Candles, Lanterns, Votives and more

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.

Floral centerpiece for National Museum of Women in the Arts wedding DC

Photo by Ethan Yang

Photo by Charles Archambault

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.

Photo by Jensen Sutta Photography

Petal's Edge | Real Wedding: Laura and Grant at The Dupont Circle Hotel | Washington DC Wedding Florist

Photo by Wars to Weddings

Floating Candles

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

Photo by K. Thompson Photography

White Phalaenopsis orchid centerpiece for Fairmont DC Hotel Wedding, the ultimate in the luxury of an art deco wedding

Photo by Kurstin Roe Photography

Candles ringed with flowers at Westin Georgetown Hotel wedding

Photo by Todd Frame Photography

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.

Christina J. Fox Photography

Candlelit wedding at Hotel Monaco in Washington DC

Christina Joy Photograpy

Taper candles stand at each arm of a candelabra.

Photo by Rebecca Emily Drobis

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

Photo by Lisa Boggs Photography

Photo by Amy Deputy Photography

Photo courtesy Petal’s Edge

Highlighting a Focal Point

Petal's Edge | Real Wedding: Rebecca and Jason - Torpedo Factory Wedding | Washington DC Wedding Florist

Photo by Amie Otto

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!

Eric & David wanted their wedding design to feel distinctly masculine. When we began talking about centerpieces, they shared an idea that immediately captured our imagination: instead of relying on flowers alone, they envisioned tables that felt more like a European picnic spread than a traditional wedding reception.⁣
⁣
They described the feeling of wandering through a French farmers` market. Imagine baskets of fresh produce, crusty breadsticks, jars of pickles, wedges of cheese, a bottle of wine waiting to be opened. Abundant, welcoming, a little unexpected, and full of character.⁣
⁣
It was such a refreshing departure from conventional wedding décor and the perfect source of inspiration for a celebration that felt deeply personal to them. It’s not a surprise that we’re seeing a return to this aesthetic these days. Some of the best design ideas begin not with a photograph or a trend, but with a story. This one painted a picture we couldn`t wait to bring to life.⁣
⁣
📍@decaturhouse⁣
🍽 @maineventcaterersdc⁣
📷 @stephenbobb⁣
💐 @petalsedgedc⁣
📋 @smevents

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Open post by petalsedgedc with ID 17932173972090177

Eric & David wanted their wedding design to feel distinctly masculine. When we began talking about centerpieces, they shared an idea that immediately captured our imagination: instead of relying on flowers alone, they envisioned tables that felt more like a European picnic spread than a traditional wedding reception.⁣
⁣
They described the feeling of wandering through a French farmers' market. Imagine baskets of fresh produce, crusty breadsticks, jars of pickles, wedges of cheese, a bottle of wine waiting to be opened. Abundant, welcoming, a little unexpected, and full of character.⁣
⁣
It was such a refreshing departure from conventional wedding décor and the perfect source of inspiration for a celebration that felt deeply personal to them. It’s not a surprise that we’re seeing a return to this aesthetic these days. Some of the best design ideas begin not with a photograph or a trend, but with a story. This one painted a picture we couldn't wait to bring to life.⁣
⁣
📍@decaturhouse⁣
🍽 @maineventcaterersdc⁣
📷 @stephenbobb⁣
💐 @petalsedgedc⁣
📋 @smevents

What started in my basement — just me, a laptop, and a lot of late nights — has grown into something I could have only dreamed of back then. Today, we’re a team working out of a 1,500 sq ft space, creating events that once only lived in my imagination.⁣
⁣
It hasn’t always been easy. We learned a lot of good lessons early, but the pandemic and the years after have really been the test of all tests. There were times when giving up might have felt easier, but I felt a deep responsibility to the clients who trusted us with their most meaningful days. I found support in the most surprising places when we needed it, and we kept going. I’m endlessly grateful that we did.⁣
⁣
Petal’s Edge has always been more than a business. It’s a team. The faces might occasionally change, but the talent, thoughtfulness, and work ethic always remain. A community of people who show up for one another, challenge each other creatively, and care deeply about the work we put into the world. Together, we’ve built a standard rooted in intention, collaboration, and beauty that lasts.⁣
⁣
The photos show a little of our journey, from our very first studio in Old Town Alexandria to the storage unit we briefly occupied when we lost the space to our current space on Oronoco Street… which, if I’m honest, already feels a little snug some days. 😬

122 36

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What started in my basement — just me, a laptop, and a lot of late nights — has grown into something I could have only dreamed of back then. Today, we’re a team working out of a 1,500 sq ft space, creating events that once only lived in my imagination.⁣
⁣
It hasn’t always been easy. We learned a lot of good lessons early, but the pandemic and the years after have really been the test of all tests. There were times when giving up might have felt easier, but I felt a deep responsibility to the clients who trusted us with their most meaningful days. I found support in the most surprising places when we needed it, and we kept going. I’m endlessly grateful that we did.⁣
⁣
Petal’s Edge has always been more than a business. It’s a team. The faces might occasionally change, but the talent, thoughtfulness, and work ethic always remain. A community of people who show up for one another, challenge each other creatively, and care deeply about the work we put into the world. Together, we’ve built a standard rooted in intention, collaboration, and beauty that lasts.⁣
⁣
The photos show a little of our journey, from our very first studio in Old Town Alexandria to the storage unit we briefly occupied when we lost the space to our current space on Oronoco Street… which, if I’m honest, already feels a little snug some days. 😬

Winter is coming... So this is your seasonal reminder that winter weddings don`t have to be white!⁣
⁣
For Tiffiannii & Minerva`s celebration, we traded icy palettes and evergreen-heavy designs for rich layers of plum, raspberry, mauve, and violet. The result felt warm, vibrant, and full of life in the middle of December.⁣
⁣
Jewel tones can go one of two ways: richly layered or overwhelmingly heavy. The secret is contrast. Lighter accents, varied textures, and flowers with natural movement kept the palette feeling romantic and dynamic rather than dense.⁣
Proof that winter wedding flowers can be colorful, dramatic, and every bit as seasonal as the traditional reds, greens, and whites.⁣
⁣
One of our favorite color stories.⁣
⁣
@wishuponawedding⁣
Planning | @weddingsbykristy⁣
Venue | @citizensballroom⁣
Photography | @emchastainphoto⁣
Videography | @buxtonmediaproductionsweddings⁣
Video + Content Creation | @socialsparkbybetsy⁣
Catering | @spilledmilkdc⁣
Florist | @petalsedgedc⁣
DJ | @mydeejay⁣
Rentals | @dcreventrentals⁣
Photo booth | @bookextraordinary⁣
Live Portrait Painter | @spencergraceartspace⁣
Cocktail Hour Musician | Amanda Tillemann⁣
Typewriter Poet | @wordsbydj⁣
Cake | @plantbakedbysarah⁣
Dessert | @spilledmilkdc⁣
Hair & Makeup | @carlapressleyhairmakeup⁣
Officiant | @weddingceremoniesbyjeff⁣
Donated Flowers | @dcflowersdirect⁣
Floral Donation | @petalshare⁣
Invitations | @slateandbrush⁣
Day-of Stationery | @slateandbrush and @mintedweddings⁣
Dress | @thebridalroomva and @capecodformals⁣
Ceremony Elements | @unityinglass

30 6

Open post by petalsedgedc with ID 18197343079321530

Winter is coming... So this is your seasonal reminder that winter weddings don't have to be white!⁣
⁣
For Tiffiannii & Minerva's celebration, we traded icy palettes and evergreen-heavy designs for rich layers of plum, raspberry, mauve, and violet. The result felt warm, vibrant, and full of life in the middle of December.⁣
⁣
Jewel tones can go one of two ways: richly layered or overwhelmingly heavy. The secret is contrast. Lighter accents, varied textures, and flowers with natural movement kept the palette feeling romantic and dynamic rather than dense.⁣
Proof that winter wedding flowers can be colorful, dramatic, and every bit as seasonal as the traditional reds, greens, and whites.⁣
⁣
One of our favorite color stories.⁣
⁣
@wishuponawedding⁣
Planning | @weddingsbykristy⁣
Venue | @citizensballroom⁣
Photography | @emchastainphoto⁣
Videography | @buxtonmediaproductionsweddings⁣
Video + Content Creation | @socialsparkbybetsy⁣
Catering | @spilledmilkdc⁣
Florist | @petalsedgedc⁣
DJ | @mydeejay⁣
Rentals | @dcreventrentals⁣
Photo booth | @bookextraordinary⁣
Live Portrait Painter | @spencergraceartspace⁣
Cocktail Hour Musician | Amanda Tillemann⁣
Typewriter Poet | @wordsbydj⁣
Cake | @plantbakedbysarah⁣
Dessert | @spilledmilkdc⁣
Hair & Makeup | @carlapressleyhairmakeup⁣
Officiant | @weddingceremoniesbyjeff⁣
Donated Flowers | @dcflowersdirect⁣
Floral Donation | @petalshare⁣
Invitations | @slateandbrush⁣
Day-of Stationery | @slateandbrush and @mintedweddings⁣
Dress | @thebridalroomva and @capecodformals⁣
Ceremony Elements | @unityinglass

When couples ask why large ceremony installations cost what they do, this is part of the answer.

The flowers matter, of course. But so do the ladders, mechanics, installation team, engineering, timing, and experience required to safely transform a space at scale.

This greenery-covered dome at the Omni Shoreham started as a simple structure and became a transformed garden canopy for a few short hours. Then, just as quickly, it came down.
That’s the strange thing about wedding flowers. Hundreds of stems. Hours of work. One beautiful moment.

And apparently one bee who felt qualified to supervise the entire project. 🐝

📍 @omnishorehamhotel
📷 @brigittereneephoto
💐 @petalsedgedc
📋 @smevents

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Open post by petalsedgedc with ID 17873327772505828

When couples ask why large ceremony installations cost what they do, this is part of the answer.

The flowers matter, of course. But so do the ladders, mechanics, installation team, engineering, timing, and experience required to safely transform a space at scale.

This greenery-covered dome at the Omni Shoreham started as a simple structure and became a transformed garden canopy for a few short hours. Then, just as quickly, it came down.
That’s the strange thing about wedding flowers. Hundreds of stems. Hours of work. One beautiful moment.

And apparently one bee who felt qualified to supervise the entire project. 🐝

📍 @omnishorehamhotel
📷 @brigittereneephoto
💐 @petalsedgedc
📋 @smevents

If you’re getting married at the Torpedo Factory Art Center, here’s what most couples miss:⁣
You don’t have to “match” the industrial vibe. You can balance it.⁣
⁣
Sally & Kevin leaned fully into romance… blush, ivory, soft greens, gold vessels… and it worked because contrast creates impact.⁣
We layered the design intentionally:⁣
⁣
✨ Rounded ceremony pieces to soften the architecture⁣
⁣
✨ Repurposed arrangements into the reception (smart budget move)⁣
⁣
✨ Alternating low + tall centerpieces to carry your eye through that long space⁣
⁣
Result? A room that felt warm, elevated, and completely transformed. This is where design matters. Not just what you choose, but how it all works together.⁣
⁣
📍 @torpedofactory⁣
🍽 @spilledmilkdc⁣
📷 @meghanelizabethphotography⁣
💐 @petalsedged⁣
📋 @amaviweddingsevents

9 2

Open post by petalsedgedc with ID 18095339059940930

If you’re getting married at the Torpedo Factory Art Center, here’s what most couples miss:⁣
You don’t have to “match” the industrial vibe. You can balance it.⁣
⁣
Sally & Kevin leaned fully into romance… blush, ivory, soft greens, gold vessels… and it worked because contrast creates impact.⁣
We layered the design intentionally:⁣
⁣
✨ Rounded ceremony pieces to soften the architecture⁣
⁣
✨ Repurposed arrangements into the reception (smart budget move)⁣
⁣
✨ Alternating low + tall centerpieces to carry your eye through that long space⁣
⁣
Result? A room that felt warm, elevated, and completely transformed. This is where design matters. Not just what you choose, but how it all works together.⁣
⁣
📍 @torpedofactory⁣
🍽 @spilledmilkdc⁣
📷 @meghanelizabethphotography⁣
💐 @petalsedged⁣
📋 @amaviweddingsevents

Rainy wedding weekends just hit different. Blue patterned linens, chinoiserie vases, garden inspired blooms in shades of peach, white, green, and blue, plus bridesmaids in the prettiest soft blue created a design that felt equal parts timeless and romantic. Proof that a little rain only makes the flowers look better. ☔️🩵

📍 @riverfarm_va
🍽️ @tastefulaffairscatering
📷 @vnessphotography
💐 @petalsedgedc
📋 @dragonfly_events_design

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