Candles, Lanterns, Votives and more

Candles, Lanterns, Votives and more

Table setting features a mix of pillar and votive candles.

There is nothing quite as romantic as a dinner lit by candles. Even just a few candles creates an inviting and warm glow. It always looks exceptionally beautiful to take that into the larger scale of a wedding celebration. So how will you do that? Candles (and flowers, of course). Today, though, we are focusing on candles and why you need (LOTS) of them.

There are many ways to incorporate candles into your reception. From votives to pillar candles, floating or taper candles, and even lanterns – each style of candle and each can be incorporated to make a big impact.

Votive Candles

Votive are the perfect finish to every table, whether to fill up, dress up, or add a little extra panache to the reception.

Pillar Candles

After votives, the next most popular style of candle to add to your table is a pillar candle. Frequently placed in a glass cylinder vase. Pillar candles have enough presence that they can form the core part of the centerpiece itself – though you still need a lot of them. They can also be interspersed along the length of a garland, elevated on candle holders or placed in lanterns.

Floating Candles

With the candle floating in water, floating candles add an ethereal and playful element to the table.

Taper Candles

Tapers are on of our favorite ways to add candlelight to the reception. While many venues now require flame to be enclosed, a glass chimney can surround a taper candle. Mechanical taper candles or LED candles can also provide a work around solution.

While candles are a great addition to your table, other parts of your event can benefit from that little glow. This is particularly true for any indoor ceremony.

Flanking an Aisle or Entrance
Highlighting a Focal Point

One final note: While no evening reception is completely without the candlelit glow, it is not a substitute for proper lighting in your venue. Those glowing tables you see on Pinterest, blogs and magazines? Pinspotting and uplighting create that out of this world romantic feel. The candles will add some light, but particularly in a large venue, much of that light will stay localized.

We hope you enjoyed this light-hearted inspiration! And as always, search our blog for more inspiration!

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Victorian elegance met modern romance at the Fairmont. ✨ Centerpieces have the power to set the tone for an entire ballroom. Half the guest tables featured tall silver candelabras topped with textured designs of hydrangea, roses, dahlias, and lisianthus in shades of pink and burgundy. More than accents, the elevated designs added height, repetition, and cohesion throughout the room. The balance of tables held silver footed bowls brimming with the same rich palette, styled in a looser, organic shape. Together, the mix of height, texture, and candlelight created a romantic atmosphere that was timeless and unforgettable — the kind of detail that takes a wedding from beautiful to truly show-stopping. 🌸✨

📍 @fairmontwashington 
📷 @roephoto 
💐 @petalsedgedc 
📋 @eventaccomplished
Diane & Michael’s autumn wedding at the Westin Georgetown redefined fall florals. 💙 Instead of the traditional rust and burgundy hues, their palette celebrated cooler tones: light blue hydrangea, lavender stock, and blue and lavender delphinium layered with roses and spray roses, even whimsical purple globe allium. Lush greenery framed the look, adding depth and texture. The result was elegant and unexpected — a design that felt fresh, refined, and utterly romantic in every detail. ✨

📍 @westingeorgetown 
📷 @themallorysphoto 
💐 @petalsedgedc
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  • Rustic spring wedding at St. Francis Hall featured soft neutral hues and lush greenery. Smilax and candle strewn aisle. Spirea accented elevated arrangements. Peonies. Garden roses. Petal's Edge is the Washington DC area's best wedding florist & corporate event floral design company, specializing in unique wedding flowers, event design, decor, bridal bouquets, floral installations & tablescapes for weddings in DC, Northern Virginia & Maryland.
  • White Lotus Mediterranean wedding theme. Citrus accents. Flower color blocking. Aisle flowers. Arch. Petal's Edge is Washington DC's best wedding florist & corporate event floral design company. Specializes in wedding flowers, event design, decor, bridal bouquets, floral installations, floral walls, backdrops, arches, Chuppahs, boutonnieres, floral centerpieces, tablescapes & more for weddings receptions & wedding ceremonies in Washington, DC, N. Virginia, Alexandria, Arlington, VA, Maryland.
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