Creating A Basket Of Candles For A Wedding Shower

A basket of candles for a wedding shower is a thoughtful gift that can be made inexpensively. The idea is to have a basket of differently-coloured candles, grouped into pairs, and a poem about when to burn them during milestones in the couple's marriage. The poem can be designed and printed at home, and the candles can be purchased online. The whole thing should cost less than $10. This is a fun, colourful, and thoughtful gift that will keep giving for 25 years.

Choosing candles and holders

Candle Types

When selecting candles for your basket, you have a variety of options to choose from. Standard taper candles or pillar candles are classic choices that can add elegance to your display. You can also opt for smaller votive candles or tea lights, which are perfect for creating a cosy and intimate atmosphere. Chime candles, typically used for "spells", can be a unique and affordable choice, adding a whimsical touch to your basket. If you want to incorporate a poem with instructions for the couple, like in the tradition of the "wedding poem candle set", be sure to select candles in the colours mentioned in the poem.

Candle Scents

Fragrant candles can enhance the ambiance of the wedding shower. Popular scent options include romantic and relaxing choices such as lavender, jasmine, vanilla, and eucalyptus. These scents can create a soothing atmosphere and even become a signature fragrance for the couple. If you're concerned about scent sensitivity, unscented candles are also a great option, providing a neutral and subtle touch to the basket.

Candle Holders

The type of candle holder you choose will depend on the style and theme of the wedding shower, as well as the candles you've selected. For a simple and elegant look, consider pairing taper candles with gold candlesticks or candelabras. For a more modern feel, sleek cylinder vases or metallic containers, such as gold-rimmed vessels, can be a stylish choice. If you want to incorporate hanging candles, look for geometric orbs or glass circles that can be suspended from trees or ceilings. For a touch of vintage charm, consider mixing and matching candle holders, perhaps even hand-selecting a variety of vintage candlesticks to create an eclectic arrangement.

Presentation

When presenting your candles in a basket, consider wrapping each pair of candles together with jute or hemp cord, or even a simple ribbon. This adds a decorative touch and helps to keep the candles organised within the basket. If you wish to include a poem or note with your gift, you can wrap it around the bunch of candles or place it inside the basket.

Creating a beautiful basket of candles for a wedding shower is a thoughtful and creative project. With the right selection of candles and holders, you can design a gift that complements the style of the happy couple and adds a warm and romantic ambiance to their celebration.

Poem for the couple

A basket of candles for a wedding shower is a thoughtful gift for the couple. You can make it more special by adding a poem with instructions on when to light each pair of candles during their marriage. Here is a poem that you can include:

"A bundle of candles, most are in pairs,

Eight different colours for you two to share.

The purples burn first and kick off your life;

On your very first night as husband and wife.

Your first married fight? Two more to light:

Orange will burn while you make up all night.

Light the pink candles, your love's here to stay;

Celebrate your first married Valentine's Day.

On the first anniversary of exchanging I do's,

Applaud one whole year and light up the blues.

So Exciting! Your family is growing in size!

Light all three yellows when the first baby arrives.

[You can change this line to "Light both the yellows..." if you only have two candles]

Surprises come up, unexpected good things;

Choose for yourselves when to light up the greens.

Anniversaries mark time, your love's still alive;

The white ones you'll light when you celebrate five.

One pair remains, travelling with you through life;

You'll burn these and toast to your big twenty-five.

Burn all these candles just like you've read;

But please don't forget: blow them out before bed!"

You can also personalise the poem by changing the candle colours mentioned to suit the candles you have chosen for the basket.

Wrapping and presentation

Basket or Box:

Start by choosing a basket or a box to hold your candles. A simple wicker basket with a handle can be a great option and can be found at most craft stores. Alternatively, you could use a wooden crate or a cardboard box. If you choose a box, consider lining it with tissue paper or fabric to add a touch of elegance.

Candle Arrangement:

Arrange the candles in the basket or box neatly and attractively. You can wrap each pair of candles together with jute/hemp cord or ribbon, as suggested by Instructables. Alternatively, you could use small pieces of clear or coloured cellophane to wrap each pair, giving them a more polished look. Try to vary the heights of the candles to create visual interest. You could also add some small decorative items, such as dried flowers or twigs, to fill out the basket and add a natural touch.

Poem or Card:

The poem or card is an important part of the gift, as it explains the significance of each pair of candles. Print or write the poem on cardstock or heavy paper, and consider using a decorative font or adding some simple illustrations. You can roll the poem up and tie it with a ribbon, or simply fold it and place it on top of the candles.

Cellophane and Ribbon:

To add a final touch of elegance, consider wrapping the entire basket or box in cellophane and tying it with a large bow. This will make the gift look more polished and professional. Choose a colour of cellophane and ribbon that complements the colours of the candles and the poem or card.

Personalisation:

Finally, you can add a personal touch to the gift by including a handwritten note to the recipient, wishing them a happy wedding and a long and loving marriage. This will make the gift even more special and memorable.

Candle colours and meanings

When creating a basket of candles for a wedding shower, it's important to consider the colours and their meanings as candles are often used to complement home design and aesthetics, as well as create a sense of calm.

White Candles

White candles are a good "default candle" and can be used in place of any other colour. They are associated with purity, healing, truth, meditation, peace, gratitude, harmony, and connecting with spirit guides. They can also be used for protection, new beginnings, and enhancing personal strength and insight.

Black Candles

Black candles are protective and can be used for repelling, absorbing, or banishing negative energy. They are also useful for reversing curses or hexes, unblocking stuck energy, and ending unhealthy situations.

Red Candles

Red candles are great for fast-acting spells and tap into the power of Mars. They are associated with lust, determination, survival, passion, potency, stamina, confidence, willpower, physical strength, courage, and fresh starts.

Pink Candles

Pink candles are perfect for spells related to unconditional love, romance, affection, joy, friendship, self-love, happiness, harmony, empathy, connection, intimacy, and strengthening relationships.

Blue Candles

Blue candles promote spiritual and emotional healing, as well as improving communication and creativity. They enhance focus, memory, justice, prophetic dreams, and inspiration. Royal blue candles, in particular, are good for harmony, peace of mind, truth, and connection with the higher self.

Green Candles

Green candles are ideal for money magic and good luck spells. They represent abundance, success, prosperity, health, growth, luck, fertility, vitality, and creativity.

Brown Candles

Brown candles are grounding and represent the earth. They are perfect for situations that call for neutrality, understanding, balance, and building trust. They can also enhance your connection with animal guides.

Purple Candles

Purple candles are linked to royalty and the mystical arts. They are used to improve psychic power, open the third eye, and deepen spiritual awareness. They are also associated with wisdom, meditation, divination, and uncovering secrets and knowledge.

Gold Candles

Gold candles amplify the power of other colours and are often used with other candles to amplify their effects. They represent success, happiness, enlightenment, confidence, prosperity, wealth, personal power, and wisdom.

Silver Candles

Silver candles are linked to the moon and feminine energy. They are used for astral energy, intuition, telepathy, clairvoyance, and enhancing the power of dreams.

Yellow Candles

Yellow candles are great for enhancing learning, overcoming mental blocks, expanding wisdom, gaining clarity and confidence, and bringing in new ideas. They are also associated with networking, social skills, and new career opportunities.

Orange Candles

Orange candles combine the intellectual energy of yellow and the aggressive intent of red. They are perfect for quick actions that require mental focus, such as career advancements, legal affairs, and networking. They also invite joy, playfulness, and stimulating energy.

Indigo Candles

Indigo candles are similar to dark blue candles and are linked to intuition, psychic abilities, spiritual awareness, and wisdom.

Lavender Candles

Lavender candles have a particular link to intuition and psychic abilities. They are ideal for deep meditation and interpreting dreams.

Gift sourcing on a budget

If you're looking to create a basket of candles for a wedding shower on a budget, there are plenty of ways to make a thoughtful gift without breaking the bank. Here are some tips for gift sourcing on a budget:

• Keep an eye out for sales and discounts: Whether you're shopping online or at a physical store, keep an eye out for sales and discounts. Many retailers offer deals on wedding-themed gifts, and you can often find discounted candles, candle holders, and decorative items. Amazon, for example, often has coupons or promotions that can help you save money.
• Shop at budget-friendly stores: Stores like T.J.Maxx are known for offering affordable options for home goods and decor. You can find classic drinkware, serving plates, and decorative candle holders at budget-friendly prices.
• Consider DIY options: Creating your own candle decorations can be a fun and inexpensive way to put together a thoughtful gift. Floating candle centerpieces, for instance, can be made by filling empty vases or mason jars with water and carefully placing floating candles inside. You can add flowers or other decorative elements to create a unique and elegant look.
• Buy in bulk: If you need to purchase multiple candles or candle holders, consider buying in bulk from wholesale retailers or craft stores. This can often reduce the per-item cost and help you stay within your budget.
• Choose inexpensive candles: While scented candles can be nice, unscented candles are usually more affordable. Look for basic pillar candles, taper candles, or tea lights, which are typically less expensive than heavily scented or decorative options.
• Get creative with presentation: Presentation can make a big difference when gifting a basket of candles. Look for inexpensive baskets or containers at thrift stores or dollar stores. You can also decorate the basket yourself with ribbon, paint, or other craft supplies to add a personal touch.
• Bundle with other gifts: If you're including the basket of candles as part of a larger gift, try to bundle it with other affordable items that complement the theme. For example, you could add a package of matches or a candle snuffer, or include a romantic movie and some snacks for a "date night" theme.
• Shop off-season: If you have the flexibility, shop for candles and decorative items during off-peak seasons. Many retailers offer discounts on candles and wedding-themed items after the busy summer wedding season.
• Compare prices online: Don't be afraid to compare prices between different online retailers. You can often find the same or similar products at varying price points, and taking a few extra minutes to shop around can save you money.
• Ask about registry items: If you're close to the couple, you can ask them about their wedding registry. Sometimes, they may have candle-related items on their registry that you can purchase or use as inspiration for your gift.

Creating a basket of candles for a wedding shower can be a fun and thoughtful project, even on a budget. With a bit of creativity and resourcefulness, you can put together a beautiful and memorable gift that celebrates the happy couple.

Frequently asked questions