What are the rules about candles with wedding flowers?
The Short Answer
Candle rules vary by venue, so always ask first. Many churches, historic sites, and tents require flameless LED candles or enclosed flames in hurricanes or votives. Confirm restrictions before designing candlelit centerpieces, since an open-flame ban can change your whole tablescape.
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Why venues restrict open flame
Candles and flowers are a gorgeous pairing, but fire safety and insurance drive real restrictions. Many venues limit or ban open flames to protect draperies, historic interiors, tents, and guests. Common rules require candles to be fully enclosed in glass hurricanes or votives, kept a set distance from fabric, or replaced entirely with flameless LED candles. Some churches allow only certain liturgical candles and nothing else. Because these rules directly affect how we build centerpieces at Bentley Florist, we always ask couples to confirm their venue's candle policy before we finalize a candlelit design. Finding out the week of the wedding is a stressful way to redesign.
Flameless options that still glow
If open flame is off the table, flameless LED candles have come a long way and look convincing, especially the flickering, wax-shell varieties. They give you the warm glow that makes flowers and skin look beautiful in photos without any fire risk, and they are actually easier since nobody has to light or extinguish dozens of candles. LEDs also solve the outdoor wind problem, since a breeze cannot blow them out. For a candle-heavy look on a tented or historic site, flameless is often the only permitted route, and honestly the practical winner. We design tablescapes around them frequently and they photograph wonderfully.
Combining candles and flowers safely
When flames are allowed, thoughtful placement keeps everything safe and looking intentional. Keep open flames away from greenery, dried elements, and low-hanging fabric, since dried flowers and some foliage are surprisingly flammable. Enclosed hurricanes and votives are safest and also protect the flame from drafts. Vary candle heights around low arrangements for a layered glow, and never leave open flames unattended near a floral installation. Coordinate with your venue on who lights and monitors candles during the event. With a little care and the venue's blessing, candlelight remains one of the most romantic ways to bring your flowers to life at an evening reception.
Planning Tips From Our Designers
- Confirm your venue's candle policy before designing a candlelit tablescape.
- Expect churches, historic sites, and tents to restrict open flame.
- Use flameless LED candles where open flame is banned or outdoors in wind.
- Keep open flames away from dried flowers and low-hanging fabric.
- Arrange who will light and monitor candles during the event.
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