Creating Wedding Candle Centerpieces: A Step-By-Step Guide

Candles are a great way to add a romantic and elegant touch to your wedding. Whether you're having a formal soirée or a whimsical celebration, candle centrepieces can elevate your décor and create a dreamy atmosphere. From tall candelabras to floating candles, the options are endless for creating a stylish and romantic setting. In this discussion, we will explore different ways to incorporate candles into your wedding centrepieces, including candle types, display ideas, and safety considerations. We will also provide tips on how to make your candle centrepieces stand out and create a memorable ambiance for your special day.

Floating candles

To create a soft and romantic atmosphere, opt for unscented floating candles in different sizes and colours. You can find floating candles in a variety of trendy colours to complement your wedding décor. For example, if you're going for a beachy theme, place floating candles in clear vessels filled with sand. Or, if you want to create a regal and sophisticated look, pair gold candlesticks with floating candles.

For a modern twist on the floating candle centrepiece, try using glass column vases or thin glass column vases as the display vessel. The transparent silhouette of the glass will play well with other decorative elements on the table, such as pillar candles and sparkling gold orchid vases.

If you're looking for a cost-effective way to create a romantic atmosphere at your wedding, floating candles are a great option. They are simple yet elegant and can be customised to match your wedding's colour scheme and theme.

Candles in glass vases

Glass Vases as Floating Candle Holders:

Floating candles in glass vases are a popular choice for wedding centrepieces, adding a romantic and ethereal touch to the tablescape. You can find clear glass cylinder vases in various heights, such as 4, 6, 8, and 10 inches, to create a visually appealing display. Fill the vases with water and add floating candles, which can be found in different colours and sizes. For a unique touch, you can also include water beads, pearl strings, or flowers in the vases.

Glass Vases with Taper Candles:

For a sleek and modern look, opt for tall, thin glass vases or hurricane candle holders. Place taper candles inside, ensuring they are secure and won't tip over. Taper candles come in various colours, so you can choose ones that match your wedding colour palette. If you want to add a whimsical touch, consider pairing the candles with sparkling disco balls or hanging decorations.

Glass Vases with Pillar Candles:

Pillar candles in glass vases create a warm and inviting ambiance. Look for glass vases or hurricane candle holders that are short and wide enough to accommodate the pillar candles. You can find pillar candles in different colours and scents, adding a signature fragrance to your wedding reception. For a cohesive look, opt for vases in similar styles but varying heights to create visual interest.

Combining Candles with Flowers or Greenery:

For a romantic and elegant touch, combine candles in glass vases with flowers or greenery. Fill the vases with water and add a few stems of flowers or eucalyptus, hydrangeas, or tulips. Floating candles can also be used in combination with floral arrangements for a unique centrepiece. Alternatively, place glass vases with candles among floral centrepieces to add extra warmth and glow to the tables.

Remember to choose candles and vases that fit your wedding style and colour scheme. You can find a variety of glass vases and candles online or at craft stores. Always follow your venue's safety guidelines, especially regarding open flames, and consider using flameless candles if necessary.

Candles with flowers

Candles and flowers are a match made in heaven for wedding centrepieces. Here are some ideas for creating beautiful floral candle displays for your big day:

Floating Flowers and Candles

For a romantic and ethereal look, consider floating candles. Combine these with flowers and greenery in a clear vase or bowl for a unique and dreamy effect. This idea works well with a variety of floral styles, from wildflowers to roses, and will leave your guests feeling like they've stepped into a fairy tale.

Tall and Thin

Tall, thin candles in transparent holders will add elegance to your tables without obstructing your guests' views. This style is perfect for creating an intimate atmosphere, especially when paired with delicate, low-lying florals. Opt for a mix of candle heights and silhouettes to add visual interest and ensure your display doesn't become monotonous.

Moody Metallics

Gold, brass, and silver candlesticks are a sophisticated choice for wedding centrepieces. These metallic finishes complement a variety of floral arrangements and can be easily matched with other tableware. For a regal look, pair gold candlesticks with a garland centerpiece, or opt for a modern twist by choosing sleek, granite candle holders.

Suspended Statements

Take your floral candle centrepiece to new heights by suspending it from the ceiling. Combine flowers, eucalyptus, and candles to create a floating chandelier that will wow your guests. This idea works especially well if you have a matching display on the tables below, creating a cohesive and enchanting atmosphere.

Colour Pop

Add a pop of colour to your centrepieces with candles in vibrant shades. Pink candles in gold holders are perfect for a spring wedding, while burnt orange or peach hues can be a stunning addition to a colour-blocked tablescape. Sapphire candles will complement jewel-toned tables, and black and gold candles create a luxurious and elegant statement.

With these ideas in mind, you can create beautiful candle and flower centrepieces that will add romance and ambiance to your wedding reception.

Hanging candles

Suspended Floral Installation

Create a stunning visual display by combining hanging candles with flowers and greenery. For example, Katelyn Pinner Studio designed an overhead installation featuring eucalyptus, hydrangeas, and tulips topped with lit candles. This hanging arrangement complements the matching centrepiece on the table below, creating a cohesive and elegant look.

Floating Candles

Add a unique touch to your centrepieces by incorporating floating candles. Place them in transparent vases or containers filled with water to create a dreamy and romantic effect. This idea was showcased by BCG Events, who placed floating candles in, above, and around a floral and greenery-filled arrangement, enhancing the romantic ambiance.

Hanging Taper Candles

Hanging taper candles from the ceiling or a structure above your tables can make a bold statement. Federica Beni marked each place setting with its own taper candle, maximising the candlelight on the tabletops. This idea not only provides lighting but also adds a stylish and intimate touch to your wedding décor.

Colourful Hanging Candles

Introduce a pop of colour to your centrepieces with hanging candles in vibrant shades. Ruffles & Tweed used pillar candles in sapphire hues, complementing the jewel tones on the tabletop, including emerald napkins and ruby carnations. You can choose colours that match your wedding theme or opt for pastels for a softer, romantic vibe.

Combine hanging candles with greenery for a natural and elegant look. Meggie Francisco Events created a beachy ambiance by tucking marbled pillar candles into floral garlands by Bows + Arrows. This combination of candlelight and greenery will add a whimsical and romantic touch to your wedding reception décor.

Gold candelabras

Choosing the Right Candelabra

When selecting a gold candelabra, consider the size of your venue and the number of arms or candle holders the candelabra has. For larger venues, opt for a larger candelabra with more arms to create a bold statement. For more intimate gatherings, a smaller candelabra with fewer arms will be more suitable. Also, consider the type of candles you plan to use. Gold candelabras can hold taper candles, pillar candles, or tealights, so choose the style that best fits your vision.

Creating a Vintage Look

Adding a Modern Twist

If you want to give your gold candelabras a modern twist, consider mixing and matching different styles of gold candlesticks and candelabras. Look for gold candelabras with unique designs, such as those with clear glass shades or beaded globes, to add a contemporary edge to your decor.

Combining with Flowers

Flowers and gold candelabras go hand in hand. Place tall gold candelabras on tables with lush garlands of greenery and small white votive candles for a simple yet elegant display. For a more dramatic look, opt for large floral centerpieces with gold candelabras towering above, creating a breathtaking tablescape.

Playing with Heights

To add visual interest to your gold candelabra centerpieces, play with different heights. Use gold candelabras with varying arm lengths, or place them on top of tall candlesticks to create a sense of height and elegance. Combining gold candelabras with tall pillar candles or taper candles can also enhance the overall effect.

Adding a Personal Touch

Frequently asked questions