Creating the Perfect Wedding Reception with Candles: A Guide to Choosing the Best Candles for Your Big Day
1. Why Candles are Essential for Your Wedding Reception
When planning a wedding reception, the little details can make all the difference. From the flowers to the table settings, every element needs to work in harmony to create the perfect atmosphere. One of the most beautiful and impactful ways to elevate your wedding decor is with candles. There's something undeniably magical about the soft glow of candlelight that instantly transforms any space. It adds warmth, intimacy, and a romantic touch that can set the tone for the entire evening.
For my own wedding, I remember walking into the reception hall, and the first thing I noticed was the candles. The soft, flickering light added a sense of coziness and elegance to the space. I knew I had made the right choice in selecting candles as part of my decor, and it’s something I recommend for every couple planning their wedding. But how do you choose the best candles for your big day? That’s where this guide comes in.
2. Types of Candles to Consider for Your Wedding Reception
There are many types of candles to choose from, and each can create a different ambiance for your wedding reception. Here are some options to consider:
- Pillar Candles: These are classic wedding candles, often used as centerpieces or as part of larger decorative displays. They come in various sizes and are perfect for creating a dramatic effect, especially when grouped together on tables.
- Tea Light Candles: Small but mighty, tea light candles are great for adding subtle light without being overpowering. They're perfect for lining walkways, scattered across tables, or tucked into floral arrangements.
- Votive Candles: Slightly larger than tea lights, votive candles add a soft, intimate glow to the room. They are often placed in decorative holders and can be used as both centerpieces and accent pieces throughout the reception space.
- Floating Candles: If you’re having a water feature at your wedding, such as a fountain or a pond, floating candles are a beautiful addition. These candles add elegance and shimmer, especially when reflected in the water.
- Candle Lanterns: Lanterns bring a touch of vintage charm to your wedding. They are perfect for outdoor receptions or rustic-themed weddings, providing a safe and charming way to use candles without worrying about them blowing out.
3. Choosing the Right Candle Scent
When it comes to wedding candles, scent can be just as important as the visual appeal. The right fragrance can create a memorable atmosphere and enhance the overall experience for your guests. However, choosing the right scent can be tricky, as you don’t want the fragrance to overpower the space or clash with the floral arrangements.
For my own wedding, I chose subtle, fresh floral scents for the reception candles—lavender and rose. These scents complemented the natural flowers in my bouquet and the overall aesthetic of the event. However, if you’re going for a more sophisticated ambiance, candles with vanilla, sandalwood, or even citrus notes can help create a refined atmosphere. The key is to keep it light and refreshing, rather than too overpowering.
4. Matching Candles with Your Wedding Theme
One of the best things about candles is that they are incredibly versatile and can be customized to match almost any wedding theme. Whether you're going for a traditional, bohemian, rustic, or modern wedding, there’s a candle style to suit your theme.
For a rustic-themed wedding, consider using mason jar candles or wooden candle holders for a more country-chic look. If you're having a modern wedding, sleek glass candle holders or metallic pillar candles can add a contemporary edge to the decor. Alternatively, for a vintage wedding, antique-style candle holders or candelabras can bring a timeless feel to the reception.
For example, a close friend of mine had a beach-themed wedding, and we used sand-filled lanterns with candles inside to match the coastal vibe. The soft glow of the lanterns paired with the ocean breeze created a serene and romantic setting.
5. How to Incorporate Candles into Your Wedding Decor
Candles can be used in so many creative ways to enhance your wedding decor. Here are some of my favorite ways to incorporate them into your reception:
- Centerpieces: Candles make stunning centerpieces for each table. You can use a variety of candle sizes—such as tall pillar candles surrounded by smaller tea lights—arranged on a decorative tray or in a cluster of floral arrangements.
- Aisle Decor: If you’re having an indoor wedding, consider lining the aisle with candles in lanterns or glass holders. The soft glow will create a breathtaking scene as you walk down the aisle.
- Guest Table Decor: Place candles on each table for an elegant touch. Tea lights in glass holders are perfect for this, as they are small but give off a lovely light.
- Outdoor Weddings: For outdoor receptions, string lights and candles can be combined to create a romantic, dreamy ambiance. Candles in hurricane lamps or mason jars add a charming element to the setting.
6. Safety Considerations When Using Candles
While candles add an enchanting ambiance to your wedding reception, safety should always be a priority. It's important to take precautions to ensure that candles are safely placed and don’t pose any risks, especially with so many guests around.
For example, make sure that candles are placed on sturdy surfaces away from anything flammable. If you’re using candles outdoors, always ensure they are in a secure holder, such as a lantern, to protect the flame from wind. It’s also a good idea to use flameless LED candles in areas where real candles might pose a fire risk, such as near curtains or other highly flammable decorations.
7. Where to Find the Best Wedding Candles
Finding the perfect candles for your wedding reception can be a challenge, but it’s worth the effort. A wide variety of candles, from scented to decorative, are available at different price points. You can find great options at local wedding stores, or for a wider selection, visit websites like Scent Snob to find the best wedding candles that suit your style and budget.
Whether you’re looking for elegant pillar candles, whimsical tea lights, or something entirely unique, Scent Snob offers a range of options that can help you create the wedding of your dreams. With a focus on quality and style, you’re sure to find the perfect candles to complement your reception.
0 comments