Wedding Candles & Candle Holders Buying Guide
Compare LED, pillar, taper, floating and tealight candles, learn how to select suitable candle holders and discover practical ways to create warm, layered table displays for weddings, parties, restaurants and home entertaining.
Choosing Wedding Candles and Candle Holders
Candles are one of the most versatile ways to add warmth, height and atmosphere to a wedding or special event. They can be used as the main feature of a centrepiece, placed between floral arrangements, grouped along banquet tables or added to welcome tables, cake displays and ceremony aisles.
The best candle for your event depends on the look you want, whether the venue permits an open flame, the type of holder being used and how long the display needs to remain lit.
Start by browsing the complete wedding candle range or explore our collection of wedding candle holders.
Compare the Main Types of Wedding Candles
| Candle Type | Best Suited To | Main Advantage | Holder Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| LED candles | Venues with flame restrictions, family events, restaurants and reusable displays | Flameless, reusable and easy to position | May be used alone or inside compatible holders, lanterns and glass cylinders |
| Pillar candles | Centrepieces, mantels, entrance displays and grouped arrangements | Substantial shape and long-lasting visual presence | Use on a stable heat-resistant base or in a correctly sized holder |
| Dinner and taper candles | Formal receptions, bridal tables, restaurants and romantic dinners | Adds height and a traditional elegant silhouette | Requires a secure holder made for the candle base diameter |
| Tealight candles | Scattered table lighting, votive holders and low centrepieces | Small, affordable and easy to distribute across multiple tables | Use inside a tealight or votive holder suitable for real flame |
| Floating candles | Water-filled cylinder vases, bowls and reflective centrepieces | Creates a soft flame reflected across the water | Requires a stable water-safe container with sufficient surface space |
LED Candles
LED candles create the appearance of candlelight without an exposed flame. They are especially useful at venues that restrict real candles or require flames to be fully enclosed.
Modern LED candles are available in styles that imitate pillar candles, tealights and other traditional candle shapes. Flickering light effects can create a warm atmosphere while avoiding smoke, wax drips and the need to relight candles during an event.
LED candles may be suitable for:
- Wedding venues that prohibit or restrict open flames
- Ceremony aisles and floor-level displays
- Tables where children may be present
- Artificial floral arrangements
- Lanterns, glass cylinders and enclosed holders
- Restaurants, hotels and event venues requiring reusable décor
- Christmas, Valentine's Day and home entertaining
Pillar Candles
Pillar candles are freestanding candles with a broad, solid shape. Their larger surface area gives them a strong visual presence, making them suitable for substantial centrepieces and grouped displays.
Use several pillar candles in graduated heights to create a layered arrangement, or combine them with flowers and glassware to soften the display. Pillar candles can also be positioned inside compatible hurricane vases or glass cylinders where the internal diameter allows safe clearance.
Popular pillar candle placements include:
- Wedding reception centrepieces
- Bridal and sweetheart tables
- Welcome and seating-chart displays
- Cake and dessert tables
- Plinths, mantels and entrance styling
- Restaurants and home dining tables
Always confirm the candle diameter and height against the holder or cylinder measurements. A candle should sit securely without being forced into the holder or positioned too close to surrounding materials.
Dinner and Taper Candles
Dinner and taper candles are tall, slender candles traditionally used to add height and elegance to formal tables. They work particularly well in individual holders, multi-arm candelabras and repeated arrangements along long banquet tables.
Taper candles can introduce a theme colour without requiring a large centrepiece. Neutral shades create a classic look, while stronger colours can coordinate with flowers, napkins and wedding table runners.
Tealight Candles
Tealights are compact candles commonly used inside glass, metal and decorative votive holders. Their small size makes them useful when you want to spread points of light across a table without creating a tall or visually heavy arrangement.
Browse our tealight and floating candle range for options suitable for wedding tables, event displays and home entertaining.
Tealights work well:
- Between bud vases and small flower arrangements
- Along long trestle and banquet tables
- Around a larger central vase or floral display
- On welcome, signing, cake and gift tables
- Inside compatible lanterns and votive holders
Real tealights should be contained within a suitable holder and positioned away from loose fabric, foliage, paper decorations and other flammable materials.
Floating Candles
Floating candles are designed to sit on the surface of water. They are commonly used in clear cylinder vases, fish bowls and other stable glass containers to create a reflective candle display.
The container must be wide enough for the candle to float freely without becoming trapped against the sides. You should also leave sufficient space above the waterline so the flame is not positioned too close to the rim or nearby decorations.
Browse our glass cylinder vases or read the Glass Vase Buying Guide for more ideas about using flowers, candles and decorative lighting inside glass vases.
Floating candle styling ideas
- Use one candle in a tall water-filled cylinder vase
- Group cylinders in several heights
- Add water-safe decorative elements below the candle
- Alternate candle-filled cylinders with floral vases
- Place the arrangement on a mirror base to increase reflection
How to Choose a Candle Holder
The holder should be selected according to the candle type, dimensions and intended placement. A decorative design is important, but stability, heat resistance and correct fit should come first.
Taper Candle Holders
Designed with a narrow opening to hold a dinner or taper candle upright. Confirm the holder opening and candle base diameter before use.
Tealight & Votive Holders
Compact holders designed to contain small candles and protect the surrounding table from direct flame and wax.
Pillar Candle Holders
Flat plates, stands or enclosed designs intended to support wider candles securely and collect wax where necessary.
Hurricane Holders
Glass-sided holders that help shield a flame and create an elegant enclosed appearance. The glass must allow appropriate clearance.
Lanterns
Suitable for ceremony aisles, entrances, tables and outdoor displays. Confirm whether the lantern is approved for real or LED candles.
Candelabras
Multi-arm holders that create height and a formal appearance. Place them on stable tables and check every candle fits securely.
What Size Candle Fits My Holder?
Measure both the candle and the holder rather than relying only on product names such as small, medium or large. Two products described as pillar candles or cylinder holders may have very different measurements.
Measure the Candle
Record the candle diameter at its widest point and the total height. For taper candles, measure the base that enters the holder.
Measure the Holder Opening
Measure the internal opening rather than the external width. Decorative rims and thick glass can reduce the usable internal space.
Allow Clearance
A pillar candle placed inside a glass cylinder needs sufficient clearance around the sides and above the flame. Do not allow the flame to sit immediately beside the glass or rim.
Check Stability
The candle and holder should sit flat and remain stable if the table is lightly bumped. Never balance a candle on an unsuitable or uneven surface.
Real Candles or LED Candles?
| Consideration | Real Candles | LED Candles |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Provides a traditional natural flame | Provides a flameless glow, often with a flickering effect |
| Venue restrictions | May be prohibited or required to be enclosed | Commonly suitable where open flames are restricted |
| Wax and smoke | May drip wax or produce smoke | No melting wax or smoke |
| Reuse | Consumed as it burns | Can generally be reused with working batteries |
| Outdoor use | Flame may be affected by wind | Not affected by wind, although products must still be protected from unsuitable weather |
| Supervision | Requires active fire-safety supervision | Lower fire risk but batteries and product condition should still be checked |
How Many Candles Do I Need?
There is no single correct number because the result depends on the table length, centrepiece size, surrounding flowers, venue lighting and whether candles are the main feature or a supporting detail.
Before ordering, create one complete sample table and view it from both seated and standing positions. This helps you check spacing, sight lines and the balance between candles and other decorations.
Round Reception Tables
A compact grouped arrangement generally suits round tables better than candles spread around the full perimeter. Consider combining several candle heights around one central vase or floral arrangement.
Long Banquet Tables
Repeat small candle groups at regular intervals. Tealights, bud vases and taper candles can be alternated to create a continuous display without one oversized centrepiece.
Bridal or Sweetheart Table
Use candles to frame the couple without blocking guests or photography. A mix of low candles and a few taller features can create a layered focal point.
Cake, Gift or Welcome Table
Use a smaller number of carefully placed candles so the cake, sign, card box or display remains the main focus. LED candles are often practical near paper signage.
Styling Candles with Flowers, Vases and Linen
Candle displays are most effective when the heights, colours and materials work with the rest of the table rather than competing with it.
Combine different heights
Mix low tealights with medium pillar candles, taller taper candles or elevated floral arrangements. Height variation creates visual depth while repeated materials help the tables remain coordinated.
Keep arrangements below eye level or clearly above it
Avoid placing dense decorations directly at seated eye level. Low candle groups and bud vases support conversation, while taller narrow stands may create height without filling the central sight line.
Coordinate with table linen
Use neutral candles for a timeless look or match coloured candles with napkins, flowers and table runners. A clean base such as a polyester tablecloth helps decorative glassware and candlelight stand out.
Add flowers and greenery carefully
Browse artificial flowers and greenery to create reusable arrangements. Keep all stems, leaves and petals well away from real flames, hot wax and heated glass.
Use clear glass to increase reflection
Glass vases, cylinders and hurricane-style vessels reflect candlelight and can make a relatively simple arrangement look fuller and more layered.
Wedding Candle Safety
- Place candles on stable, level and heat-resistant surfaces.
- Keep real flames away from flowers, greenery, tablecloths, runners, ribbons, paper and signage.
- Do not position candles where guests, clothing or serving staff may brush against them.
- Keep candles out of reach of children and pets.
- Allow suitable space between candles and other decorations.
- Do not leave burning candles unattended.
- Check glass holders for chips, cracks or damage before use.
- Do not place a flame too close to the side or rim of a glass container.
- Use LED candles when the placement or venue is unsuitable for a real flame.
- Follow all instructions supplied with the candle, holder or venue fire-safety plan.
Common Candle Styling Mistakes
Using the Wrong Holder
A candle may lean, become unstable or damage a holder when the base and opening are incompatible.
Blocking Guest Sight Lines
Dense arrangements at seated eye level can make conversation difficult across the table.
Ignoring Venue Rules
Do not assume real flames are permitted simply because candles have been used at other venues.
Placing Flames Near Fabric
Loose runners, foliage and decorations can move because of airflow or accidental contact.
Using Too Many Heights
Variation creates interest, but too many unrelated candle styles can make the table look cluttered.
Skipping a Sample Table
A full test arrangement helps reveal spacing, visibility and stability issues before the event.
Shop Candle and Table Styling Categories
Wedding Candle FAQs
Are real candles allowed at wedding venues?
Venue rules vary. Some venues permit real candles only when the flame is enclosed within glass, while others prohibit open flames completely. Confirm the venue's current candle and fire-safety requirements before purchasing.
Do LED candles look realistic?
Many LED candles include wax-style finishes and flickering light effects that imitate traditional candlelight. The appearance and features vary between products, so check the product images and specifications.
Can I use LED candles inside glass cylinders?
Yes, compatible LED candles can be displayed inside glass cylinders and hurricane-style holders. Confirm that the candle fits comfortably inside the usable internal dimensions.
Can floating candles be used in any vase?
No. The vase or container must be stable, water-safe and wide enough for the candle to float without becoming trapped against the sides. The flame also requires suitable clearance from the rim and surrounding decorations.
How many candles should I use on each wedding table?
The number depends on the table size, centrepiece design and venue lighting. Build one complete sample table first, then multiply the arrangement by the number of reception tables and allow a small number of spares.
Can pillar candles stand directly on a table?
Pillar candles should be placed on a stable, heat-resistant candle plate or compatible holder that protects the table from heat and wax.
How do I stop taper candles from leaning?
Use a holder with an opening that closely matches the candle base diameter. The holder must sit flat, and the candle should remain upright without being forced into place.
Can I mix different candle types in one centrepiece?
Yes. Combining tealights, pillar candles, taper candles or compatible LED candles can create a layered display. Keep the colours and holder finishes coordinated so the arrangement remains cohesive.
Can candles be placed beside artificial flowers?
LED candles can generally be used more safely near artificial arrangements. Artificial flowers and greenery must be kept well away from real flames, hot wax and heated glass.
Should I choose candles before candle holders?
You can begin with either product, but the final candle and holder must be checked together for size, stability and suitability. Do not assume that every taper, pillar or tealight candle fits every holder in the same category.
Create a Warm and Coordinated Candle Display
Browse our complete wedding candle collection and coordinate your candles with candle holders, glass vases, artificial flowers, table runners and event tablecloths.