Creating Magical Floating Candles For Your Wedding

Floating candles are a fresh and modern decorative element to incorporate into your wedding. They can be used as centrepieces or accent decor and can be styled to create an elegant or rustic look, depending on the type of glass containers used. They are a simple, inexpensive, and time-efficient DIY option for your wedding and can be customised with flowers, coloured water, or sequins. You can even opt for a personalised cylinder vase with floating candles.

Choosing glass containers

When it comes to choosing glass containers for your floating candles, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to select a container that is large enough to hold the candles and has enough water to provide buoyancy, keeping the candles afloat. You can use a variety of containers such as bowls, vases, or even small pools or fountains. If you're using a vase, consider a cylinder or square shape, and opt for clear glass so that any flowers or decorative elements inside are visible.

Another important factor is the heat resistance of the glass. Burning candles can generate significant heat, so choosing a heat-resistant glass will prevent the container from cracking or breaking. Additionally, avoid containers with narrow openings as they can make it difficult to remove the candles once they have burned down. Instead, opt for a wide-mouthed jar or vase.

You can find floating candle containers in various sizes, and it's common to see them in sets of 3, 4, 12, or even larger sets. When creating your floating candle centrepieces, consider using distilled water, as it doesn't contain any impurities that could interfere with the floating ability of the candles. Also, remember to leave some space at the top of the vase to prevent water from spilling over when the candles are added.

Using flowers

Choose the Right Flowers

Select flowers with sturdy stems and natural buoyancy, such as roses, orchids, peonies, or hydrangeas. These flowers will stay afloat in water, creating a delicate and enchanting display. You can choose a single type of flower for a cohesive look or mix and match different varieties for a more colourful and vibrant arrangement.

Create Floating Flower Centrepieces

To make a floating flower centrepiece, start by choosing a clear glass vase or container. This type of container will allow your flowers and candles to be visible through the water. Fill the container with distilled water, which is purified and free from impurities that could interfere with the floating ability of the candles. Then, carefully arrange your chosen flowers in the water, allowing them to float on the surface. You can add a few drops of flower preservative to the water to keep the flowers fresh and prevent them from wilting.

Combine Flowers and Candles

For a romantic and ethereal effect, combine flowers and floating candles in the same arrangement. Try pairing floating baby's breath with candles for a delicate and enchanting look. The soft, airy baby's breath will complement the warm, flickering glow of the candles. Alternatively, create a timeless and elegant display by combining floating red roses with candles, or choose orchids for a symbol of beauty and luxury.

Add Decorative Elements

Enhance the visual appeal of your floating candle and flower arrangements by adding other decorative elements to the water. This could include flower petals, sequins, or even floating pearls for a romantic and classic touch. These additional details will create a unique and personalised display for your wedding.

Choose the Right Container

When creating your floral floating candle arrangements, consider the type of container you will use. Clear glass vases or bowls are popular choices as they showcase the flowers and candles. However, you can also get creative and use hollowed-out fruits or vegetables, wine glasses, goblets, or mason jars for a more rustic or unique look. Choose a container that complements your wedding theme and style.

Creating a rustic look

To create a rustic look for your wedding with floating candles, consider placing the candles in vases nestled inside a wooden box. Fill the box with water, pebbles, or moss to support the vases and enhance the rustic vibe. The warm glow of the candles against the natural wood creates a cosy and inviting atmosphere, perfect for barn or outdoor weddings.

For a simple yet charming effect, opt for a variety of pillar candles and tree stumps in different heights to create a beautifully imperfect look. Decorate with greenery, flowers, and a hint of moss to craft a lovely ceremony altar that suits a woodland wedding. This approach is also ideal for bringing the outdoors into an indoor wedding venue.

If you're seeking a more glamorous rustic look, try pairing floating candles with crystal garlands draped around the vases. The flickering candlelight reflecting off the crystals creates a sparkling, luxurious effect. This design is particularly well-suited for evening receptions, where the candlelight and crystals can truly shine.

For a natural, elegant atmosphere, floating candles nestled among a lush greenery garland make the perfect centrepiece. The contrast between the vibrant greenery and the glowing candlelight adds depth and dimension to the table. This option is perfect for outdoor or garden weddings, capturing a romantic, organic vibe.

For a more laid-back, rustic vibe, fill tall, clear glass vases with water and place floating candles inside. Arrange the vases at varying heights to create visual interest and a chic, layered effect. This minimalist design suits both intimate settings and grand ballrooms, complementing a range of wedding themes, from contemporary to classic.

Buying floating candles

If you're looking to buy floating candles for your wedding, there are a variety of options available online. A popular choice is the Royal Imports Floating Candles, which are unscented, dripless, and made from wax discs. These candles are designed to float in water and can be used for centrepieces, weddings, parties, and other decorative purposes. They come in a pack of 24, with each candle measuring 3 inches in diameter and offering a burn time of 8-10 hours. The price for this product is $23.79, but it may vary depending on the seller.

Another option is the Bolsius White Floating Candles, which are also unscented and dripless. These candles measure 3 inches in diameter and offer an 8-hour burn time. They are suitable for weddings, parties, home decor, and spa settings. The price for this product is $24.49 and includes free shipping.

If you're looking for a more affordable option, Etsy offers floating candles in bulk at a lower price. For example, the Floating Candles White & Ivory Unscented package includes 2-inch diameter candles with a 6-hour burn time. The original price for this package was $16.00, but it is currently on sale for $8.00.

When purchasing floating candles, it is important to consider the size, burn time, and purpose of the candles. Additionally, some candles may be scented or coloured, so choose the ones that best fit your preferences and event theme. It is also advisable to read reviews from previous customers to ensure that the product meets your expectations.

Overall, floating candles can be a beautiful and romantic addition to any wedding or special event, and there are a variety of options available to choose from based on your specific needs and budget.

Using floating candles as centrepieces

Floating candles are a great choice for a wedding, whether used as centrepieces or as accent decor. They can be used to create an elegant or rustic look, depending on the type of glass containers used. They are simple to incorporate, less expensive than flower centrepieces, and not very time-consuming to make.

To create a rustic look, opt for floating candles in mason jars. You can also use clear glass vases or cylinder glass centrepieces to hold your floating candles. If you want to get creative, consider using coloured water or adding flowers, sequins, or pearls to the water. For a more elegant look, try using white or ivory floating candles, or go for a pop of colour with golden or scarlet red floating candles.

When choosing floating candles for your centrepieces, consider the burn time. Some candles have a longer burn time of 8 to 12 hours, while others may only last for 4 to 6 hours. You can also find floating candles in different sizes, such as 1.5 inches, 2 inches, or 3 inches in diameter. If you want to add a personal touch, consider getting personalised floating candles with your wedding date or initials etched on them.

To complete the look, you can pair your floating candles with other decorative elements. For example, you could use wooden or glass candle holders, fairy lights, or flower petals. Floating candles can be used as centrepieces on their own or combined with other elements like flowers or vases to create a stunning visual impact.

Frequently asked questions