favors

There are many types of candles that can be given as favors at events like weddings, bridal showers, birthday parties and more. Some of the most popular types include:

Tealights: These are small, round votive candles that sit in a metal tin. Tealights burn for around 3-4 hours and come in a variety of colors and scents (Source: https://www.etsy.com/market/candle_favors).
Votives: Similar to tealights, votive candles are placed in a glass holder. They provide a brighter, taller flame and burn longer – up to 8 hours (Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/22041699@N05/2126947401/).
Pillars: These cylindrical candles stand alone and range from small 2-inch sizes to large pillars over 12 inches tall. Pillars can burn for up to 80 hours (Source: https://www.etsy.com/market/candle_favors).
Tapers: Slender, tall candles often used in candle holders. Tapers are available in a variety of lengths from 4 inches to over 3 feet tall (Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/22041699@N05/2126947401/).
Floating Candles: Designed to float in water, these candles are popular for centerpieces. They come in shapes like hearts, spheres and pillars (Source: https://www.etsy.com/market/candle_favors).

Popular Scents for Candle Favors

When selecting a scent for candle favors, there are a few classic aromas that tend to be crowd-pleasers:

Vanilla – Vanilla is a warm, sweet scent that evokes feelings of comfort. It’s a versatile fragrance that appeals to many people, making it one of the most universally-liked candle scents.

Lavender – With its fresh, floral, and slightly herbaceous aroma, lavender is a relaxing and soothing scent. It’s perfect for winding down in the evenings.

Citrus – Uplifting citrus scents like lemon, orange, grapefruit, and lime are bright and energizing. They help create a positive mood.

Mint – Crisp, cool mint is refreshing and invigorating. It’s ideal for an extra boost of energy.

Apple Cinnamon – A blend of tart apple and spicy cinnamon is cozy and nostalgic, evoking thoughts of autumn.

Choosing a scent with mass appeal is important when selecting candle favors, as you want a fragrance guests will enjoy. Vanilla, lavender, citrus, mint, and apple cinnamon tend to be crowd-pleasing aromas safe to gift to a variety of recipients.

Decorating Candle Favors

Decorating candle favors is part of the fun of giving them as gifts. There are so many creative ways to dress up a basic candle to make it special. Popular decoration options include:

Wrapping the candle in cellophane or tissue paper and securing it with ribbon is a classic presentation. Wide ribbon tied in a bow adds flair. Metallic ribbon or raffia ribbon offer eye-catching texture.(1)

Placing the candle in a themed gift bag or box allows you to match colors and patterns for the occasion. Tiny favor bags tied with ribbon work well for small candles. Boxes can feature prints like polka dots for a baby shower.

Wax seal stamps pressed into the wax are popular for weddings. They add an elegant, formal touch and allow customization with initials or motifs.

Labels are essential for identifying the candle scent. Decorative labels can feature the event details, names, dates, or a thank you message.

Other decorative touches can include ribbons around the candle itself, beads, charms, pressed flowers or leaves, doilies under the candle, raffia bows – anything to make the candle favor unique.

Where to Purchase Candle Favors

Candle favors can be purchased from a variety of sources, both online and in-person. Some of the most popular places to buy candle favors include:

Online wedding shops – Many online stores specialize in wedding favors and will have a large selection of candle favors to choose from. Sites like EmmaLine Bride, Beau-coup, and The Wedding Outlet offer a wide variety of scented candles, votives, and tea lights perfect for weddings.

Etsy – Etsy has thousands of handmade and customizable candle favor options. Sellers on Etsy can help create unique candle designs and scents perfect for your wedding theme.

Craft stores – Stores like Michaels, JOANN Fabrics, and Hobby Lobby sell candle making supplies as well as premade candles that can be decorated. This allows you to customize favors to match your wedding colors and details.

Wholesale and bulk stores – For larger weddings, buying candle favors in bulk can help save money. Stores like Oriental Trading Company, Wedding Favors Unlimited, and Yummi Candles sell candles in bulk at wholesale prices.

Local candle shops – Supporting local businesses by shopping at candle specialty boutiques, candle-making workshops, and farmers markets can help find unique, high-quality candle favors.

When to Give Candle Favors

Candle favors make for popular gifts to give out at special occasions and events. Here are some of the most common times that candle favors are gifted:

Weddings: Candles are a traditional favor given out at weddings. Couples often choose scented candles in their wedding colors or decorative candles with their names and wedding date etched on them as memorable keepsakes for their guests. See https://www.streetdirectory.com/travel_guide/204579/wedding_bells/candle_wedding_favors___a_traditional_and_romantic_gift_to_share.html for more on wedding candle favors.

Birthdays: Scented candles make for popular birthday gifts. They can be paired with other items as part of a gift basket or given on their own in the person’s favorite scent. Candles representing the birthday person’s age are also a fun option.

Holidays: Holiday-themed candles are festive gifts to exchange during holiday celebrations like Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa. They often feature seasonal scents like pine, pumpkin spice, or peppermint.

Special Events: Candles favors can be handed out at dinner parties, baby showers, bridal showers, anniversaries, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, graduations, housewarmings, and more. Etched candles make nice keepsakes of the event.

Creative Ways to Use

Candle favors can be incorporated into a variety of different events and occasions in creative ways. Here are some ideas:

Centerpieces – Place small candle favors at each table as part of the floral centerpiece decor at weddings, parties, or other events. The candles can match the theme colors and tie the tables together.

Table Decor – Scatter candle favors down the length of banquet tables or intersperse them amongst other decor elements to add a warm glow.

Party Favors – Give each guest a personalized candle favor to take home from birthday parties, bridal showers, baby showers, wedding receptions, and more. It will serve as a keepsake from the event.

Gifts – Candle favors make great gifts for hostesses, teachers, coworkers, and others throughout the year. Choose seasonal scents or container designs to make it special.

Ambiance – Group candle favors together throughout a room or outdoor event space to create a beautiful, cozy ambiance for guests.

Place Cards – Affix a name card or table assignment to each guest’s candle favor for a functional table placement.

With their visual appeal and positive associations, candle favors can add a special touch to any event or occasion when used creatively.

Popular Brands

Some of the most popular brands for candle favors include:

Yankee Candle

Yankee Candle is one of the most well-known candle brands in the world. Founded in 1969 in Massachusetts, Yankee Candle offers a huge selection of candle scents and designs. Their jar candles are a top choice for favors, coming in over 150 fragrances. Popular picks include Clean Cotton, Vanilla Cupcake, Lemon Lavender, and Sage & Citrus.

WoodWick

WoodWick candles have a unique wooden wick that makes a crackling sound while burning. The brand offers over 40 scents of luxury candles in stylish packaging. Good options for favors include Hazelnut Cream and Evening Fire.

Villeroy & Boch

Villeroy & Boch provide high-end porcelain home décor including candles. Their oscillating crystal votives make elegant favors with the candle inside a faceted glass votive holder. Scents range from Japanese Yuzu to Mediterranean Fig.

Safety Tips

Candle favors add a beautiful glow and scent to any occasion, but they also require some basic safety precautions. Here are some tips for safely using candle favors:

Supervision

Never leave a burning candle unattended. Make sure an adult is present to monitor the candles at all times.

Placement

Position candle favors on a stable, flat surface away from table edges. Keep them away from flammable materials like curtains, decorations, or clothing.

Storage

Store unused candle favors in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight and away from sparks or open flames.

Quality Wax

Choose candle favors made from high-quality paraffin or soy wax that burns cleanly and evenly. Avoid cheaply made candles that can tunnel or flare up.

Fire Precautions

Keep candle favors away from areas where guests may accidentally knock them over. Have a lid or snuffer on hand to properly extinguish candles. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergency.

By following these basic safety tips, you can safely add beautiful, scented candlelight to any special occasion while minimizing the fire risks.

Cost of Candle Favors

The cost of candle favors can vary greatly depending on the type, quantity, packaging, and other customizations. Here are some price ranges you can expect:

Votive candles – These small candles are one of the most affordable options. Plain votives may cost as little as $0.50 – $1 each when purchased in bulk. More ornate votive holders with designs can range from $1.50 – $3 each.
Tealight candles – Small tealight candles are also very budget-friendly at $0.25 – $0.75 each in bulk.
Pillar candles – 2-3 inch pillars in a basic glass container may cost $2 – $5 each. More detailed pillar candles with decorative holders or embellishments can cost $5 – $15 each.
Floating candles – The floating plastic bowl and candle as a set can range from $2 – $7 each depending on diameter size and decoration accents.
Custom candles – For candles with custom prints, labels, designs, or fragrances – expect to pay a premium in the range of $5 – $20 per candle.

When purchasing in bulk quantities of 100+, you can often get discounts of up to 20-30% off these price points. For very large orders of 500-1000 units, prices may be negotiated lower with wholesale pricing.

Overall, candle favors can be purchased to fit almost any budget. Simple votives and tealights start at less than $1 per unit, while more elaborate custom candles will be $10+ each. Determine what price fits your needs before selecting your candle favors!