Wedding lambathes are candles used in Eastern and Greek Orthodox religious ceremonies. They are often decorated with brightly coloured ribbons, sparkles, jewels, and even small toys.
The candles are lit during the wedding ceremony, with one candle each for the bride and groom, and a third candle for their covenant union.
- Use a pillar candle as a base
- Decorate with lace and ribbons
- Leave enough space at the top of the candle so it can burn for a long time
- Wind the candle with coloured ribbons
- Add sparkles, jewels, or attach small toys
What You'll Learn
Choosing a colour scheme
When choosing a colour scheme for your wedding lambathes, it's important to consider the overall aesthetic of your wedding day. The colour scheme of your lambathes should complement the rest of your decor, including the flowers, table settings, and any other decorative details.
If you have a specific wedding theme, you can choose colours that reflect that theme. For example, if you're having a winter wedding, you might choose candles with white and silver decorations. If your wedding has a springtime or garden theme, you could opt for candles with floral designs or soft pastel colours.
You can also choose colours that hold personal significance for you and your partner. Perhaps there's a particular colour that you both love, or you could select colours that symbolise something meaningful to you.
Another factor to consider is the size and style of your lambathes. If you're having large, ornate lambathes, you might want to stick to a more neutral colour palette to avoid overwhelming the space. On the other hand, if you're having smaller, simpler candles, you might choose bolder colours to make them stand out.
Ultimately, the colour scheme you choose for your wedding lambathes should reflect your personal taste and style. It's your special day, so select colours that make you and your partner happy!
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Selecting decorations
When selecting decorations for your wedding lambathes, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you should decide on a colour scheme that complements the rest of your wedding decor. Common colours include white, ivory, gold, silver, and soft pastels. You can also choose to have your lambathes adorned with lace, tulle, satin, pearls, rhinestones, or flowers. If you want to decorate the candle completely, be sure to leave enough space at the top so that the candle can burn for a long time during the church service. You can also add personal touches, such as small toys or jewellery.
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Selecting a size
When selecting the size of your lambathes, you should consider the following:
The size of your wedding
The size of your lambathes should be proportionate to the size of your wedding. If you are having a large wedding with many guests, consider choosing larger lambathes so that they can be seen easily. Conversely, if you are having a smaller, more intimate wedding, smaller lambathes may be more suitable.
The length of your ceremony
If you are having a longer wedding ceremony, you may want to choose larger lambathes that will burn for a longer period of time. On the other hand, if you are having a shorter ceremony, smaller lambathes may be sufficient.
The height of your altar
Consider the height of your altar when selecting the size of your lambathes. If you have a tall altar, larger lambathes may be more visible, while smaller lambathes may be more appropriate for a shorter altar.
The number of candles
The number of candles you plan to use will also impact the size you choose. If you are using multiple candles, you may want to select smaller sizes so that they do not overwhelm the space. Conversely, if you are only using one or two candles, larger sizes may be more impactful.
Your personal preference
Ultimately, the size of your lambathes is a matter of personal preference. Choose a size that you feel reflects the style and theme of your wedding and that you are comfortable with.
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Selecting a wick
The type of wick you choose for your wedding lambathes will depend on the type of wax you are using.
Cotton Wicks
Cotton wicks are a great option for wedding candles as they have a slow, calm, and long-lasting burn rate of approximately 1” per hour. This means your candles will burn throughout the duration of your ceremony. They are also smoke and drip-resistant.
Wooden Wicks
Wooden wicks are a great option if you are looking for a more rustic look for your wedding lambathes. They produce a crackling sound, have a faster burn rate, and have a stronger scent throw.
Choosing the Right Size
When choosing the right size wick, you will need to take into account the diameter of your candle. A good rule of thumb is to choose a wick that is 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch smaller than the diameter of your candle.
Testing Your Wick
Before finalizing your wick choice, it is important to test it out. To do this, melt some of your wax and pour it into a small container with your wick. Observe the burn rate, scent throw, and smoke and drip resistance. This will help you determine if you have chosen the right wick for your wedding lambathes.
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Selecting a wax type
When making your own wedding lambathes, selecting the right type of wax is crucial. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the wax for your wedding candles:
Beeswax
Beeswax is a natural wax produced by honey bees. It is non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and slow-burning, making it a great option for those with allergies or sensitivities. Beeswax candles also burn longer than paraffin wax candles and have a calm, even flame. However, they can be more expensive than other types of wax.
Paraffin Wax
Paraffin wax is a highly refined and dense wax that can be blended with other waxes like beeswax to create a superior-quality candle. It has a beautiful matte finish and burns slowly, making it a good choice for wedding candles. Paraffin wax is also widely available and typically more affordable than beeswax.
Soy Wax
Soy wax is a vegetable-based wax that is natural and biodegradable. It is a popular choice for candle making as it is easy to work with and has a long burn time. Soy wax candles often have a good scent throw, meaning they can effectively distribute fragrance. However, soy wax may require more stabilizers and additives to achieve the desired characteristics.
When choosing the type of wax for your wedding lambathes, consider factors such as burn time, scent, cost, and availability. Additionally, if you or your guests have allergies or sensitivities, beeswax or soy wax may be a better option due to their natural and hypoallergenic properties.
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Frequently asked questions
Lambathes are candles used in Eastern and Greek Orthodox religious ceremonies. They are used to symbolise Christ, the Light of the World, who will light the way of the newlyweds' life together.
You will need four candles in total: two large ones for the altar table and two small ones for the bride and groom to hold.
You can decorate your candles with brightly coloured ribbons, sparkles, jewels, or even attach small toys. Just make sure to leave enough space at the top so that the candle can burn for a long time during the church service.
The candles for the altar table are usually 32 inches, and the candles for the bride and groom are 24 inches. However, you can also find 21-inch candles.