CANDLE CENTERPIECES Besides the floral decoration on Your Guest's Tables there are many other decorations to use as or in combination with Your Centerpieces. Candles, in all their shapes and sizes, can give any table a romantic feel with the soft, warm glow of candle light. Although We have talked about candles in some sections there is still much to learn. Always check with Reception site regarding candle use and restrictions before you do any serious consideration and planning. The most recognizable candle shape is that of the Taper. Itʼs linear shape makes it a desirable addition to any Centerpiece. They range in sizes of 6” to 24”. Their colors are unlimited. Most Centerpiece Arrangements can accommodate any of the heights. The taller the candle the larger the arrangement will appear. This choice will depend on many things; how long the candles need to to remain lit, the size of the table, indoors or outdoors, with or with out coverings- hurricane or chimney. Table top Candelabras are now found in a variety of designs and made out of different materials than silver and pewter. Talking about the fabulous Crystal Candelabras now on the market. They can be dripping with hanging crystals that reflect the candle light or the more modern design of the Lamp Shade. These spectacular centerpieces are so stunning they can stand alone with out floral decorations. Others have the bottom surrounded with flowers in an arrangement or several small vases filled with wedding flowers. You will also find the candelabras with top floral arrangements that spill out and down toward the table or wrap around center to table. Huge Ostrich feathers are being used as the top decoration creating great height and a fuller appearance. Table Candelabras require the 12”-15” taper, although some have adapters to use votive candles and cups. These smaller candles give as softer glow. Many designers use these candelabras in mass down the center of a long table with spectacular results. Most candelabras can accept the refillable candle. These are plastic tubes, designed to look like taper candles, that push a specially designed candle (10”) up from the bottom through the top slowly by a spring. Can be found in 12ʼ and 15ʼ sizes. Many churches use them for their drip less qualities. Specialty tapers with designs worked in to the wax are normally used at the Altar for lighting of the Unity Candle, but could be used for candelabra and pew marker designing. Column Candles are described by their diameter size. They start in the 1”-1 1/2” range and can go up to 6” to 8” in size but 4” to 8” in height. The taller candles, called Pillar Candles, range in height of 4”, 6” & 9” sometimes up to 24 inches, with a diameter of 2” to 3”. These candles can both be found in solid wax or with hollow sides, plain and decorated. A mixture of the two types can create a centerpiece of their own. Column candles used in Centerpieces give a different look than that of the pillar or thinner taper candle. Their size demands more attention and they provide more show. They also burn longer than tapers. When combined with wreaths of fresh or silk flowers they can provide long lasting gifts. Their soft glow adds a very flattering light to any late afternoon or evening wedding. If an open flame is not allowed at your site you can find the same sizes in Battery Operated Candles. Not as much bright light but still romantic. Found in 4" to 9" tall, in ivory or white. Their no flame quality means you can use them in places a regular wax candle could not be used. When working with column, pillars or any candles, make sure there is something besides the table cloth under the candle to catch any melted wax. The floral centerpiece (if using), a mirror, a napkin or runner, paper or cotton doilies, paper place mats. A special florist trick is to keep candles in the refrigerator before the event, up to two weeks. Then bring them to room temperature for use. This will help them to burn longer and more evenly. Always avoid putting candle Centerpieces or candles near open windows or doors. This can cause the flame to bend and make the candle burn unevenly. To solve this problem place candle or votive in a holder that is above the flame by one inch. Chimneys and Hurricanes are wind protection for candles. And when you design your Centerpiece around them you will create an eye catching display. You will find some candelabras and pew markers with a Chimney option. As mentioned in Ceremony, the chimney adds to the overall appearance of the arrangement. They can very in size and shape, but you should find the 7 1/2 “ height with 2 1/2 base and the 10” height with 3” base in traditional design and the 6”-10” cylinder. There are available specifically designed Containers and holders to turn most arrangement in to this type of Centerpiece. Or you may chose to put the candle and chimney directly into the floral medium with an adapter. Hurricanes are much larger than chimneys. They can range in size from 8 3/4” up to 16” in height. Most table arrangements use the 8 3/4” and 11 1/2” sizes. These covers can protect tapers, column and pillar candles up to 3” in diameter. Many times large glass vases are also called hurricanes. Theses can found in a variety of sizes and shapes. Your most basic design being the hurricane glass, a single candle, and holder. From here any number of additions can be made to embellish this design. For example, You could use floral wreaths, scattered flowers, fresh greens, shredded cellophane or paper, moss, mirrors, wedding favors, confetti, dollies, etc. You can combine these to create your own look or idea. Hurricane arrangements can be an inexpensive centerpiece if you keep within the basic design. Votive Candles and their holders are a very versatile decorating tool for use with any Centerpiece. The candles of today offer an unlimited choice in color, scent, and shapes to accommodate any Wedding Theme. This also includes tea lights, small 5 hour candles compared to the 10-15 hour votive candle. The holders themselves can be made part of the centerpiece or used as accents around an arrangement or vase. New designs in shapes and colors widen your choice in votive holders. Clear glass holders with white votive candles or tea candles can be placed on Head Table, Guest Tables, food and bar tables, and other places where a candle accent is desired and keep within any Wedding Theme. If open flame is not allowed at your site there is a large assortment of battery operated votive candles and tea lights to chose from. Many can be submerged under water and in variety of colors. For the craft minded, votive holders can be personalized with printed ribbons or confetti cards, angles, gems, rhinestones, any thing you wish. Re-Used as gifts to Bridesmaids or as Favors for Guests incorporated into centerpiece design.
You can create a centerpiece with a ribbon runner, taper candle and bow for less than $5.00 each. Use 3 to 5 votives with candles, and flowers for around $12.00 to $15.00 per table (round 48”, 12 inch mirror). Included in the votive candle category are Floating Candles. These specially designed votives will float in about 2-3 inches of water. Found mostly in ivory and white, they now can be found other colors. Their size ranges from 1 inch diameter up to 3 inches. As with floating flowers, there are many different types of vases or dishes to choose from for Your Wedding Theme. You will find that many votive candle holders can be use with smaller floating candles. These floating candles can be used in spas, pools and fountains (where allowed) at Reception site. You can find larger floating candles in pool and spa stores. Note-to keep candles away from sides of spa or fountain, attach fishing line and weights to candle bottom and anchor them in place. Today's trend with floating candles is to use a tall cylinder vases, 12”-36”, with submerged flowers and a 2-3 inch candle floating on top. You can also find these candles in battery operated with a white or amber glow. They turn on automatically when placed in water, shut of when removed and carry a 60-72 hour battery life. Combined with this design is LED lighting from beneath. You can find a tea candle size, submersible LED lights in a array of colors to place in the bottom of the vase. Turned off and on by a remote control. Or place the vase on a LED light base. Draw Wick Lamps and Candles bring an old world charm to the Wedding. They offer the benefits of the soft candle glow of candle light with out the wax. New designs in shapes and scented fuels make these lamps versatile in both Ceremony and Reception. Many restaurants and hotels have oil lamps available for the Bride to use on tables. Use wreaths of flowers in floral foam or scattered flowers to accent lamps. Because they can have an open flame be sure to check with the site for restrictions. Buffet Food Tables are also a consideration for decorating. You can turn a simple, rented steamer tray in to a integral part of the Wedding decorations. With some ivy or other hearty greens and a few flowers. The change will surprise you and how easy it was. Candles and votives are very useful here. You can use tall, cylinder vases to house pillar candles. Flameless candles are becoming more popular for their warm glow and versatility. A special touch to the Buffet line is a printed and framed menu of the nights food they are being served. Many caterers decorate the food tables themselves, be sure to ask. Talk with your caterer or florist to coordinate flowers and greens with your Wedding colors and flowers. If not, you can reuse Pew Bows and Pew Decorations here. Tall Vase or Container arrangements, topiaries or potted plants, and Scattered Flowers all work well for these tables. Bring color in through table cloths, runners, napkins, ribbons, tulle and garlands. Beverage Tables are now a necessary item at today's Reception. Make Yours unforgettable by placement and decoration. Make the Table accessible to your Guests as they walk in the venue. Decorations can be as simple as a bud vase or a cluster of flowers and a votive candle, a vase arrangements or a smaller version of Guest Table Centerpiece. Have your table staffed or beverages ready to grab and go. If possible, have the non-alcohol and alcoholic on separate tables. Self serve beverages in large chilled urns set on vintage dressers, drawers are used to provide glasses. Or use a china hutch for glass disbursement Be creative and imaginative while adding to your Wedding Theme If not using tables, think of a canoe filled with ice and beverages. Two barrels with a wooden plank to server as a bar. Stacked pallets can make an excellent bar. The tail end of a pick-up truck can become a beverage table and bar. Decorate these places with flowers and greens from Your Wedding Theme. |