How do I combine candles and flowers for my reception?
The Short Answer
Candles and flowers together create warmth and depth while letting you spread a flower budget further. Cluster votives and taper candles around low floral arrangements, and confirm your venue's rules on open flames before committing to real wax.
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Why the pairing works so well
Flowers bring color and texture; candles bring glow and movement. Together they make a reception feel intimate and elegant, especially after sunset. Candlelight also flatters everything it touches, softening the room and warming your photos. From a budget angle, candles are an inexpensive way to fill space on tables that might otherwise need more flowers. A cluster of votives around a modest floral piece looks far more lavish than the flower cost alone, which is why our designers reach for this combination constantly.
Arranging candles and blooms on a table
Layering heights is the secret to a beautiful tablescape. Pair a low floral arrangement with an odd-numbered cluster of votives at varying heights, and add a few taper candles in holders for vertical lift. Bud vases tucked among the candles extend the flowers without much cost. Keep flames a safe distance from petals and greenery so nothing scorches. On long banquet tables, run a loose garland with candles nestled along it for a look that feels abundant but stays budget-conscious.
Real flames versus LED
Real candles give an unbeatable flicker, but many venues restrict open flames or require them enclosed in glass. LED pillars and votives have improved dramatically and, inside frosted glass, are hard to tell from the real thing. LEDs also solve worries about wind outdoors, wax drips, and long receptions where candles burn out. If your venue allows real flames, taper and votive candles in glass are the classic choice. If not, invest in good-quality LEDs rather than obviously fake ones.
Coordinating with your florist
Decide early who is supplying the candles and holders, since some florists include them and others expect you to rent or buy. If your florist provides the whole tablescape, they will design the flowers and candles as one composition, which looks the most cohesive. If you are sourcing candles yourself, share your plan so the flower arrangements are scaled to leave room for them. Either way, tell us your candle intentions at the consultation so the tables come together as a single, intentional look.
Planning Tips From Our Designers
- Confirm your venue's open-flame rules before buying real candles.
- Cluster votives in odd numbers at varying heights for depth.
- Use candles to fill table space and stretch your flower budget.
- Choose quality LEDs when flames are restricted or wind is a factor.
- Keep flames a safe distance from petals and greenery.
- Clarify early whether the florist supplies candles and holders.
Planning your wedding flowers?
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