Creating Wedding Centerpieces: Flowers And Candlesticks

Candles and flowers are a match made in heaven when it comes to wedding decor. They are a great way to visually tie together your wedding theme and add ambiance to the reception. From towering candelabras to delicate tealights, candles come in all shapes and sizes, and can be used to create a romantic and elegant atmosphere. Whether you're having a vintage wedding or a modern celebration, candle centerpieces are a timeless classic that will light up your special day. So, if you're looking for inspiration on how to make wedding flower centerpieces with candle sticks, read on for some creative ideas and tips to make your big day shine!

Choosing the right candles for your centrepieces

When it comes to wedding centrepieces, candles are a timeless and classic choice that can fit any style. From sleek pillars to delicate tealights, the right candles can enhance the overall aesthetic of your tables. Here are some tips for choosing the perfect candles for your wedding flower centrepieces:

Types of Candles

• Pillar Candles: Thick and column-like, pillar candles can stand on their own without a container. They come in various heights, allowing you to create visual interest by using multiple styles in your display.
• Tea Lights: Small and sitting in a rounded dish, tea lights add a cosy glow without overpowering your other decorations.
• Votives: Slightly larger than tea lights, votives are small white candles that sit in glass containers. They are often used in religious ceremonies but can also be gorgeous decorations.
• Tapered Candles: Long and narrow with a tapered tip, these are the quintessential romantic table candle.
• Flameless Candles: Powered by batteries, flameless candles are a safe alternative if you want the look of candles without the open flame.
• Lanterns: You can place almost any type of candle inside a lantern for a low-effort display that amplifies the cosy lighting.

Displaying Candles on Tables

When planning your tablescape, consider vessels that tie into your wedding theme or colour palette, as well as the height you want to create. For round tables, candles are typically displayed in the centre, while for rectangular tables, candles work well across the length of the table. Play around with different candles and placements until you find what works best for your vision.

Creative Centrepiece Ideas

• Greenery-Draped Lanterns with Floral Accents: Decorate a glass-encased lantern with arching greenery and romantic roses for a romantic and ambient centrepiece.
• Elegant Tapers with Repurposed Stemware: Add translucent height to your tables by using delicate peach-coloured tapered candles in stemmed glassware.
• Dusty Rose & Blush Wreath with Votives: A low-lying floral and candle arrangement like this fills the table and leaves space for conversation during the reception.
• Dramatic Elegance in Dusty Blue & Navy: Combine towering candelabras with overflowing flowers for a breathtaking and elegant display.
• Natural Elements for a Unique Candle Display: Bring nature inside with a single candle floating above smooth river rocks in a tall glass pillar set on a raw wood tray.

Using flowers and greenery with candles

Flowers and greenery can be used in a variety of ways to create romantic and elegant wedding centrepieces with candles. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Greenery-Draped Lanterns with Floral Accents

The warm glow of candlelight shining through a glass-encased lantern is a romantic sight. Take it up a notch by draping arching greenery and romantic roses around the lantern. This creates a stunning and impactful wedding table centerpiece that glows with a romantic ambiance.

Elegant Tapers with Repurposed Stemware

Add translucent height to your wedding tables with elegant tapers and delicate peach-coloured tapered candles. Use stemmed glassware and florals in your chosen colour scheme to create a DIY centerpiece that is both elegant and unique.

Classic and Beautiful Low-Lying Arrangement

A low-lying floral and candle arrangement, such as a wreath with votive candles in varying heights encircled by greenery and florals, is a classic and beautiful way to fill the table. This leaves space for conversation during the reception while still creating a romantic atmosphere.

Rustic Simplicity with Bud Vases

Sometimes, less is more. A minimalist approach to centrepieces can be both warm and inviting. Choose minimalist bud vases filled with flowers and flank them with the warm light of pillar candles. This rustic and elegant table decor will create a cosy atmosphere for your wedding guests.

Dramatic Elegance with a Candelabra

Combine the towering height of a candelabra with an overflowing abundance of elegant flowers for a breathtaking arrangement. This dramatic and intricate-looking display can be achieved using designer flower boxes, which offer an affordable and elegant solution.

Natural Elements for a Unique Display

Incorporate nature into your centrepiece with a single candle floating above smooth river rocks in a tall glass pillar set on a raw wood tray. This unique and inspiring idea for a candle centerpiece brings the beauty of the outdoors into your wedding decor.

Combining candles and candle holders

Choosing the Right Candles

The type of candle you choose will depend on the style and theme of your wedding. Here are some popular candle options for centrepieces:

• Pillar Candles: These thick, column-like candles can stand on their own and come in various heights, allowing you to create visual interest by using multiple styles.
• Tea Lights: These small candles provide a cosy glow without overpowering your other decorations.
• Votives: Slightly larger than tea lights, these small white candles often come in glass containers and add a simple, elegant touch.
• Tapered Candles: Long and narrow, ending in a tapered tip, these are the quintessential romantic table candle.
• Flameless Candles: These battery-operated candles are perfect for places where you don't want an open flame, such as near flowers or greenery.

Selecting the Perfect Candle Holders

When it comes to candle holders, the options are endless. Here are some popular choices:

• Candelabras: Whether you choose sleek, modern designs or vintage, gold-toned candelabras, they can add a touch of elegance and sparkle to your tablescape.
• Glass Vases: Thin glass column vases are perfect for floating candle centrepieces, adding a transparent silhouette that plays well with nearby candles and floral arrangements.
• Lanterns: Glass-encased lanterns provide ambient lighting and can be decorated with greenery and flowers to create a romantic, rustic vibe.
• Bud Vases: Mismatched geometric bud vases create a vintage, eclectic look, especially when paired with taper candles.
• Crystal Holders: Crystal candelabras or candlesticks add a touch of romance and sparkle to your tables, especially in intimate wedding settings.

Putting it All Together

When combining candles and candle holders, consider the placement and arrangement. For round tables, place the candles in the centre, while for rectangular tables, you can place them across the length. Play with different heights and silhouettes to create visual interest. Mix and match candle types and holders to create an eclectic, unique look.

Don't be afraid to get creative and add personal touches to your candle centrepieces. You can decorate candles with craft glue, floral foam, zip ties, and more. Add flowers, greenery, or even rhinestones to the base of a candle or the candle holder to elevate your centrepiece.

Remember to keep safety in mind, especially when combining candles and candle holders. Ensure that candles are placed in stable holders and are not left unattended. Keep flammable materials away from open flames and follow your venue's guidelines regarding open flames and candles.

Displaying candles on a table

Candles are a great way to add a romantic, elegant, or whimsical touch to your wedding tablescape. Here are some tips and ideas for displaying candles on a table:

Choose the Right Candles

Select candles that fit your wedding style and colour palette. Consider the varying heights, styles, and burn times of candles such as pillar candles, tea lights, votives, tapered candles, and flameless candles.

Table Setup

For round tables, place the candles in the centre, while for rectangular tables, you can place them across the length of the table. Play around with the layout and candle types to find the perfect arrangement. You can also add florals and greenery around the candle display to enhance the overall look.

Creative Displays

• Greenery-Draped Lanterns: Decorate glass-encased lanterns with arching greenery and flowers to create a romantic and ambient display.
• Elegant Tapers with Repurposed Stemware: Use delicate peach-coloured tapered candles and florals in stemmed glassware for a DIY elegant and translucent centrepiece.
• Classic Wreath and Candle: Combine a pillar candle, a lantern, and a table number frame in the centre of a eucalyptus and rose wreath for a timeless and elegant look.
• Disco Elegance: Add some sparkle to classic taper candles by placing them on a table with disco balls for a funky yet classic look.
• Floating Candles: Use thin glass column vases to create a floating candle display, pairing them with pillar candles and gold orchid vases for a luxurious feel.
• Colourful Tapers: Showcase a myriad of colours by using taper candles and candle holders in different hues that match your wedding colours.
• High and Low: Create visual interest by mixing different candle heights and silhouettes, such as tall antique gold taper holders and simple white pillar candles.
• Gold and Silver Mix: Opt for a mix of gold and silver candlesticks and candelabras for a collected and elegant look on a round table.
• Vintage Curiosity: Achieve an eclectic and vintage look by pairing taper candles in antique gold candlesticks with old books, curiosities, and wildflowers.
• Twisted Tapers: Incorporate spiral taper candles, a trendy and unexpected element, into your centrepiece for a fresh and innovative style.
• Gold Candelabra: For a vintage or eclectic look, scour flea markets and thrift stores for an affordable and unique selection of gold candelabras and candle holders.

Remember to keep candle safety in mind and follow your venue's guidelines. You can opt for flameless candles or ensure that open flames are enclosed and away from greenery or florals.

Candle safety tips

Candles are a beautiful addition to any wedding, but it's important to keep in mind that they are an open flame and a potential fire hazard if not carefully monitored. To ensure safety, follow these tips:

• Always keep candles within your line of sight and never leave them unattended.
• Keep candles away from flammable materials such as furniture, curtains, bedding, carpets, paper, and clothing.
• Ensure candles are placed on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
• Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.
• Before lighting a candle, trim the wick to approximately 1/4 inch to prevent the flame from becoming too large.
• Use long matches or a long-reach lighter to light candles, and dispose of used matches properly by running them under water or letting them cool on a flame-resistant dish.
• Do not burn candles for longer than four hours at a time, and allow them to cool for at least two hours before relighting.
• Extinguish candles with a candle snuffer to prevent hot wax from splattering.
• Never use water to extinguish a candle, as it can cause hot wax to splatter and glass containers to break.
• Ensure candles are completely extinguished and no longer glowing before leaving the room.
• Do not touch or move a candle while it is burning or while the wax is liquefied.
• Do not burn a candle all the way down. Discontinue burning when 1/2 inch of wax remains in the container or 2 inches for a pillar candle.
• Place burning candles at least three inches apart to prevent them from melting each other or creating drafts.
• If using candles during a power outage, be extremely careful. Flashlights and battery-powered lights are safer alternatives.
• Keep candles away from drafts, vents, or air currents to prevent rapid or uneven burning, sooting, and excessive dripping.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for burn time and proper use.
• Opt for flameless candles if your venue has a strict no-flame policy. Flameless candles are available in various styles, including tealights, tapers, and pillars.
• Ensure there are no stray stems or leaves from the flower arrangements getting too close to the candles.
• If using candles outdoors, consider using shields or lanterns to protect the flames from the wind.
• If using candles near flowers or greenery, ensure they are enclosed in glass shields or vases to prevent the flowers from catching fire.

Frequently asked questions