Create A Stunning Tall Candle Flower Arrangement For Your Wedding

Candles and flowers are a classic combination for wedding centrepieces, and tall arrangements can add drama and elegance to your wedding décor. Whether you opt for a simple taper candle or a dramatic candelabra, candles create a warm and inviting atmosphere and look beautiful in photographs. Flowers can add a pop of colour or a romantic, ethereal touch to your candle arrangement, and you can choose blooms that complement your wedding colour palette. When designing your tall candle flower arrangement, consider the size of your display and how much time you'll need to create it – these arrangements can be tricky to transport and set up, so it's best to plan ahead.

Choosing the right flowers

Flowers are an integral part of any wedding, and choosing the right ones for your tall candle flower arrangement can be a daunting task. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect blooms for your special day:

Consider the Colour Scheme:

The colour of your flowers should complement the overall colour scheme of your wedding. If you're going for a classic look, white roses, orchids, hydrangeas, and baby's breath are always a safe choice. For a bolder statement, consider using colourful flowers such as pink and purple blooms or even dried painted foliage for a unique pop of colour.

Think About the Size and Height:

When creating tall flower arrangements, consider the size of the flowers and how they will add to the overall height. For example, cherry blossoms or manzanita branches can add dramatic height to your centrepieces. If you're looking for something more understated, opt for smaller blooms like spray roses or lisianthus, which can be used as filler flowers.

Choose Flowers That Fit Your Wedding Style:

The type of flowers you choose should reflect the style and theme of your wedding. For a romantic look, overflowing greenery and soft, romantic blooms like hydrangeas, roses, and peonies are a perfect choice. If you're going for a bohemian vibe, consider using pampas grass or citrus trees, which add height in an unexpected way.

Seasonal and Local Flowers:

Using seasonal and locally available flowers is a great way to ensure freshness and support local businesses. Discuss with your florist the best options for the time of year and your location, as this can also help keep costs down.

Fragrance:

While fragrance may not be the first thing that comes to mind, scented flowers can add another layer of romance to your wedding. Talk to your florist about incorporating fragrant blooms like cherry blossoms or orchids, which will not only look beautiful but also fill the air with a delightful aroma.

Visualize the Final Arrangement:

Before finalizing your flower choices, take the time to visualize how the arrangement will look as a whole. Consider the shape, texture, and overall impact of the flowers you've selected. This will help ensure that your tall candle flower arrangement turns out exactly as you envision it.

Remember, your florist will be a valuable source of guidance and expertise, so don't hesitate to ask for their advice and suggestions when making your flower selections.

Sizing the arrangement

When it comes to sizing your tall candle flower arrangement, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, these arrangements are typically quite large and can be about the width of a standard door frame. If you're using a larger vessel, you may want to increase the size of the arrangement accordingly. It's important to ensure that the arrangement fits comfortably and proportionally on your chosen vase or container.

Another factor to consider is the time it takes to create each arrangement. These tall floral arrangements can take around 45 minutes to make, or 30 minutes if you've prepared the flowers ahead of time. With practice, you can reduce the time to 20-25 minutes per arrangement. It's best to create these arrangements no earlier than the day before the event, and they should ideally be stored in a cooler to keep the flowers fresh.

When choosing the size of your arrangement, also take into account the size of your venue and tables. You don't want the arrangements to be so large that they obstruct your guests' views or make it difficult for them to converse. Consider the height of the ceiling and whether the arrangements will draw the eye upward, adding to the overall ambiance of the room.

If you're using candles in your arrangement, ensure that they are a safe distance from the flowers and other decorative elements. You may want to use taller vases or containers to achieve the desired height without compromising safety. Additionally, consider the burn time of the candles and have backup candles on hand in case they burn out during the event.

Overall, the size of your tall candle flower arrangement will depend on the specific dimensions of your venue and tables, as well as the overall aesthetic you wish to achieve. By planning ahead and considering the time and space constraints, you can create stunning and proportional arrangements that will wow your guests.

Timing and storage

Tall floral arrangements for weddings usually take 45 minutes each to make, or 30 minutes if you have set the flowers for each arrangement aside ahead of time. When you've reached expert level, you can get this down to 20-25 minutes. It's best not to make these earlier than the day before the event. Ideally, they should be placed in a cooler, but they can successfully sit out overnight. If they are not placed in a cooler, be careful with water evaporation if they are placed next to an air conditioner, and water them again the next day.

If you are using floral foam, it's best to keep it as hydrated as possible. Fill the dish with water, though there will be some water displacement as you add flower stems to the foam.

If you are using an open flame, it is important to keep safety in mind. Many wedding venues do not allow open-flame candles because they pose a fire risk. If your venue does not allow for open flames, battery-powered flameless candles are a good alternative. Some venues may allow you to have candles as long as they are encased in glass shields or vases.

If you are celebrating outdoors, or even in a venue with strong air conditioning, consider using shields or lanterns. A shield will protect your flames from strong breezes, while an enclosed vessel like a lantern will protect your candles from rain. Make sure that your wicks are about two inches below your chimney sleeve or glass holder to reduce the risk of your candles being snuffed out.

Materials and preparation

To create tall candle flower arrangements for a wedding, you will need to gather the right materials and follow some important preparation steps to ensure your displays are both beautiful and safe. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you with the process:

Materials:

• Candles: Choose from a variety of candle types such as taper, pillar, votive, tea lights, or floating candles. Select colours and sizes that fit your wedding theme and style.
• Candle Holders: Opt for candelabras, candlesticks, or various shaped and sized holders such as glass vases, crystal holders, or metallic containers.
• Flowers and Greenery: Select flowers and foliage that complement your wedding colour palette and overall aesthetic. Consider using floral foam or chicken wire for stability.
• Other Decorative Elements: Incorporate pampas grass, baby's breath, branches (manzanita, cherry blossom, or olive branches), or floating greenery.

Preparation:

• Timing: Prepare your arrangements a day before the event. Store them in a cooler if possible, or keep them well-hydrated and away from direct air conditioning to prevent water evaporation.
• Transportation: Design your arrangements with transportation in mind. Use secure vessels and consider the height and width of your displays to ensure they fit comfortably through doorways and in vehicles.
• Safety: Prioritise safety when using open flames. Follow venue guidelines, and consider using flameless candles or encasing candles in glass shields or vases to prevent fire hazards.
• Wax Management: Prevent wax from spilling onto expensive linens by allowing candles to solidify before moving them. Provide muslin table runners as a protective shield, and be prepared for potential cleaning fees for specialty fabrics.
• Floral Design: When working with a floral designer, communicate your desired colour palette and ask for their recommendations on creating the most interesting and stable displays.
• Height and Placement: Ensure your tall arrangements don't obstruct guests' views. Place them strategically to draw the eye upward and enhance the overall ambiance.

Step-by-step assembly

Start by gathering your materials. You will need flowers, candles, and a tall vase or candelabra. You can choose any type of flower that fits your wedding aesthetic, but some popular choices include roses, hydrangeas, cherry blossoms, and baby's breath. For the candles, you can use taper candles, pillar candles, votive candles, or tea lights. The type of vase or candelabra you choose will depend on the overall look you are going for.

Once you have your materials, start by creating a base for your arrangement. This could be a floral foam block soaked in water or a simple vase filled with sand or water. If using floral foam, be sure to secure it in place with tape to prevent it from shifting or falling out.

Next, begin adding your flowers. Start with greenery or filler flowers to create a frame for your arrangement. Then, add your focal flowers, such as roses or hydrangeas, placing them in a zigzag pattern to achieve a full and rounded design. Be sure to sink the stems deep into the floral foam or vase to secure them in place.

After you have added your flowers, it's time to incorporate the candles. You can place taper candles directly into the floral arrangement or use candle holders or candelabras for a more elegant look. If using candle holders, be sure to choose ones that complement your wedding style and colour palette.

Finally, add any final touches to your arrangement. This could include ribbon, crystal accents, or hanging votive candles for a truly magical look. Be sure to light the candles just before the ceremony or reception to create a warm and inviting ambiance.

Your tall candle flower arrangement is now complete and ready to be displayed at your wedding! Be sure to transport it carefully and store it in a cool place to keep the flowers fresh.

Frequently asked questions