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

Wedding cake candles are a romantic way to decorate a wedding cake and can be used as an alternative to cake toppers. You can buy them ready-made from stores like Amazon, Target, and Etsy, or make them yourself. DIY wedding cake candles can be made using a pizza cutter (or knife) and a ruler to cut out rectangles, which can then be decorated as per your liking.

Choosing candle colours

Wedding cake candles are a romantic alternative to traditional cake toppers. They can be used to bring your colour palette to the cake or to add a touch of luxury.

When choosing candle colours, it is important to consider the overall aesthetic you wish to achieve. If you are looking for a simple and elegant look, opt for candles in neutral or metallic shades such as white, ivory, gold, or silver. These colours will add a subtle touch of sparkle and elegance to your wedding cake.

If you prefer a more colourful or themed approach, you can choose candles in your wedding colours or shades that complement the overall theme of your wedding. For example, if you are having a rustic-themed wedding, you might choose candles in soft pastels or earthy tones. If your wedding has a bold and vibrant colour scheme, you can opt for candles in matching shades to create a cohesive look.

You can also mix and match candle colours to create a unique and personalised display. For instance, you could use candles in varying shades of the same colour family or opt for a rainbow of colours for a fun and festive touch.

Additionally, consider the size and style of your wedding cake when selecting candle colours. If your cake has multiple tiers or intricate decorations, you may want to choose candles in complementary colours to create a cohesive and balanced look. On the other hand, if your cake is simple and homemade, brightly coloured candles can add a fun and whimsical touch.

Ultimately, the choice of candle colours for your wedding cake depends on your personal preferences and the overall style of your wedding. Whether you choose to match your colour palette or opt for a contrasting shade, wedding cake candles are a beautiful way to add warmth and ambiance to your special day.

Candle placement

The placement of your wedding cake candles is an important consideration. Here are some ideas and tips to help you decide:

• Single Candle: For a simple and elegant look, consider placing a single candle in the centre of the top tier of your wedding cake. This can be a romantic and symbolic way for the couple to make a wish together.
• Multiple Candles: If you want to create a dreamy glow, use a bunch of candles on your wedding cake. This can be especially beautiful for portraits, especially at dusk or during a romantic winter wedding.
• Ultra-Long Skinny Candles: For a dramatic effect, choose ultra-long skinny candles that will be visible from across the room. These can add a touch of elegance to a simple single-tier cake.
• Colour Coordination: Bring your colour palette to the cake by using coloured candles. For example, choose pastel-coloured candles if that's your wedding theme. Coloured candles can add a fun and playful element to your wedding cake.
• Metallic Candles: For a luxe look, opt for gold or silver taper candles. These can be a chic addition to a simple or homemade cake with minimal icing and decoration.
• Candle Height: Consider the height of your candles in relation to the cake. You can choose candles that are the same height as the cake or go for a more dramatic look with taller candles. If you're making your own candles, you can adjust the height by cutting the rectangles to your desired size.
• Candle Placement on Cake: When placing the candles on the cake, consider inserting them halfway into the cake to secure them upright. This will ensure they don't fall over. You can also use a "flame topper" to attach the candles to the cake.
• Design Inspiration: If you're looking for design inspiration, consider browsing websites like Etsy and Pinterest. You can find a variety of wedding cake candle ideas, including personalised candles, scented candles, and unique shapes and designs.

Using candle holders

Wedding cake candles are a simple, romantic way to decorate a wedding cake. They are a great alternative to cake toppers and can be used to bring your colour palette to the cake.

When using candle holders, there are many options to choose from. The type of candle holder you select will depend on the flowers and aesthetic you are going for in relation to the venue space.

For a classic, robust look, pillar candle holders are a popular choice. They act as a pedestal and come in a variety of styles and finishes. Pillar candles are larger and take up more space on the table. For an Old-World romance vibe, try wooden holders with bold florals and greenery on a candlelit farm table. For a sophisticated, glamorous look, pair sleek glass holders with polished mirror vases holding white, blush, and mauve florals. Cast iron holders accentuate the rustic charm and work well with succulent escort cards.

Taper candle holders are versatile and work in both formal and casual dining settings. They come in various heights and styles and only require a small amount of surface area. Gold taper candle holders can complement a low centerpiece of white, cream, and plum-hued blooms. Brass holders are a perfect match for a garden-like arrangement, while clean glass cubes add a modern twist to a warm and intimate tablescape.

Stem glass candle holders are a popular decorative feature. They are versatile and can be used for a clean and simple look or a lush, romantic aesthetic. A trio of glass stem candle holders can highlight a low centerpiece of white, lavender, and ivory blossoms. For a glowing ring of stem glasses, add warmth to a high centerpiece of exuberant greenery. For a sense of luminous movement across a long table, line a series of stem glasses of varying heights over a lush greenery garland.

Votive candle holders are the smallest and most budget-friendly option. They come in a range of designs and finishes, such as gold, silver, or glass. Due to their small size, they work well alongside larger candles or alone on small tables like the cake or sweetheart table. Gold and silver mercury votive holders look fantastic with lush arrangements and airy linens. Mercury glass votives paired with delicate florals in gold bud vases create an intimate, romantic mood. A few glowing glass votives can shine a spotlight on a personalized cake topper.

Lanterns are typically used to encase pillar candles and are made of glass or metal with a brass or gold finish. They work in various environments, from a cozy barn to an upscale loft. A centerpiece with a wreath of autumnal florals and greenery circling a lantern with a black pillar candle captures a romantic vibe. Geometric candle holders of varying heights and shapes inside a wreath of roses, dahlias, ranunculuses, and stock with fresh greenery add a modern spin on the lantern look.

Candelabras are tall and typically hold two to five candles, along with flowers in many cases. They work on both round and long tables and add grace and balance to the display. A luminous candelabra with an arrangement of hydrangeas, roses, and dahlias in shades of peach, burgundy, cream, and white is a stunning choice. For an artistic twist, try a faceted glass candelabra with mirror vases holding crisp white and lavender blooms. Crystal candelabras topped with white florals and greenery evoke a majestic, timeless beauty.

DIY candle creation

Materials:

• Cake (with as many tiers as you need) covered in buttercream or fondant
• Yellow, orange, and coloured fondant of your choice for candles
• Two teardrop-shaped cutters (one small and one slightly bigger)
• A pizza cutter or straight-edge knife
• Red petal dust or food colouring
• Round cutters or round piping tips (optional)

Step 1: Creating the Flames

Use the bigger cutter to cut out a teardrop shape from the yellow fondant, and the smaller cutter to cut out a teardrop shape from the orange fondant. Glue the orange teardrop onto the centre of the yellow teardrop to create a flame shape. If your candles will be the height of the cake, insert a toothpick into the bottom of the flame to help it sit upright on the cake. Dust the bottom with a bit of red powdered food colouring or luster dust and let it dry completely.

Step 2: Making the Candles

Use a pizza cutter (or knife) and a ruler to cut out rectangular candle shapes from the coloured fondant of your choice. The thickness and height of the candles depend on your preference. Decorate the candles as you like—you can use sprinkles, cut out small dots with a piping tip, or get creative with other shapes and colours.

Step 3: Assembling the Cake

Once your candles and flames are complete, it's time to assemble them on the cake. You can use water to glue the candles and flames to the cake, or insert flame toppers into the cake and attach the flames that way. And that's it! You now have a beautiful and personalised wedding cake with candles.

Tips:

When it comes to decorating your wedding cake with candles, keep in mind that simplicity is often best. The simpler the icing and decoration on your cake, the more magical and effortless the candles will look. You can bring your colour palette into the design by using coloured candles, or opt for luxe gold or silver tapers for an elegant touch. Ultra-long skinny candles can also add drama to a simple single-tier cake.

Buying pre-made candles

If you're looking for a fuss-free way to achieve the romantic glow of wedding cake candles, you can always opt to buy pre-made candles. This is a great option if you're short on time or would rather focus your efforts elsewhere. With this option, you can still achieve the same beautiful effect without the DIY process.

Where to Buy Pre-made Wedding Cake Candles

One place to start your search for pre-made wedding cake candles is Etsy. With a wide range of sellers offering various candle options, you can find everything from soy wax candles to custom-made creations. Etsy is perfect if you're looking for something unique or more personalised. You can find candles in different sizes, colours, and scents, allowing you to match your wedding's colour palette or create a specific ambiance.

Another option is Amazon, which offers mini jar candles in sets of three. These 3-ounce jar candles are highly scented and perfect for gift-giving. They can add a touch of fragrance and charm to your wedding cake display.

Benefits of Buying Pre-made Candles

One advantage of buying pre-made candles is the convenience and time-saving aspect. You won't need to gather materials or wait for candles to cure, and you can simply order and receive the finished product. This is especially beneficial if you're planning a wedding, as it can free up time for other important tasks.

Additionally, buying pre-made candles ensures a more consistent quality. Hand-poured candles, especially those made by beginners, may have imperfections or issues with scent distribution. By purchasing from experienced candle makers, you can be confident that the candles will burn evenly and safely.

Lastly, buying pre-made candles can offer a wider variety of options. You can find candles in various shapes, sizes, colours, and scents, allowing you to create the exact aesthetic you desire for your wedding cake. Whether you want elegant tapers or colourful, fun-shaped candles, buying pre-made gives you access to a diverse range.

Frequently asked questions