
Candles can add a touch of warmth, elegance, and romance to a wedding. However, figuring out the right number of candles per table can be challenging. The number of candles depends on various factors, such as table size, shape, and the purpose of the candle. If the candle is the primary source of lighting, more candles are needed compared to when it is merely decorative. Spacing is crucial for safety and aesthetics, especially when paired with floral arrangements or banquet-style dining. Ultimately, there is no rule for the ideal number, and any arrangement can be made to work.
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What You'll Learn

Purpose: Are they decorative or the primary light source?
The number of candles you choose to include in your wedding table decor will depend on whether they are intended to be decorative or the primary source of lighting. If you are using candles as part of your wedding decoration, you will need to ensure they are properly spaced out for safety and practicality. The size and shape of your tables will determine how many candles you can include. For example, a small table may feel overcrowded with too many candles.
If you are using candles as the main source of lighting, you will likely need a larger number of candles. You may also want to consider using candles in staggered clusters or a uniform style. For example, if you are opting for banquet-style dining, you will need to factor in the spacing needed between candles to ensure a practical setup.
If your candles are purely decorative, you can be more flexible with the number of candles you include. For example, you may want to use one or two candles as a centrepiece or to complement a bigger decor item. You can also choose to use candles to enhance other decorative items, such as floral arrangements.
Ultimately, there are no hard and fast rules for how many candles to include per table. The most important thing is to ensure you find the perfect arrangement and that you have enough candles to create your desired atmosphere.
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Budget: Custom candles can be expensive
Wedding decorations can be expensive, and custom candles are no exception. If you're looking to save money on candles for your wedding tables, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Choose Affordable Candles
Opt for inexpensive candles from discount stores like the Dollar Store or Poundland. These stores often carry a variety of candle styles, including taper candles and tea lights, at a fraction of the cost of custom candles. For example, you can find taper candles at the Dollar Store for 3/$1, and a bag of tea lights for a few dollars.
Buy in Bulk
Purchasing candles in bulk can often result in significant savings. Look for wholesale retailers or online stores that offer discounts for larger quantities. Websites like candles4less.com can provide substantial savings compared to craft stores. Buying in bulk also applies to candle-making supplies if you're crafty and want to make your own candles.
DIY and Embellish
Making your own candles or embellishing store-bought candles can be a fun and cost-effective way to add a personal touch to your wedding tables. You can buy candle-making supplies in bulk and create scented or unscented candles in tins or jars. If you're not into candle-making, you can still decorate store-bought candles with wrapping paper, ribbon, and other embellishments to match your wedding theme.
Borrow and Resell
Consider borrowing candle decorations from friends or family who have recently gotten married. Many newlyweds are happy to lend or sell their wedding décor at a discounted price. Just be sure to handle the items with care and keep customisations to a minimum to maintain their resale value. You can also plan to resell your own wedding supplies after the big day to recoup some of your costs.
Barter for Décor
If you have a special skill or crafty talent, consider bartering your services in exchange for wedding décor or candle-making assistance. For example, you could trade babysitting services or another skill you possess for help with candle-making or other wedding décor tasks.
Plan Strategically
Planning ahead and being strategic about your candle choices can also save you money. Firstly, determine your candle style and how you want them displayed (uniform style, staggered clusters, etc.). Then, consider your other styling elements, such as floral arrangements or centrepieces, to ensure your candles complement, rather than compete with, these elements. By planning the placement and quantity of candles needed for each table, you can avoid overspending.
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Table size: More candles are needed for larger tables
The number of candles you need for your wedding tables depends on several factors, including the size and shape of the tables, the purpose of the candles, and the overall guest experience. If you want a European-inspired dinner with plenty of candlelight, you'll need more candles than if you're just using them as decoration. Likewise, if the candles are the primary source of lighting, you'll need more than if you have other light sources.
When it comes to table size, larger tables can accommodate more candles. To determine the number of candles needed, consider the size and quantity of candles that will fit on your tables. Draw out your table map and mark the space required for other elements such as floral arrangements or banquet-style meals. This will help you understand how much space is left for candles.
For larger tables, you can use a combination of different-sized candles to create a visually appealing display. Staggered clusters or uniform styles are both options to consider. Just be sure to leave enough space between candles to ensure safety and practicality, especially if you have floral arrangements or other centrepieces on the table.
When deciding on the number of candles, keep in mind that you don't want to overwhelm the tables. The candles should complement the rest of your decor and create a warm and romantic atmosphere. You can also add tea lights or votives to larger tables to create an additional layer of sparkle without breaking your budget. Ultimately, the perfect arrangement will make any number of candles work for your event.
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Table shape: Different shapes require different numbers
The number of candles you need for your wedding tables depends on several factors, including the purpose of the candles, the table shape and size, and the other styling elements. If you're using candles as your primary source of lighting, you'll need more than if they're purely decorative. The shape and size of your tables will also impact the number of candles you need, as you want to ensure they are spaced out for safety and practicality.
For example, let's say you have long rectangular tables. In this case, you might choose to space out multiple candles along the length of the table or group them in clusters. On the other hand, if you have round tables, you might opt for a central display with candles of varying heights to create a stunning focal point.
If you have a mix of table shapes and sizes, you can get creative with your candle arrangements. For smaller tables, consider using fewer candles or opting for tea lights or votives to save space. For larger tables, you can experiment with different candle arrangements, such as staggered clusters or uniform lines.
Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to how many candles you should have per table. The key is to ensure that your candles are properly spaced, complement your other styling elements, and create the desired atmosphere. Whether you're aiming for a romantic, elegant, or whimsical vibe, candles can be a versatile and impactful addition to your wedding tables.
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Candle size: Smaller candles may be needed for tight spaces
When it comes to wedding table candles, the most important thing is to create your desired atmosphere. If you're working with tight spaces, smaller candles like tea lights or votives are ideal for creating a romantic ambiance without taking up too much room. These candles are small and usually circular, and they can be placed in candleholders to create varying heights and enchanting effects.
Tea lights, in particular, are delicate and tiny, and they can be used on their own or with tasteful candleholders to add visual interest. They are a great way to create a magical atmosphere without taking up too much space or adding excessive glare. Votive candles are similar but tend to burn for longer periods, up to 15 hours, making them a good choice for all-day events.
If you're concerned about space, consider using candleholders that can hang from the ceiling or be attached to walls, freeing up table space while still adding to the atmosphere. When choosing candleholders, consider the overall style and theme of your wedding, as well as any colour schemes or centrepieces you want to incorporate.
To ensure your candles don't compete with other design elements, consider spacing them out and using multiple colours, as seen at Fiona and James' wedding, where they achieved bountiful Renaissance vibes. Alternatively, opt for understated elegance with just a couple of candles on the table, working well with lower, shallower elements like boughs of foliage. Remember, the number of candles you choose is up to you and can be tailored to your vision and budget.
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Frequently asked questions
The number of candles you put on each table depends on the purpose they are meant to serve. If they are the primary source of lighting, you will need more than if they are decorative. You will also need to consider the size and shape of the tables, as well as other styling elements such as flowers or centrepieces.
First, you need to know your table map, including the quantity, size and placement of tables. Then, decide on your candle style and whether you want a uniform look or candles in staggered clusters. Finally, calculate the quantities, keeping in mind that you will need to ensure enough space between candles for safety and practicality.
If you are budget-conscious, you can add tea lights or votives to create an extra layer of sparkle without the expense of larger candles.
If candles aren't your style, there are plenty of other ways to light up your wedding tables. You can create a beautiful tablescape without candles by incorporating other decorative elements such as flowers or custom centrepieces.










































