Essential for creating a welcoming, romantic atmosphere that enhances the mood of your reception; the gentle flicker of candlelight adds warmth and elegance, creating a sense of intimacy. As a timeless decor choice, candles blend beautifully with any wedding theme. Whether a daytime celebration or an evening affair, they elevate the ambience, giving your venue a cosy and magical feel.

Versatility

One of wedding table candles' greatest strengths is their adaptability. From rustic to modern, vintage to bohemian, they can be styled to suit any theme. They can shine independently or work alongside florals, greenery, or fairy lights, effortlessly enhancing your decor. Not only do they add warmth and light to your decor, but the right painting of scented candles can impart an exquisite fragrance unique to your wedding day!

Cost-Effective Decor

Candles are a stylish yet budget-friendly way to bring a touch of luxury to your tables. Whether you choose floating or pillar, they add sophistication without straining your budget. Simple and elegant, candles blend charm and affordability, making them popular for couples looking to create a beautiful, memorable setting.

How Many Candles Per Table?

The number of candles needed can vary depending on the size and layout of your tables and venue, especially when trying to strike a balance between aesthetics and functionality. Overcrowding tables with too many can be overwhelming (and a fire hazard), while too few can leave your tables looking sparse.

  • Round Tables: Three to five candles arranged in a clustered or circular pattern often work best for standard 60-inch round tables. 
  • Long Rectangular Tables: For banquet-style tables, spacing out five to ten candles along the length of the table creates a consistent glow. 
  • Sweetheart or Head Tables: Since these tables are smaller, two to three prominently placed candles are usually sufficient. 

Types of Candles

1/ Pillars

A classic choice, known for their sturdy and tall structure. Available in various heights, pillar candles are often placed in groups of different sizes to create a layered effect. Because they’re long-burning, they’re perfect for lasting through an entire wedding ceremony and reception. You can place them on tables, along the aisle, or windowsills for a warm glow that won’t overpower your decor.

Elizabeth Anne Designs

Elyse Jennings Weddings

Greenfern Photography

Samm Blake Wedding

2/ Tapers

Tapers bring sophistication and height to any table setting for a touch of elegance. Tall and slim, they are ideal for candlesticks or candelabras, which can add a vintage or formal touch to the decor. Tapers are particularly suited for weddings with a timeless, traditional theme and come in various colours to match your palette.

Claire Fleck

Eager Hearts Photo

Georgina Harrison Photography

Samm Blake Wedding

3/ Tealights

Tiny yet mighty, tealights are a versatile option that can be used almost anywhere. Often used in small glass holders or scattered around larger candle displays, tealights provide a soft, subtle glow that enhances intimate areas. They are ideal for lighting small nooks or accentuating more elaborate arrangements. Consider using tealights in lanterns or hurricane jars for outdoor weddings to prevent the wind from extinguishing them.

Everlasting Events

Rossini Photography

4/ Floating Candles

Floating candles are a stunning option for incorporating water elements into your decor. They work particularly well for evening weddings, where the candlelight reflects off the water, creating a magical ambience. Floating candles are often paired with flower petals or greenery for an added layer of elegance.

Danielle Leslie Photography

Dyanna LaMora

Elaine Palladino

Lu Maison

5/ Votives

Votive candles are a beautiful way to add a warm, inviting atmosphere to your wedding. Typically small and housed in glass holders, they emit a soft glow and can be placed in clusters on tables or along pathways. Votives are versatile and can be customized with frosted or coloured glass holders to suit your wedding theme. Their compact size makes them a fantastic choice for creating cosy, intimate lighting.

Bennett Murphy Mills

Kiss From Fleur

Shane Welch Photography

- Gráinne