Wedding Cake Candles: A Romantic Touch Or Unnecessary Risk?

Wedding cakes are often decorated with candles, which can be a romantic alternative to traditional cake toppers. Some people opt for a single candle, while others prefer a bunch of candles to create a dreamy glow. Candles can be especially attractive on homemade, slightly imperfect cakes, as they complement simple icing and decorations. Coloured candles can be used to match the wedding's colour palette, or gold and silver candles can be chosen for a more luxurious look. Wedding cake candles can also be given as wedding favours, bridal shower gifts, or gifts for the bridesmaids.

Wedding cake candles as romantic alternatives to cake toppers

Wedding cake candles are a romantic alternative to traditional cake toppers. They are a unique way to decorate a wedding cake and can add a soft, candlelit glow to the happy couple as they cut the cake.

There are many ways to incorporate candles into your wedding cake display. For a simple yet effective look, opt for a single candle on top of the cake. This can be a romantic gesture, as the couple can make a single wish together. Alternatively, for a dreamier effect, group several candles together to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The type of candle you choose can also change the look and feel of your wedding cake. For a classic and elegant touch, tall taper candles in gold or silver are a great choice. These can be paired with a homemade, slightly imperfect cake, as the simplicity of the cake will make the candles stand out. If you want to bring your colour palette to the cake, coloured taper candles are a fun option. For a more modern and dramatic look, try ultra-long skinny candles, which will add height and be visible from across the room.

If you're looking for a unique way to display your wedding cake, consider using a candlelit cake stand. This will create a beautiful, romantic setting, especially for a winter wedding or an evening reception.

Just like with a traditional birthday cake, there are a few things to keep in mind when using candles on a wedding cake. Ensure that the candles are secure and won't topple over or sink into the cake. Also, be mindful of the heat from the candles, especially if using tall taper candles, to avoid melting the icing.

With a little creativity, wedding cake candles can be a beautiful and romantic addition to your special day.

Types of wedding cake candles: tapers, tealights, monogrammed, etc

Wedding cakes can be decorated with candles in many ways, and candles are a romantic alternative to cake toppers. Here are some types of candles that can be used on wedding cakes:

Tapers

Taper candles are a classic, elegant choice for wedding decorations. They are long and slender, gradually narrowing towards the top, and are often associated with formal settings. Taper candles can be paired with floral centrepieces to add a colourful and elegant touch to the dining experience. They can also be used to create a stunning, statement tablescape. They are available in a variety of colours, including gold and silver, and can be purchased in different sizes.

Tealights

Tealight candles are a great option for creating a romantic and intimate ambiance without being too overbearing. They are small and subtle, and can be paired with taper or pillar candles to create a beautiful tablescape. They can also be placed in glass vases, jars, or lanterns to add a decorative touch.

Pillar Candles

Pillar candles are a traditional and modern choice for wedding centrepieces, providing ample lighting and versatility. They can be arranged on decorative plates, paired with floral arrangements, or placed in tall candle holders. Pillar candles are available in various sizes, colours, and shades, allowing for customisation to fit any wedding theme.

Votive Candles

Votive candles are small, compact candles that are perfect for creating different moods throughout the venue. They need to be housed in glass or metal vessels as they completely liquify during burning. They can be used as wedding favours or placeholders for guests to take home and reuse.

Monogrammed Candles

Monogrammed candles can be used as a personalised cake topper, adding a unique touch to the wedding cake.

How to stop candles from toppling over or sinking into the cake

While candles on a wedding cake can be a beautiful addition, there are some considerations to keep in mind to prevent the candles from toppling over or sinking into the cake. Here are some tips to help ensure your candles stay securely in place:

Choose the Right Candle Type and Size

Select candles that are appropriately sized for your wedding cake. Avoid tall and thin candles that may be more prone to toppling over. Opt for candles with a wider base, as this will provide more stability. Additionally, consider using tealight candles in frosted glass holders. The enclosed flame will minimize the risk of melting the icing and provide a stable base.

Secure the Candles Properly

To prevent candles from sinking into the cake, it is essential to create a stable base for them to rest on. Here are some suggestions:

• Use a candle holder or cake stand: Choose a holder or stand that is specifically designed to hold candles and place it on top of the cake. This will distribute the weight more evenly and provide a secure foundation.
• Create a solid base with white chocolate: If you're working with a cake topper, you can use white chocolate to widen the base and provide more stability. Simply place the topper on parchment paper and pour melted chocolate around the base, allowing it to cool and harden before removing the parchment. This method ensures that the topper remains undamaged and provides a delicious treat for guests.
• Utilize dowel rods: Inserting dowel rods under the base of the topper can provide additional support and prevent toppling. Ensure you use enough rods (at least three) to provide a stable foundation.
• Opt for a non-damaging adhesive: If the bride is open to it, you can use a small amount of frosting or hot glue to adhere the topper to a wider base. This method provides stability without causing any damage to the topper.

Monitor the Cake's Environment

The environment in which the cake is placed can also impact the stability of the candles. Here are some considerations:

• Room temperature: Keep the cake in a cool, temperature-controlled environment to prevent the icing from melting, which could cause the candles to sink or topple.
• Drafts and airflow: Avoid placing the cake in an area with strong drafts or airflow, as this could blow out the candles or cause them to lean.
• Direct sunlight: Sunlight or heat sources can cause the icing to melt, leading to instability. Keep the cake out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources.

By following these tips and carefully considering the candle placement, you can help ensure that the candles on your wedding cake remain securely in place, adding a touch of elegance and charm to the celebration.

How to prevent icing from melting around the candles

Candles on a wedding cake can be a beautiful addition to your special day. If you're concerned about the icing melting, there are several steps you can take to prevent this.

Firstly, consider the type of icing you will be using. Fondant icing can hold up better in warm weather than buttercream. If you prefer buttercream, ask your baker about their recipe, as some may be more heat-resistant than others. You could also opt for a ''naked' cake with no icing on the outside, or a white, ivory, or pale neutral colour scheme, as darker colours are more likely to run in the heat.

The environment is also a key factor in preventing icing from melting. Keep the cake in a cool, air-conditioned room, out of direct sunlight. If possible, deliver the cake to the venue just before the wedding, and ensure there is a canopy over the cake table if it is outdoors.

To reduce the risk of melting, you can also use candle holders or wrap the candles in plastic wrap. Alternatively, insert a boba straw through the centre of the cake and place the candle inside, creating a barrier between the candle and the icing.

Wedding cake candles as wedding favours

Wedding cake candles are a unique and romantic way to decorate a wedding cake. They can be used as an alternative to traditional cake toppers or as wedding favours for guests.

For wedding cake candles, you can opt for tall tapers in gold or silver, or choose a colour that matches your wedding palette. If you're looking to create a dreamy glow, consider using a whole bunch of candles. For a simple yet dramatic effect, try ultra-long skinny candles on a single-tier cake.

If you're concerned about the safety of having open flames on your wedding cake, there are other options to consider. LED candles, for example, offer the same warm glow without the need for a flame and can be reused. Fairy lights are another option, powered by a small battery pack, and often feature blinking patterns to customise the lighting.

If you're set on real flames but want to avoid the risks of an open flame, wedding cake candles can be given as wedding favours. These can be personalised with different bow colours and original cake motifs, and can come in a variety of fragrances. They can be given as gifts to the bridal party or used as wedding favours for guests.

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