Use Candles to Keep Your Ceremony and Reception Decor Lit

When it comes to decorating a wedding, flowers often get all the love. Today, we’re celebrating the unsung hero of ceremony and reception décor: candles. Candles add drama, romance, and (often) a delightful aroma to your ceremony and reception space. On top of all that, they can be fairly inexpensive.

If you play with candles right, you can maximize their impact while minimizing the cost. If you play with sizes and heights, it’s a simple way to add interest. Pillars bring the drama. The magic trick is to keep them in groups of three for maximum effect. If your venue doesn’t allow open flames, these work well with faux flame candles too. (Before you go hog wild on candles, you’ll want to check with your venue to see what their policy is on candles or check for open flame permits).

The containers you choose for candles can really help to define the mood. Glass candle holders and votives add another element of color and ambiance. For a particularly gorgeous flourish, you can go for mercury glass to bring a hazy glow to your ambiance and wedding photography. Floating tea lights can add extra visual interest to centerpieces. The light reflecting off the water will wow your guests and give your reception a warm, golden feel. Mix and match your vessels for an eclectic or rustic take on wedding décor.

Playing with shapes is another thing to consider. You can outline your round table or have a line of candles along a fireplace mantel or down a harvest table. Petite glass votives add a flourish when dotted along the dessert table, or they can add fullness to reception table centerpieces. Tapered candles and candelabras are the epitome of romance. They look gorgeous in a traditional or elegant wedding space.

You can decorate your venue stairs with candles along the edge of each step. If the staircase won’t be used, you can line the candles along the full width of each of the stairs, making a grand statement. Another approach to candles in ceremony decor is to line the aisle with candle lanterns.

You can also use candles for a sentimental and meaningful moment. To remember those who couldn’t be there to celebrate you, light a candle. This simple remembrance is a great way to keep loved ones with on your special day.