Candles At Weddings: Creative Decor Or Safety Hazard?

Candles are a popular choice for wedding decor, adding a romantic touch to the venue or ceremony. They can be used in various ways, such as lighting the path down the aisle, elaborate candelabras at the wedding table, or as part of a unity candle ceremony. When using candles, it's important to prioritize safety and be mindful of any venue restrictions. LED or electric candles are a great alternative if you're concerned about the risks of an open flame. With their soft glow and versatility, candles can enhance the ambiance and create a timeless look for your special day.

Scented vs unscented candles

Candles can be a beautiful addition to your wedding, creating a romantic and timeless allure with their soft glow. But when it comes to choosing between scented and unscented candles, there are several factors to consider. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of each to help you decide:

Scented Candles:

Advantages:

• Scented candles can turn your wedding venue into a cozy and inviting space, enhancing the atmosphere with delightful fragrances.
• They offer aromatherapy effects, with essential oils that can promote relaxation or invigoration, depending on the chosen scent.
• These candles are perfect for neutralizing unwanted smells, making them ideal if there are any potential odor issues at the venue.
• Scented candles come in various colors and designs, adding to the visual appeal and enhancing your wedding decor.

Disadvantages:

• Some guests may have allergies or sensitivities to synthetic fragrances, leading to headaches, migraines, or respiratory issues.
• Burning scented candles during meals can interfere with the aroma and flavor of the food, as the scents may clash.
• Certain scented candles can release harmful chemicals when burned, contributing to indoor air pollution and potentially triggering allergies.

Unscented Candles:

Advantages:

• Unscented candles provide a warm and neutral environment, allowing the natural fragrances of your wedding, such as flowers or food, to take center stage.
• They are generally considered a healthier option, as they emit fewer combustion byproducts, making them safer for indoor use and reducing potential allergy triggers.
• These candles are versatile and suitable for various wedding events, including the ceremony, reception, and any other activities where fragrances may be inappropriate or overwhelming.
• Unscented candles often cost less than scented ones because they don't contain expensive fragrance oils.

Disadvantages:

• Unscented candles lack the aromatic benefits of scented candles, so they may offer less mood enhancement for those seeking a specific fragrance experience.
• The lack of scent might be disappointing for those who love scented candles and want their fragrance to be a prominent part of the wedding atmosphere.

Ultimately, the choice between scented and unscented candles depends on the ambience you want to create and the potential impact on your guests' experiences. If you're concerned about allergies or want to highlight other fragrances, unscented candles are a safer bet. However, if you're looking to enhance the atmosphere with specific scents and don't have any scent-related concerns, scented candles can add a unique and memorable touch to your special day.

LED candles

Candles are a great way to create a romantic and magical atmosphere at your wedding. However, open flames may not always be allowed or feasible, especially for outdoor weddings. This is where LED candles come in! LED candles are a great alternative to traditional candles as they provide the same soft, romantic glow without the risk of fire. Here are some ways you can incorporate LED candles into your wedding:

Centrepieces and Table Decorations

In addition to centrepieces, you can also use LED candles as part of your table decorations. Place them directly on the table, in front of it, or off to the sides. Pair them with flowers, balloons, or a wedding neon sign for a truly unique and personalised touch.

Fireplaces and Mantels

If your venue has a fireplace or mantel, you can decorate it with LED candles to create a cosy and romantic atmosphere. Use lanterns, glass votive holders, or mercury glass votive holders to add a soft glow to the area. Fill the fireplace with LED candles to create the feel of a fire without the smoke and logs.

Outdoor Areas and Pathways

If your wedding is outdoors or guests will have access to outdoor areas, you can use LED candles to create a fun and carefree atmosphere. Line pathways with luminaries or LED tea lights in paper bags to guide your guests. Hang LED candles in glass holders from trees or pergolas to create a magical setting. For a beach wedding, create a large display of LED candles in the sand—no need to worry about the wind blowing them out!

Stairways and Steps

Decorate the stairway at your venue with LED candles to create a romantic and elegant focal point. Combine the candles with flowers and greenery for a timeless look. LED pillar candles or floating candles in clear glass vases are also perfect for decorating steps and stairways.

Gift Tables and Seating Assignment Decor

Add some LED candles to your gift table to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. You can use different-sized LED pillar candles or small tea lights in votive holders to create a delicate and romantic look.

Photo Backdrops

Bar and Food Serving Areas

Decorate the bar and food serving areas with LED candles to set the mood. Use lanterns and LED candles to create a rustic or elegant look. Add flowers, greenery, or other decorations to match your wedding theme.

Dance Floors

Place LED candles and string lights around the dance floor to create a stylish and fun atmosphere. Group the candles together or place them in lanterns or hurricanes. This will add a soft glow to the dance floor without the risk of an open flame.

Candle safety

Candles are a popular lighting choice for weddings, both for the romantic atmosphere they create and their versatility. However, using candles does come with some risks. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind if you plan to use candles at your wedding:

• Check with your venue before making any decisions. Some venues may allow open flames, while others may only permit flameless candles.
• Never leave burning candles unattended, and never move a lit candle. Ensure that candles are extinguished before you and your guests leave the venue or before you go to sleep.
• Keep candles at least one foot away from any flammable surfaces, such as clothing, linens, flowers, or other decorations.
• Keep candles out of reach of children and any guests who may act recklessly.
• Use sturdy, stable, flat surfaces for your candles, and avoid placing them near ventilation.
• If your wedding is outdoors, be mindful of high winds and avoid using candles if the wind is strong.
• Space out your candles. It is safer to have candles every other row on the aisle or spaced apart on tables.
• Consider using LED or electric candles if you are concerned about the risks of open flames.
• Be mindful of decorations and clothing when setting up candles. Ensure that drapery or other decorative items are not placed close to candles, as they could accidentally catch fire.
• If you are performing a unity candle ceremony, keep a backup lighter or box of matches on hand in case one of the candles blows out.

Candle decoration ideas

Candles can add a romantic touch to your wedding venue or ceremony. Here are some ideas for incorporating candles into your wedding decor:

• Votive Centerpieces: Votive candles are a classic choice for wedding centerpieces and can be used to create a sleek and elegant look.
• Hanging Tealights: Dazzle your guests by hanging tealight candles from tree branches or other overhead structures.
• Line Your Ceremony Aisle: Place candles on either side of the wedding aisle to light the way for the bride and groom. Larger pillar candles are a great option for this.
• Table Taper Candles: For rectangular tables, consider using taper candles as centerpieces to add height and elegance to your tablescape.
• Candelabra Centerpieces: Candelabras can be used as opulent centerpieces, especially for lavish or vintage-themed weddings.
• Chandelier Taper Candles: Place taper candles in hanging chandeliers for a jaw-dropping effect. Be sure to check with your venue first, as some may not allow this.
• Fill Empty Spaces: Use candles to decorate and light up empty spaces such as the altar, around signage, or inside an empty fireplace.
• Staircase Lighting: If you have a staircase at your venue, line the sides with pillar candles to create a glowing pathway for your guests.
• Multiple Heights: Play with different candle heights to add dimension to your centerpieces or table decor. Try using candles in three different sizes—small, medium, and large.
• Mix and Match Candle Holders: Choose a variety of coloured candle holders that match your wedding colour palette, or opt for metallic accents like gold and silver.
• Coloured Candles: Instead of traditional white candles, consider using coloured candles to make your decor stand out.
• Hanging or Lined Lanterns: Lanterns add a whimsical touch to your wedding decor. Hang them from trees or line them along paths to create a magical atmosphere.
• Lantern Centerpieces: Use lanterns as candle-filled centerpieces to add a cosy glow to your tables.
• Floating Tealights: For a garden party or magical-themed wedding, place floating tealight candles in vases filled with water or fountains.
• Memorial Table: Honour loved ones who have passed away with a memorial table featuring pillar candles and framed photographs.
• Rustic Amber Glass Containers: For a rustic or country-themed wedding, use amber glass containers for your candles to add a warm and inviting ambiance.
• Moss and Candle Centerpieces: Create a magical tablescape by placing a moss runner down the centre of each table and filling it with twinkling candles.
• Geometric Containers: Glass geometric containers, such as terrariums, are a modern and effortless way to display your candles.
• Natural Platform Candle Centerpieces: Set your candles atop wooden bases or other natural materials to bring an outdoorsy feel to your wedding reception.
• DIY Bottle Candle Holders: Paint or decorate empty wine bottles and place taper candles in the openings for a vintage-inspired look.
• Cottagecore Jars: Collect mismatched glass jars and fill them with small candles for a cosy and eclectic ambiance.
• Ladder Display: Place candles on the steps of an aesthetic wooden ladder, and add flowers or greenery for a romantic touch.
• Ground Designs: Create shapes or words on the ground using concealed tealight candles. Just be sure to keep them away from high-traffic areas.
• Birdcage Centerpieces: Antique birdcages can be turned into gorgeous centerpieces by placing a few candles inside.
• Sand and Candle Displays: Fill votive candle holders with sand to create a coastal-inspired display, perfect for beach or seaside weddings.

Unity candle ceremony

Candles are a popular choice for wedding decor, and they can also be incorporated into your wedding ceremony through the Unity Candle Ceremony. This ritual is a powerful symbol of the union of two people and their families.

The Unity Candle Ceremony involves two taper candles and one centre candle. The couple each takes a lit taper candle and simultaneously lights the centre candle, known as the "unity candle". This symbolises their joining together as a family while maintaining their individuality. The outer candles represent the individual lives of the couple and their families, while the larger candle symbolises their new shared life.

The Unity Candle Ceremony usually takes place after the couple has exchanged their vows. The mothers of the couple often light the initial taper candles, but you can choose anyone special to you to do this. The couple then lights the unity candle together.

The celebrant or wedding officiant will lead the candle-lighting ceremony by introducing and explaining the symbolism of the ritual to the guests. They may say something like:

> "As you commit to each other today, you're creating a family circle of love. So may you always carry that light within each other, may you nurture and tend to the flame in each other's hearts as you recognise your continuing importance in each other's lives."

You will need three candles: two taper candles and one larger pillar candle. You may also want to purchase candle holders and a long-reach lighter. You can personalise your unity candle with engravings, colours, or decorations that match your wedding theme. If your ceremony is outdoors, shield your candles with hurricane lamps to protect them from the breeze.

After the taper candles are lit, the officiant may read a script or poem to explain the symbolism of the ritual. The couple then lights the unity candle together and blows out the taper candles. The unity candle remains lit for the rest of the ceremony.

Traditionally, the couple blows out the unity candle together once the ceremony is complete and the guests have exited the venue. It is customary to keep the unity candle as a memento of your special day.

Frequently asked questions