An important focal point, your wedding centerpieces not only set the mood of the event, but they tie your theme together and elevate your reception space, so choose wisely!Â
While floral arrangements continue to be a popular option, there are other types of centerpieces you might like to explore.
Wedding candle centerpieces, for example, are a modern take that will add a touch of romance and sophistication to any tablescape!
Take a look at these brilliant wedding candle centerpieces ideas…
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Geometric Terrarium Wedding Table Decor
Geometric Gold-Trim Cube Terrarium
Check Price on EtsyThese small centerpieces use a design that is reminiscent of the planters we often see for succulents or air plants.
Using them as candle holders will make your reception feel more modern.
Flameless Timer LED Flickering Candle
Flameless White Wax Taper Candles
Check Price on EtsyFor those worried about safety, LED candles are a great alternative to the real thing.
Plus, you can use the timer feature to have them light up by themselves as the guests find their seats!
Personalized Wooden Candle Holder
Personalized Engraved Wooden Candle Holder
Check Price on EtsyWe love the rustic feel of these centerpieces.
Have them engraved to match your overall theme and turn them into a fun keepsake for your guests!
Unscented Floating Candles
Set of 12 White or Ivory Floating Candles
Check Price on EtsyIf you’re planning a backyard or tented wedding, then look no further!
These floating candles will fit your theme to a T. Consider floating them in mason jars and decorate with twine.Â
Gold Votive Candle Holders
Gold Votive Candle Holders
Check Price on EtsyThese small candle holders are the perfect addition if you’re going for a soft and romantic feel.
The gold finish will certainly create some interesting light effects once the candles burn.
Tall Rustic White Candles
Rustic White Tall Candle Set
Check Price on EtsyCombine these tall rustic holders with a flower arrangement for a natural look, or emphasize the shabby-chic effect by pairing them with reclaimed objects.
Real Wax Flameless Candles
Pottery Barn Premium Flicker Flameless Votive Candle
Check Price on EtsyFlameless candles are an alternative and safe option for indoor venues.
We like these LED candles because they use real wax and look just like the real thing. Plus, the birch design will work well with natural themes and soft color palettes.
White Lotus Floating Candles
White Lotus Floating Candles
Check Price on EtsyWedding candle centerpieces don’t have to replace traditional flower arrangements!
Why not combine the two trends with these serene white lotus? They make beautiful candle wedding favors too!Â
Wood Candle Lantern Centerpieces
Wooden Wedding Lantern Centerpiece
Check Price on EtsyThese centerpieces are ideal for larger reception tables.
We love the way the lantern design frames the candles while creating a protective box around the open flames.
Tealight Candle Holders
Handmade Concrete Tealight Candle Holders
Check Price on EtsyThese small candle holders use geometric shapes to add a touch of class and modernity to your wedding.
Give them away as wedding favors so guests can reuse them as cute succulent planters!
Love Lantern Wood and Glass Candle Holder
Love Lantern Wood and Glass Candle Holder
Check Price on EtsyThis love lantern uses an intricate cutout design.
We love that it will create a diffuse and intimate effect since guests won’t look at the open flame directly. We recommend it for a statement piece on a large table!
Wine Bottle Candle
Upcycled Wine Bottle Soy Wax Candle
Check Price on EtsyThese reclaimed candle holders are fun and original.
They use the lower portion of old wine bottles and would make a fun addition to a relaxed outdoor wedding. Pick a different wine bottle and essential oil for each table.
Geometric Gold Lanterns
Gold Geometric Hanging Lantern
Check Price on EtsyUsing small votives creates a sophisticated effect, but it can be easy to have guests overlook them
This hanging candle holder is the perfect remedy. It will stand out with its geometric design and make smaller flames a lot more noticeable.
Mirrored Candle Holder Centerpiece
Mirrored Antique Style Candle Holder
Check Price on EtsyThese handmade centerpieces use the natural beauty of wood.
Besides showcasing the rich grain of the wood, it also has a mirrored effect that will reflect open flames for a warm atmosphere.
Tall Black & Gold Candle Holder Centerpiece
Tall Black and Gold Geometric Candle Holder
Check Price on EtsyThese centerpieces make a statement with their black and gold color pattern.
The colors evoke luxury, and the caged design will shield guests from open flames.
We also like the fact that these holders have small handles so guests can safely move them out of the way if needed.
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Brass Candelabra
Vintage Brass 4-Arm Candelabra
Check Price on EtsyFor a vintage effect, think about adorning your reception tables with some candelabras.
We think these would look beautiful amongst romantic flowers like roses, for a real statement piece.Â
Farmhouse Lantern Centerpiece
Round Lantern Candle Holder Wood Design
Check Price on EtsyAre you planning a DIY wedding?
You can download the digital files for these laser cutout farmhouse lanterns and make them yourself. Feel free to play with colors and customize them!
Handmade Crystal Candle Holder
Handmade Crystal Candle Holder
Check Price on EtsyThese delicate holders will look just right if you’re planning a boho wedding.
Luxurious and glam, we also like the texture of the crystal that perfectly reflects the light.
Concrete and Green Glass Tealight
Green Glass and Gray Concrete Tealight Holder
Check Price on EtsyThis concrete and glass candle holder is a one-of-a-kind modern centerpiece that is sure to be the talk of the party!Â
We like the mix of green glass that evokes nature and contemporary concrete.
Mix and match different materials to create a unique effect!
Crochet Table Centerpieces
Hand-Crocheted Cotton Table Centerpieces
Check Price on EtsyThese elegant crochet table centerpieces can fit small votive candles.
The delicate crochet design will match a rustic-themed wedding, and the crochet will cast some interesting shadows as the evening progresses.
Sand and Seashell Candle Holders
Sand and Seashell Glass Candle Holders
Check Price on EtsyThese candle holders are fun and playful.
Wine glasses are turned upside down to make a unique candlestick filled with sand and seashells; the perfect centerpiece for a beach wedding!
Why not steal some inspiration from this idea and create some fun DIY centerpieces filled with different elements?!
White Candle Sand
White Candle Sand Wax
Check Price on EtsyDon’t see any centerpieces that match your theme on this list? Don’t worry, you can make your own with this candle sand!
All you have to do is pour the sand into a vessel of your choice and add a wick.
This fun DIY project will help you incorporate a wide range of reclaimed items into your reception. Why not even use a different item for each table?
Wood Candle Holders With Wooden Heart Shape
Wooden Heart-Shaped Candle Holders
Check Price on EtsyThese wood candle holders stand out thanks to their heart cutout design.
We love that this romantic centerpiece represents love whilst using a material that will work with a rustic or natural theme.
Mint Taper Candles
Green Mint Scented Taper Candle
Check Price on EtsyThe delicate scent of these mint candlesticks will definitely set the mood for your reception!
We like the idea of using green instead of the traditional white to add a splash of color to your reception tables. Plus, the green color almost mimics a flower arrangement.
Tall Geo Candle or Floral Centerpiece
Tall Gold Geometric Centerpiece
Check Price on EtsyThis piece is a versatile option. It’s a geometric holder that you can use to house a candle or a small arrangement of flowers.
The geometric lines and metallic accents will add a touch of modernity to your wedding decor, and you can easily personalize them with other elements of your choice.
Your Guide to Selecting Wedding Candle Centerpieces
The centerpieces you choose should match the theme and color palette of your event, but there are a few additional considerations if you’re considering centerpieces with candles.
Table Size
Small votive candles won’t quite make the splash you were hoping for if you display them on large tables.
Instead, opt for larger statement pieces with a bit of height like pillar candles. Or add flowers to make more of an impact.Â
Lighting Sources
It’s important to consider the different light sources in your venue. Your candle centerpieces will add a soft glow, but watch out for light sources that could overpower them.
Avoid candle centerpieces for an outdoor reception that will take place in the daytime. You should also avoid light sources placed directly above the tables so the candles can stand out more.
Scented or Unscented?
Scented anything is a win in our book but don’t overdo the potency!
While a beautiful scent can certainly contribute to the atmosphere of your wedding, keep in mind that some of your guests might be sensitive to smells!
Open Flames or Flameless Candles?
There are some obvious safety considerations when using candles at your wedding.
We recommend candle holders that shield the guests from open flames, especially if they’re likely to reach over the table.
You should also check with your venue and make sure they allow candles!
Practical Considerations
Don’t forget to plan for lighting the candles, if possible before the guests take their seats. You should also look for holders that will catch any wax drippings.