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.

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

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

Photo by Kurstin Roe Photography

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

Christina Joy Photograpy

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

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!