Creating Wedding Centerpieces With Candles: A Step-By-Step Guide

Candles are a popular choice for wedding centrepieces, adding a romantic, elegant, and dreamy touch to the big day. From candelabras to tea lights, candles can be used to enhance the overall aesthetic of the wedding tables, creating a tranquil evening through scent or aesthetics.

There are many ways to incorporate candles into a wedding, from lining the ceremony aisle with lanterns to including them in the wedding vows. They can be used as a focal point or as an accent feature to a floral arrangement. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make wedding centrepieces with candles, offering tips and ideas for a stunning display.

Floating candles

Simple Floating Candle Centrepiece

Using a large fishbowl vase, fill it with water and carefully place your floating candles in the centre. Cut the stems off a few flowers and place them inside the vase with the candles. Gerber daisies work well for this as their bold colour adds a nice pop.

Elegant Multiple-Vase Centrepiece

Choose three vases in the same shape but varying heights. Using the same shape is visually pleasing, while different heights create a nice contrast. Fill two of the vases with water and floating candles, and add flowers to the third vase.

Rustic Mason Jar Centrepiece

An alternative to vases is to use Mason jars in quart and pint sizes. Wrap a ribbon around the mouth of the jars to dress them up. You can also use different types of vases or jars to mix up your centrepiece design.

No matter which option you choose, floating candles will add a cosy and romantic feel to your wedding space.

Candle safety

Wedding centrepieces with candles are a popular choice, as they create a romantic and elegant atmosphere. However, it is important to follow some basic safety guidelines to ensure that your special day is not ruined by a fire hazard. Here are some detailed candle safety tips to ensure your wedding centrepieces are both beautiful and safe:

• Never leave a burning candle unattended. This is one of the most important rules to follow, as unattended candles are a major cause of candle fires.
• Keep candles away from flammable materials such as furniture, bedding, curtains, decorations, paper, and clothing. A good rule of thumb is to maintain a distance of at least three inches between candles and any potentially flammable objects.
• Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets. Place them in areas where they cannot be knocked over accidentally.
• Always use appropriate candleholders that are specifically designed for candle use. They should be heat-resistant, sturdy, and large enough to catch any dripping wax.
• Trim the wick to 1/4 inch before lighting the candle. Long or crooked wicks can cause uneven burning and dripping.
• Keep the wax pool clear of any debris, matches, or wick trimmings.
• Burn candles in a well-ventilated room, but avoid placing them directly in drafts, near vents, or air currents, as this can cause rapid or uneven burning and excessive dripping.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommendations on burn time. In general, it is recommended that candles are not burned for longer than four hours at a time and are allowed to cool for at least two hours before relighting.
• Use long matches or a long-reach lighter to light the candle, and keep hair and loose clothing away from the flame.
• Do not touch or move a candle while it is burning or while the wax is still liquefied.
• Discontinue burning a candle when there is about 1/2 inch of wax remaining in the container or 2 inches for a pillar candle.
• Use a candle snuffer to extinguish the candle safely, and never use water, as this can cause hot wax to splatter.
• Ensure the candle is completely out and no longer glowing before leaving the room.

Additional Considerations:

• Check with your wedding venue about their policies on open flames. Some venues may not allow open-flame candles, while others may require candles to be encased in glass shields or vases.
• If your wedding is outdoors or in a draughty location, consider using shields or lanterns to protect the flames from being blown out.
• Be mindful of any floral arrangements or greenery near the candles, as these can quickly catch fire.
• Consider using flameless, battery-powered candles as a safer alternative, especially if your venue has restrictions on open flames.

By following these candle safety tips, you can ensure that your wedding centrepieces are both beautiful and safe, creating a romantic and worry-free atmosphere for your special day.

Candle types

There are several types of candles that can be used to create romantic and elegant wedding centrepieces. Here are some options:

Pillar Candles

Pillar candles are thick and column-like, able to stand on their own without a container. They come in various heights, allowing for multiple styles to be used in a single display. Pillar candles can be used as part of a larger display or as a standalone feature. They can also be used to support other decorations, such as a rose gold table number.

Tea Lights

Tea lights are small candles that sit in a rounded dish, typically about 1.5 inches in diameter. They provide a cosy glow without overwhelming other decorations, making them ideal for creating a warm and intimate atmosphere.

Votives

Votives are small white candles slightly larger than tea lights, usually placed in glass containers. They are often used in religious ceremonies but can also make beautiful wedding decorations, adding a touch of elegance to the tablescape.

Tapered Candles

Tapered candles are long and narrow, ending in a tapered tip. They are the quintessential romantic table candle and can be used to create elegant and sophisticated centrepieces. Tapered candles can be displayed in various ways, such as in sleek, modern candleholders or elegant candelabras.

Flameless Candles

Flameless candles are a safe alternative to traditional candles, perfect for places where an open flame is not possible or desired. They are battery-operated and can be used to create a romantic ambiance without the risk of fire.

Lanterns

Lanterns can be used to amplify the cosy lighting of a candle display. They provide a glass-encased ambient light and can be decorated with greenery and flowers to create a romantic and elegant atmosphere.

Candle holders

Candles are a great way to add a romantic and elegant touch to your wedding centrepieces. There are many types of candles and candle holders to choose from, and you can easily incorporate them into your wedding decor. Here are some ideas for candle holders to use as wedding centrepieces:

Candelabras

Candelabras are a great way to add a traditional and elegant look to your wedding centrepieces. They can be made from various materials such as gold, silver, or crystal, and can be found in thrift stores or rental companies.

Tapered Candles

Tapered candles are long and narrow, ending with a tapered tip. They are a romantic choice for wedding centrepieces and can be displayed in various ways. For example, you can place them in tall, transparent displays or elegant candlesticks.

Pillar Candles

Pillar candles are thick and column-like, and they can stand on their own without a container. They come in various heights, allowing you to create a visually interesting display. Pillar candles can be used as part of a floral arrangement or as a standalone centrepiece.

Votives

Votives are small white candles that sit in a glass container. They are often used in religious ceremonies but can also make beautiful wedding centrepieces. You can find them in various colours and styles to match your wedding theme.

Tea Lights

Tea lights are small candles that sit in a rounded dish. They are ideal for adding a cosy glow to your centrepieces without overpowering your other decorations. They can be placed in groups or used as accents in floral arrangements.

Lanterns

Lanterns are a great way to amplify the cosy lighting of your centrepieces. You can place any type of candle inside a lantern, and they are perfect for creating a low-effort yet elegant display.

Floating Candles

Floating candles are a unique and dreamy option for your wedding centrepieces. They can be placed in plain glass vases or bowls filled with water, creating a romantic and ethereal atmosphere.

When choosing candle holders for your wedding centrepieces, consider your wedding theme, colour palette, and the overall vibe you want to create. You can mix and match different styles and heights to add visual interest to your tablescape.

DIY candle centrepieces

Candles are a great way to add a romantic and elegant touch to your wedding. They can be used as the main focal point of your centrepiece or as an accent feature to complement a floral arrangement or other creative design. Here are some ideas for DIY candle centrepieces that you can create for your special day:

Greenery-Draped Lanterns with Floral Accents

Place a glass-encased lantern surrounded by arching greenery and romantic roses in the centre of each table. This idea combines the beauty of nature with the soft glow of candlelight, creating a romantic and elegant atmosphere.

Elegant Tapers with Repurposed Stemware

Add height to your tables with tall, tapered candles displayed in stemmed glassware. You can customise this idea by choosing any colour scheme to fit your wedding theme. For example, use delicate peach-coloured tapered candles for a soft and romantic look.

Dusty Rose & Blush Wreath with Votives

Create a low-lying floral and candle arrangement that fills the table while leaving space for conversation during the reception. Use votive candles of varying heights encircled by a greenery and floral wreath in dusty rose and blush hues for a charming and romantic effect.

Rustic Simplicity with Bud Vase Accents

For a warm and inviting atmosphere, consider a minimalist approach. Choose minimalist bud vases filled with flowers and place them alongside the warm glow of pillar candles. This simple yet elegant display will create a rustic and elegant table setting.

Dramatic Elegance in Dusty Blue & Navy

Combine the height of a candelabra with an abundance of elegant flowers for a breathtaking display. This intricate-looking arrangement can be created using designer flower boxes, which offer an affordable and simple solution while still achieving a luxurious look.

Vineyard-Inspired Wine Bottle Decor

Transform leftover wine or champagne bottles into unique candle centrepieces. Fill the bottles with floral foam and flowers, and place a pillar candle on top to create an elegant and eco-friendly display.

Frequently asked questions