Create A Magical Wedding With Floating Candle Centerpieces

Floating candles are a popular choice for wedding centrepieces, providing a fresh and modern look to any celebration. They are a simple, budget-friendly option that can be customised to suit your style and wedding theme. Whether you're aiming for a rustic or elegant vibe, this can be achieved by choosing different types of glass containers. In addition to the containers, you will also need a heat-resistant surface to place the containers on, such as a candle plate or a tray. This will prevent the containers from getting too hot and damaging the surface. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make a floating candle wedding centrepiece, as well as offer tips and ideas for creating a personalised and unique display.

Choosing a container

Firstly, consider the material of the container. Glass is a popular choice for floating candle centrepieces as it allows guests to see the floating candles, flowers, or other decorative elements through the water. When selecting a glass container, opt for heat-resistant glass to prevent cracking or breaking due to the heat of the burning candles. Additionally, avoid containers with narrow openings, as it may be difficult to remove the candles once they have burned down. Instead, choose a wide-mouthed jar or vase.

If you prefer a more rustic look, you can opt for non-glass containers such as mason jars. These can add a charming, rustic touch to your wedding décor. Other options include bowls, jars, or even hollowed-out fruits or vegetables for a unique, natural appearance.

The size of the container is another important consideration. The container should be large enough to hold the floating candles and have sufficient water to keep them afloat. Ensure there is enough space at the top of the container to prevent water from spilling over when the candles are added.

In addition to the container, you will need a heat-resistant surface to place the container on, such as a candle plate or tray. This will protect the surface underneath from heat damage.

When selecting the shape of the container, consider the overall aesthetic you wish to achieve. For a cohesive look, choose containers that complement the shape of your floating candles. For example, if using round floating candles, opt for a circular bowl or vase.

Lastly, consider the style of the container. The style you choose should align with the theme or colour palette of your wedding. For instance, if you are aiming for a romantic or elegant atmosphere, select containers with delicate details or intricate designs. On the other hand, if you prefer a more modern or minimalist approach, opt for containers with clean lines and simple shapes.

Selecting flowers

Flowers are a key component of floating candle wedding centerpieces, adding a touch of elegance and romance to the overall aesthetic. When choosing flowers for your floating candle display, there are a few important factors to keep in mind.

First and foremost, opt for flowers with sturdy stems and natural buoyancy. This is essential to ensure that the flowers remain afloat in water, creating a seamless and elegant display. Flowers such as roses, orchids, peonies, and hydrangeas are all excellent choices, as they naturally float and will add a touch of sophistication to your centerpiece.

Another factor to consider is the colour and variety of the flowers. You can choose to use a single type of flower for a cohesive look or mix and match different types to create a vibrant and colourful arrangement. For instance, delicate baby's breath floating in water with candles creates an ethereal and enchanting atmosphere. In contrast, vibrant tulips paired with flickering candles bring a touch of freshness and joy, capturing the essence of spring.

To further enhance the visual appeal of your centerpiece, consider adding flower petals to the water. Not only will this complement the floating flowers, but it will also create a romantic and whimsical ambiance. Additionally, you can use flowers to line the aisle or as floor decor, creating a cohesive theme throughout your wedding venue.

To ensure that your flowers remain fresh and vibrant, it is recommended to use a flower preservative in the water. This will help to prevent wilting and prolong the lifespan of your flowers, keeping them looking their best throughout your special day.

When selecting flowers for your floating candle wedding centerpieces, feel free to get creative and choose arrangements that reflect your personal style and the overall theme of your wedding. Whether you opt for elegant roses or whimsical baby's breath, the right combination of flowers and candles will undoubtedly add a magical touch to your celebration.

Using floating candles

Floating candles are a great way to add a fresh and modern touch to your wedding centrepiece. They are simple to make, budget-friendly, and can be customised to suit your style. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating a romantic and scenic floating candle wedding centrepiece:

Choose your container: Select a glass container that complements your wedding theme. You can opt for a rustic look with mason jars or create an elegant ambiance with a wide-mouthed vase or bowl. Ensure that your container is heat-resistant to prevent any damage from the burning candles.

Prepare the liquid: Use distilled water as the base for your floating candles. It is essential to use distilled water as it is purified and free from impurities that could interfere with the candles' ability to float. Leave some space at the top of the container to prevent spills when adding the candles.

Add decorative elements: Enhance the visual appeal of your centrepiece by adding decorative elements to the water. Consider scattering flower petals or sequins onto the water's surface for a touch of glamour. You can also add a few drops of essential oil to the water for a pleasant scent.

Select your floating candles: Choose floating candles made with lightweight waxes such as beeswax, which are more likely to float. Test the floatability of the candles before placing them in the container. You can find floating candles in various sizes, with larger candles having longer burn times.

Arrange the candles: Carefully place the floating candles onto the water's surface. Ensure that the container is filled with enough water to provide buoyancy for the candles. Adjust the number of candles to create the desired effect, whether a cosy glow or a dazzling display.

Complete the centrepiece: Finish by placing the container on a heat-resistant surface, such as a candle plate or tray, to protect the table. You can also surround the container with flowers or greenery to create a romantic floating candle and floral centrepiece.

With these simple steps, you can create a stunning and unique floating candle wedding centrepiece that will add a magical touch to your special day.

Adding decorative elements

One way to add a decorative element is to choose a specific type of glass container. For example, you could use mason jars for a rustic look or a wide-mouthed vase for a more elegant feel. The type of glass container you choose will also determine the style of your centrepiece, as different containers can create different styles, from elegant to rustic.

You can also add flowers to your floating candle centrepiece. This could be in the form of fresh flowers arranged in the water around the candle or by using dried flowers such as baby's breath. You could also add flower petals to the water to enhance the visual appeal. Some popular flower choices include roses, orchids, peonies, and hydrangeas, but you can choose any flowers that fit your wedding theme. To keep fresh flowers looking their best, you can add a flower preservative to the water.

Another way to add a decorative element is to use coloured water or add sequins to the water for a sparkling effect. You could also add a few drops of essential oil to the water to give the candles a pleasant scent.

Finally, you can add other décor items such as floating branches or pearls to create a unique and romantic centrepiece.

Safety considerations

Safety should be a key consideration when creating floating candle wedding centrepieces. Here are some important safety tips to keep in mind:

Floating candles should always be used with caution. When preparing your centrepiece, it is important to use a heat-resistant container, such as a glass vase or bowl, to prevent the risk of fire or damage to surfaces. Choose a container with a wide opening, so that the candle can be easily removed or replaced. Always place the container on a heat-resistant surface, such as a candle plate or tray, to protect the table or surface underneath.

Use distilled water to fill your container, leaving some space at the top to prevent spillage when the candles are added. It is also a good idea to prepare the containers and place them on the tables before adding the water to avoid accidents.

Only use floating candles that are designed to float. The ability of a candle to float depends on its density, which is determined by its weight, size, and composition. Test the floatability of the candles before placing them in the water-filled containers. Avoid using candles with multiple wicks, as these are more likely to sink.

Never leave candles unattended. Keep them away from flammable materials and decorations, and ensure they are in a waterproof container.

If you are using flowers or other decorative elements in the water, choose non-toxic options that are safe for use in water. Avoid any toxic plants or flowers that could contaminate the water and pose a risk to guests or staff.

By following these safety tips, you can ensure that your floating candle centrepieces are not only beautiful but also safe for everyone to enjoy.

Frequently asked questions