Junior Rasmussen
Candles are a popular choice for wedding decorations, adding a romantic and elegant touch to the venue. However, for outdoor weddings, mosquitoes and other bugs can be a nuisance to guests and ruin the special day. To prevent this, citronella candles are a great option as they are a natural insect repellent. There are various ways to arrange citronella candles at a wedding venue, from centrepieces to floating candles in vases or antique birdcages. However, some people dislike the scent of citronella, so alternatives include using mosquito traps, fans, or spraying the venue with bug killer a few days before the event.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To ward off bugs |
| Placement | Avoid placing on tables where food is served; place around the venue perimeter, near the pool/waterfall area, or in bathrooms |
| Type | Citronella-scented votive candles |
| Number | 3-4 per table |
| Burn time | 10-15 hours |
| Other options | Torches, tiki torches, bug spray, Mosquito Magnet traps, fans, flowers (e.g., lavender, marigolds) |
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What You'll Learn
Use citronella candles as centrepieces
If you're looking to use citronella candles as centrepieces at your wedding, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the smell of citronella can be quite strong and off-putting to some people, especially indoors. It could affect how your food tastes, so it's probably best to avoid placing them on dining tables. However, if your wedding is outdoors, citronella candles can be a great way to keep bugs at bay.
To use citronella candles as centrepieces effectively, you could opt for citronella votive candles, which are smaller and less overpowering. Place 3-4 of these on each table, making sure they are not too close to the guests. You can also add citronella oil to floating candles or tea lights in Mason jars filled with water and lemon slices for a cute and easy DIY option. If you want to go beyond centrepieces, consider using classier-than-tiki torches made from wine or antique bottles, or even recycled bottles from your wedding decor.
Another option is to use citronella candles in combination with other mosquito-repelling elements. For example, choose floral arrangements that include lavender or marigolds, which naturally repel mosquitoes. You can also set up fans around the seating and dancing areas to keep the air circulating and deter mosquitoes, which prefer still air. Additionally, consider treating the venue with mosquito repellent a few days before the event, but be sure to check for any regulations regarding chemicals.
While citronella candles can be effective, they may not be enough on their own to ward off mosquitoes, especially if your wedding is in an area with a heavy mosquito presence. In this case, you might want to provide bug spray in the bathrooms or opt for unscented candles on the tables and citronella torches around the perimeter of the venue. You could also provide mosquito repellent wipes or bracelets for your guests as a thoughtful touch.
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Place candles away from dining tables
While candles can create a warm and inviting atmosphere at your wedding, there are several reasons to keep citronella candles away from dining tables.
Firstly, the strong scent of citronella candles can be overpowering for guests, especially when placed on dining tables. The smell can affect how food tastes and may be unpleasant for those with sensitive senses of smell.
Secondly, safety considerations should be a priority when using candles. To prevent fire hazards, it is important to leave ample space between candles and table settings. This ensures that guests' sleeves or dangling table linens do not accidentally knock over or come into contact with the candles. Additionally, placing candles too close to the edge of tables can increase the risk of them being knocked over.
Furthermore, some venues have regulations and safety rules regarding the use of candles. Heritage buildings, for example, often have stricter guidelines and may prohibit open flames. In such cases, non-flame alternatives like LED candles can be used to create a similar ambiance without the risks associated with open flames.
Lastly, to ensure the comfort of your guests, it is important to consider the placement of candles in relation to indoor drafts, such as air conditioning, heating, or open doors. These drafts can cause the candle flame to flicker and burn down faster, potentially creating an unpleasant atmosphere for guests.
- Place the candles around the perimeter of the venue, such as near a pool or waterfall area, to create a barrier against mosquitoes.
- Utilise citronella torches at the entrance or on outdoor tables to deter mosquitoes from entering the dining area.
- Opt for mosquito repellent sprays that are odourless and gentle on the skin. Provide these in the bathrooms for guests to apply as needed.
- Prepare the venue site in advance by removing any standing water, which can serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
- Incorporate flowers that repel mosquitoes, such as lavender or marigolds, into your floral arrangements.
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Use candles in combination with flowers
Candles and flowers are both classic choices for wedding décor, and they can be used together to create a romantic and intimate atmosphere. Here are some ideas for using candles in combination with flowers at your wedding venue:
Centrepieces
Centrepieces are a great way to combine candles and flowers. For a sleek and complementary look, place a few votive candles in the centre of each reception table, surrounded by flowers. You could also try a low centrepiece with floating candles and submerged blooms, or a towering floral stand with floating candles placed underneath to highlight the flowers. If you want to add height to your centrepiece, try hanging tea lights or votive candles in glass circles or geometric orbs at varying heights above the table.
Stairs
If your venue has stairs, line them with pillar candles and flowers. You could also try grouping pillar candles on the stairs and adding flowers to the tables instead.
Aisle
For a romantic entrance, line the wedding aisle with candles and flowers. You can place candles on either side of the aisle, at every other row, and add flowers with petals and ribbons.
Cake table
Add a luminous and delicate gleam to your wedding cake table by scattering tea lights or votive candles around the cake. You could also surround the cake with flowers for a beautiful and fragrant display.
When using citronella candles, it's important to consider the smell. Some people find the scent of citronella overpowering and off-putting, especially when eating. To avoid this, you may want to place the candles around the perimeter of the venue, at the entrance, or on outdoor tables, rather than on dining tables. You could also use citronella oil in torches or Mason jars, or choose flowers that repel mosquitoes, such as lavender and marigolds.
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Line staircases with candles
Candles are a popular choice for weddings, adding a romantic allure and glow to the venue. They are also a great way to keep mosquitoes at bay, especially if you're having an outdoor wedding.
If you're looking to line staircases with candles, there are several ways to do so:
Tea Candles in Water
Create an ethereal effect with tall, transparent candle glasses filled with varying levels of water. Scatter these glasses along the sides of the staircase and add floating tea candles. This will give the illusion of hovering lights.
Glass Candle Cases or Lanterns
Use modern glass orbs or geometric glass lanterns to shape the light along the staircase according to your aesthetic.
Pillar Candles
For a simple yet elegant look, line the edge of the staircase with a candle or two per step. If your staircase is wide, start with a few candles at the top and gradually increase the number as the steps continue.
Petals and Candlelight
Scatter flower petals around clusters of candles placed at each step for a romantic and illuminated staircase.
String Lights
If you're concerned about potential fire hazards, string lights can be a safer alternative to candles. You can criss-cross multiple strands over the banister or weave them between the banister's support beams for a dramatic light effect.
When using citronella candles specifically, it's important to consider their strong scent. While they can be effective in keeping bugs away, some people may find the smell overpowering, especially indoors. It's recommended to place them around the venue rather than on dining tables. You can also explore other options like citronella torches or using citronella oil in combination with other decorative elements.
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Create DIY citronella candles
If you're looking to create DIY citronella candles for your wedding, there are several ways to go about it. Firstly, decide on the type of container you want to use. You can use recycled cans or glass jars, such as Mason jars, or get creative and use antique bottles or wine bottles. Ensure your containers are clean and dry before starting.
Next, you'll need to add the wicks. Centre one wick in each jar or container. You can use a wick sticker or hot glue gun to secure it in place. If you're using larger containers, you may want to add two or three wicks spaced apart.
Now, it's time to melt your wax. You can use a blend of soy wax and beeswax to create a higher melting point that will withstand summer heat. Weigh and melt the wax separately, following the recommended ratios provided in the sources. Once your wax has melted, add your citronella fragrance oil, stirring gently to ensure it's fully incorporated. Remove from heat and allow the wax to cool slightly before pouring it into your prepared containers. Secure the wicks with wick bars and allow the candles to cool slowly and evenly to prevent cracks from forming.
Finally, once your candles have cooled completely, remove the wick bars and trim the wicks. You can also add labels to your candles for a finished look.
These DIY citronella candles will not only look beautiful but also help repel insects naturally, making them perfect for an outdoor wedding. However, be mindful of the strong scent of citronella, and consider placing the candles away from dining areas to avoid overpowering your guests or affecting the taste of their food.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to place citronella candles away from dining tables and food as the scent can be overpowering and can affect how food tastes. You can place them around the reception area, near the bathrooms, or at the entrance to the venue. If your venue has a pool or a waterfall, you can place them around there. You can also use citronella torches or tiki torches to repel mosquitoes.
The number of citronella candles you need depends on the size of your venue and the number of tables. For each 42-inch round table, you can place 3-4 citronella candles. You can also use other mosquito repellent methods in addition to candles, such as fans, mosquito traps, or spraying the venue with repellent.
Yes, it is important to keep candles away from flammable items such as ribbons, cloth, and other decorations. Protect surfaces from heat and dripping candle wax. Ensure that candles are kept away from children and are not placed in high-traffic areas or near the bride.
