Create Magical Floating Candle Centerpieces For Your Wedding

Floating candles are a fresh and modern wedding decoration, perfect for a DIY wedding. They can be used as centrepieces or as accent decor, and can be adapted to create an elegant or rustic look, depending on the type of glass containers used. Floating candles are also a more affordable option than flower centrepieces, and can be customised with flowers, colours, and scents.

Floating candles in coloured water

If you can't find floating candles in the right colour for your wedding, you can float ivory candles in coloured water instead. All you need is some food colouring to create coloured water that will give a new dimension to your wedding decorations.

To make floating candles in coloured water, first, find a shallow bowl so that the water and candles are the main attraction. Fill the bowl with water and add food colouring a drop at a time, stirring well, until you achieve the desired shade. If you are using a clear bowl, you can also add flowers, petals, or blossoms to the water for extra decoration. Finally, place your floating candles on top of the water.

You can also create floating candles in coloured water using purpose-made vases or containers that have a dry section for ornaments and a separate section for floating candles. Fill the vase with water and add your chosen colour of food colouring. Then, place your floating candle in the water and add any extra decorations to the dry section of the vase.

For an outdoor wedding, you can float candles in a pond, lake, or fountain. This will not only look stunning but also ensure your guests don't accidentally fall in!

Floating candles with flowers

Choosing the Right Flowers

Select flowers that complement your wedding colour palette and theme. You can opt for fresh flowers such as roses, peonies, dahlias, or cherry blossoms, or go for silk or artificial flowers if you prefer a more durable option.

Selecting the Right Candles

When choosing floating candles, consider the burn time, especially if you want them to last through the entire event. Beeswax, soy wax, or a blend of both are popular choices for floating candles as they are natural and often drip-less and smoke-less. You can also choose from a variety of colours and sizes to fit your theme.

Containers and Decorations

The type of container you use will depend on the overall style you want to achieve. Glass cylinders, mason jars, or crystal glass vases are popular choices. You can decorate the containers with pearls, sequins, or floating garlands for a touch of glamour. If you're using clear water, consider adding food colouring to match your theme.

Putting It All Together

Arrange your flowers in the container first, being careful to not obstruct the path of the floating candles. Then, add water, place the candles, and light them just before your event begins. If you're using fresh flowers, prepare this centerpiece on the day of the wedding to ensure they look their best.

Floating candle centrepieces with flowers are a simple yet elegant DIY project that will add a special touch to your wedding.

Floating candles in mason jars

Firstly, you will need to gather your supplies. Mason jars can be purchased in bulk online or from dollar stores. In addition to the mason jars, you will need floating candles, preferably long-burning ones, water, and raffia or ribbon. If you want to get creative, you can also add some sand, flowers, or other decorative fillers to the jars.

Start by filling the mason jars with water. You can also use sand instead of water if you prefer. Then, simply place a floating candle in each jar. Group three to four jars together on each table to create a romantic and enchanting atmosphere. Tie raffia or ribbon around the top of the jars for an extra decorative touch.

If you want to make these centerpieces even more special, you can turn them into lantern favors for your guests to take home. All you need are some wire handles so that your guests can easily carry or hang up their lanterns. If you plan to hang the lanterns, skip the water and use sand as a filler instead to avoid weighing them down. During the reception, make an announcement asking your guests to take a mason jar lantern home as a memorable favor.

For a unique twist, you can also use flameless, battery-operated tea light candles instead of traditional floating candles. This option is perfect if your venue prohibits open flames or if you want to avoid the hassle of relighting candles throughout the night.

With just a few simple steps, you can create beautiful and affordable floating candle centerpieces that will add a warm and inviting ambiance to your wedding celebration.

Floating candles with sequins

Materials:

• Floating candles: Choose candles in your preferred colour and size. You can opt for classic white or ivory, or go for something more unique like gold or coloured candles.
• Sequins: Select sequins that complement your wedding colour palette and theme. You can choose from a variety of colours, including gold, silver, or coloured sequins.
• Glass containers: The type of glass container you choose will depend on the desired look. For a rustic theme, consider using mason jars, while for a more elegant affair, opt for clear glass vases or cylinders.
• Flowers (optional): Flowers can add a romantic touch to your centrepieces. Choose flowers that match your wedding colour scheme.
• Water: Regular tap water will do, but you can also add food colouring to create coloured water for a unique effect.

Instructions:

• Prepare your glass containers by filling them with water. If using coloured water, add a few drops of food colouring and stir until you achieve the desired shade.
• Carefully place a floating candle in each container. Ensure the candles are designed to float and are not submerged.
• Sprinkle sequins into the water around the candles. You can use a single colour or mix different shades for a vibrant effect.
• If using flowers, add a few blooms to each container. Real or artificial flowers can be used, ensuring they are trimmed to fit inside the containers.
• Arrange the centrepieces on tables, ensuring they are placed safely away from any flammable objects.

Tips:

• Play with different combinations of candle colours, sequin shades, and flower types to create a unique look.
• For a cohesive look, match the colour of the floating candles to the sequins or flowers.
• For a romantic touch, add floating tea lights or fairy lights around the centrepieces.
• Ensure you have enough containers and candles to create a consistent look across all tables.

Floating candles in clear vessels filled with sand

Step 1: Source Your Materials

First, you will need to source your floating candles, clear vessels (such as glass vases or bowls), and sand in your chosen colour. You can find these items at most craft stores or online. Etsy, for example, offers a wide range of floating candles in various shapes, sizes, and colours, including flower-shaped candles and heart-shaped candles.

Step 2: Prepare Your Sand

Before filling your vessels, you may want to consider preparing your sand. You could dye it to match your wedding colour scheme or add glitter for a sparkling effect. Layering different coloured sands can also create a unique and eye-catching look.

Step 3: Assemble Your Centrepieces

Now it's time to assemble your centrepieces! Start by filling your clear vessels with the sand, creating an even layer at the bottom. You can then place your floating candles on top. If you want to get creative, you could add other decorative elements, such as flowers, crystals, or seashells.

Step 4: Add Water

Once your candles are in place, carefully add water to the vessels, filling them to just below the top of the sand layer. This will allow your candles to float while still keeping the sand visible.

Step 5: Light Your Candles

Finally, light your floating candles to create a romantic and enchanting atmosphere at your wedding reception. The warm glow of the candlelight reflecting off the sand and glass will add a magical touch to your celebration.

These floating candle centrepieces are sure to impress your guests and create lasting memories of your special day.

Frequently asked questions