Creating Wedding Invitation Candles: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding invitation candles are a unique way to invite guests to your wedding. These candles are handmade and customized with your wedding invitation. You can choose from various designs, such as simple, full crystal, or floral patterns, to match your wedding theme. Etsy offers a wide range of personalized wedding invitation candles, including elegant keepsake gifts for guests and customizable options to make your special day even more memorable.

Choosing a candle type: unity, invitation, or memorial

When it comes to wedding candles, there are three main types to choose from: unity candles, invitation candles, and memorial candles. Each type serves a unique purpose and can be customized to fit the theme and style of your wedding. Here is a more detailed look at each option:

Unity Candles:

Unity candles are a traditional part of many wedding ceremonies and symbolize the joining of two lives into one. Typically, a unity candle set includes three candles: a larger centre candle and two smaller candles. During the wedding ceremony, the couple lights the centre candle together using the two smaller candles, representing the union of their lives and the creation of their new life together. Unity candles are often decorated with wedding themes, colours, and designs and can be personalized with the couple's names, wedding date, or other special details. They are usually displayed on a special candle holder or stand and can be lit during the ceremony or reception.

Invitation Candles:

Invitation candles are a unique and creative way to invite guests to your wedding. These candles are typically personalized with the wedding details, such as the couple's names, wedding date, and location, and sent to guests as invitations. They can be designed to match the wedding theme and colours and often feature elegant or romantic fonts and designs. Invitation candles can be a beautiful keepsake for guests, reminding them of the special day. They can also be used as save-the-date announcements or even wedding favours.

Memorial Candles:

Memorial candles are a way to honour and remember loved ones who have passed away and cannot be present on your wedding day. These candles are often inscribed with heartfelt messages, such as "In Loving Memory" or "Forever in Our Hearts," and can be displayed on a memorial table or included in a candle lighting ceremony during the wedding. Memorial candles can be personalized with photos, special quotes, or symbols that represent the loved one being honoured. They serve as a way to acknowledge and celebrate the memory of those who are no longer with us while also celebrating the happy union of the couple.

When choosing between unity, invitation, or memorial candles, consider the purpose and meaning behind each type. Unity candles symbolize the union of the couple, invitation candles offer a unique and memorable way to invite guests, and memorial candles honour the memory of loved ones. Each type of candle can be customized to fit your wedding theme and style, adding a personal touch to your special day.

Selecting a design: simple, full crystal, or floral

When it comes to selecting a design for your wedding invitation candle, you have a few options to choose from, including simple, full crystal, or floral. Here are some things to consider for each style:

Simple Design

A simple design for a wedding invitation candle embodies a more minimalist and understated approach. This option is perfect for couples who prefer elegance and sophistication in their wedding aesthetics. When opting for a simple design, consider the overall colour palette of your wedding and choose a colour for the candle that complements it. You can also incorporate subtle details, such as a thin border or a simple pattern, to add a touch of interest without overwhelming the design. Keep the text concise and elegant, perhaps utilising a cursive or calligraphy font for a romantic touch.

Full Crystal Design

Full crystal wedding invitation candles exude glamour and opulence. This design is perfect for couples who want to make a bold statement with their invitations. Crystals can be used to create intricate patterns or form words and initials, adding a luxurious element to the candle's design. Consider using varying sizes and shapes of crystals to create a unique and dimensional look. The colour of the crystals can also be varied to match your wedding colour scheme or create a stunning ombré effect.

Floral Design

Floral designs are an excellent choice for couples who want to incorporate the beauty of nature into their wedding invitations. You can choose from a variety of floral styles, such as vintage, boho, or botanical. Opt for a single stem for a tasteful touch or go for a bountiful bouquet for a more dramatic effect. Floral wedding invitation candles can be further customised with your choice of colours, ranging from soft pastels to vibrant hues. Don't be afraid to mix and match different floral elements to create a unique composition.

No matter which design you choose, be sure to select a style that reflects your personality as a couple and complements the overall theme of your wedding. These wedding invitation candles are sure to dazzle and delight your guests!

Adding personalisation: names, dates, and colours

Adding personalisation to your wedding invitation candle is a great way to make your special day feel even more unique and memorable. Here are some tips and ideas for customising your candle with names, dates, and colours:

Names

Personalising your wedding invitation candle with names is a lovely way to honour the happy couple. You can choose to include the first names of the couple, such as "Sarah and John," or you can go with their first and last names for a more formal approach. If you want to be creative, consider using nicknames or even just the couple's last name if they share one.

Dates

Including the wedding date on the candle is a wonderful keepsake detail. You can format the date in a variety of ways, such as "24th July 2023" or "July 24, 2023." Consider adding the year as well, especially if you want the candle to be a lasting memento. You could also include just the month and year if you prefer a more subtle approach.

Colours

Colour can be a powerful way to personalise your wedding invitation candle and tie it into your overall wedding theme. If you have a specific colour palette for your wedding, consider incorporating those colours into the candle design and decorations. This could be through the wax colour, the colour of any decorations or ribbons, or even the colour of the candle's packaging. You could also use colours that hold special meaning for the couple, such as their favourite colours or colours that represent their heritage or culture.

When adding personalisation to your wedding invitation candle, you can choose to be as creative or as traditional as you like. You can work with a professional candle maker or designer to bring your vision to life, or you can even try making the candles yourself if you're feeling crafty. Either way, personalising your wedding invitation candles with names, dates, and colours is a beautiful way to make your celebration unique and memorable.

Incorporating scents: coconut, soy, or orchid

Adding scents to your wedding invitation candles is a wonderful way to create a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere for your guests. Here are some tips for incorporating coconut, soy, or orchid fragrances:

Coconut Scent

Coconut oil is an excellent addition to your wedding invitation candles, especially when combined with soy wax. It offers a delightful tropical fragrance that can be enhanced with a few drops of essential oil of your choice. Coconut oil also has a lower melting point, which helps reduce issues like wet spots and frosting commonly seen in soy wax candles. Use a ratio of 3 parts soy wax chips to 1 part coconut oil, and be sure to use only ½ to 1 teaspoon of coconut oil per pound of soy wax to prevent sweating and fingerprint issues.

Soy Wax

Soy wax is an eco-friendly and popular choice for candle making. When combined with coconut oil, it creates a smooth and flawless surface on your candles, free from cracks or holes. Soy wax is also known for its ability to hold scents well, so your wedding invitation candles will impart a pleasant fragrance to your guests.

Orchid Scent

If you're looking for a luxurious and opulent fragrance for your wedding invitation candles, consider using orchid-scented wax. The Wild Orchid Candle Company, for example, offers candles made from eco-friendly blends of pure soy, coconut apricot, or coconut wax. Their candles are handcrafted in small batches, with decorative vessels that can be repurposed, reducing environmental impact.

Customizing Your Scents

When making your wedding invitation candles, feel free to experiment with different combinations of essential oils to create custom scents. You can also explore using coconut wax or a coconut wax blend for unique and fantastic results. As with any creative endeavour, testing and discovering new techniques will elevate your candle-making skills!

Ordering online: finding the right seller and customising your candle

When ordering wedding invitation candles online, you'll want to find a seller that offers customisation options to ensure your invites are unique to your special day. Etsy, for example, has a plethora of sellers offering personalised candles for wedding invitations.

To find the right seller, you can browse Etsy's extensive list of candle-makers and read customer reviews to get a sense of their work quality and professionalism. You can also use the site's advertising platform to find sellers who are looking to grow their business and may be more responsive to your specific needs.

Once you've found a few potential sellers, take a closer look at their shops. Do they offer the type of candle you're looking for? Do they have experience making wedding invitation candles? What kinds of customisation options are available?

When customising your candle, you'll want to consider the scent, colour, and any text or images you want to include. Many sellers offer digital downloads or editable templates that you can use to design your candle. You can also work with the seller to incorporate your wedding colours, themes, and other unique details.

Be sure to communicate your vision clearly to the seller and ask any questions you have about the process. It's also important to proofread all text and details before finalising your order to ensure there are no mistakes.

Finally, don't forget to consider shipping options and delivery times, especially if you're working with a tight timeline. By taking the time to find the right seller and clearly communicating your customisation preferences, you can create beautiful, personalised wedding invitation candles that will impress your guests.

Frequently asked questions