Wedding Candles: The Dos and Don'ts
Candlelight can change the entire feel of a wedding in seconds. Many couples choose candles to bring warmth to their ceremony or reception, and the effect often becomes one of the most remembered parts of the day.
If your wedding décor includes candlelight, you’ll need more than just a handful. Buying bulk pillar candles for wedding use helps keep the budget in check while giving you enough stock for centerpieces, backdrops, and ceremony accents.
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Stunning Candle Wedding Favors
Ready Set Glow: Decorate with Candles
The challenge comes when style meets real‑world concerns. Candle placement, burn time, venue rules, and weather can make or break the look you want. A gorgeous table layout means nothing if the candles drip onto linens or go out the moment someone walks past. So, a few thoughtful choices and the following dos and don’ts will help you prevent stress and keep the entire setup steady through the ceremony and reception.
Do Match the Candle Style to Your Setting
Your venue sets the tone for everything. If your wedding is inside a grand ballroom, elegant taper candles or tall pillars in glass sleeves will feel natural. For a rustic barn, votives in mason jars or tea lights tucked into lanterns fit the space better. Outdoor weddings benefit from wind-resistant holders and wider bases for extra stability.
Matching the candle to your surroundings keeps the decor feeling intentional. It's not about sticking to tradition or trends but about choosing lighting that fits your overall vision. Soft flicker is timeless, but the shape and finish matter too.
Don't Use Scented Candles at Dinner
This is a common mistake. While a floral or vanilla-scented candle might seem romantic, it can clash with food aromas or cause discomfort for guests with sensitivities. When people sit down to enjoy a meal, the last thing they want is a strong lavender breeze cutting through their entrée.
Stick to unscented candles in dining areas. Save your scented picks for restrooms, entryways, or gift tables if you really want to include them. This way, you keep the vibe calm without disrupting the meal's flavor or feel.
Do Consider Candle Burn Time
Not all candles are made for long events. A votive may burn for just a few hours, while thick pillars can last well into the night. If your ceremony starts early and the reception runs late, make sure your candles won’t burn out halfway through.
Check burn time before you buy. For example, dinner tables need candles that last through the meal and speeches without dripping or dimming. Always test samples ahead of time if possible, and consider extras in case any burn unevenly or need to be swapped out.
Don't Skip the Holders or Protection
Open flames on tables without holders are risky and usually against venue policies. Even a slight nudge can tip over a lightweight candle. Use hurricane vases, lanterns, or weighted bases to secure the flame. If your wedding is outdoors, you’ll also want to block out wind and rain.
Glass sleeves keep flames upright, while mirrors and metallic trays can reflect light for a stronger visual effect. Don't forget to protect your linens, too. Wax spills on rented tablecloths can mean extra fees you’d rather avoid.
Do Mix Heights and Sizes
A mix of candle sizes creates a more dynamic display. Clusters of short votives paired with tall pillars and mid-size tapers can frame a centerpiece or walkway beautifully. Repeating this layering throughout the venue adds visual flow and balance.
Try to keep the groupings symmetrical if your wedding has a more formal layout. For casual or outdoor weddings, uneven arrangements can still work as long as the spacing feels deliberate. Use odd numbers when grouping candles for a more natural effect.
Image: Destination Amor: A Lebanese Fairytale with an Egyptian Soul
Don't Rely on Candles for Main Lighting
Candles are beautiful, but they can’t do the work of overhead lights or uplighting. If you’re hosting a nighttime wedding or one in a dimly lit venue, you’ll need backup. Guests need to see where they’re walking, reading menus, or dancing.
Think of candles as accent lights. Use them to warm up corners, highlight key features, or soften harsh lighting from above. Speak with your planner or lighting technician about how to layer candlelight into a bigger lighting plan.
Image: Destination Amor: A Lebanese Fairytale with an Egyptian Soul
Do Follow Venue and Fire Codes
Some venues have strict rules around open flames, especially in historic buildings or areas with fire restrictions. Ask early in your planning process what’s allowed. You may be required to use LED candles instead of real ones or limit flames to specific areas.
Check if candles need to be enclosed, have drip catchers, or be a certain distance from flammable items. Complying with these rules protects your guests and your deposit. It also keeps staff from rushing in mid-event to blow out decor you spent hours arranging.
Don't Wait Until the Last Minute to Set Up
Candle setups take time. Glass holders need to be wiped clean, wicks trimmed, and wax checked. If you're using dozens or even hundreds of candles, don’t leave it to the last hour before guests arrive.
Have a trusted person or vendor handle the setup early. Assign someone to light them shortly before the ceremony or reception begins, ideally when most of the guests are still arriving. This ensures they’re glowing at the right moment and reduces stress later in the day.
