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20 Best Wedding Candle Centerpieces To Make Your Reception Glow

Photo: instagram
Candle centerpieces

Wedding centerpieces are a small detail, but one that is noticed. And candle centerpieces are a great way to make an elegant, unique, or fun statement without being expensive or a big time investment.

Whether going with votives, tea candles, string lights, or pairing them with wine glasses, flowers or fresh herbs, these candle holders can go in many directions. And guess what? All will look fabulous and beautiful on the big day.

1. Waves of candles

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Majeda Kassir Bisharat (@myeventdesign) on Jul 4, 2019 at 3:40pm PDT

Sometimes the way the candles are set up, like a cascading wave in this example, matter more than the candles themselves. And this design gives the lights a surreal, dream-like quality.

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

RELATED: The 18 Best Wedding Flowers & Arrangements You Can Buy Online (& Get Delivered Straight To Your Venue)

2. Glassware

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by A Perfect Petal (@aperfectpetal) on Nov 2, 2018 at 3:03pm PDT

Putting the candles into various forms of glassware can give height, texture and dimension, especially if you use various types of glasses.

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

3. Lanterns

Using the lantern as a way to encase the candle makes the centerpiece even more romantic. Surround it with flowers to add more passion to the look.

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

4. Flavors of fall

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Sharon Blanchard (@blanchard6910) on Nov 24, 2018 at 1:08am PST

Add some fresh fall flowers or herbs around the candle to add color and depth to the centerpiece and tell the story of the season.

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

5. Champagne flute

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by LaTesha & Kimtiegria (@latiegriaseventdesign) on Aug 13, 2019 at 6:12am PDT

What’s more festive and elegant than candles in a champagne flute? Keep it classy!

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

6. Tea lights

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by The Lace Bouquet (@thelacebouquet) on Aug 12, 2019 at 7:13am PDT

Tea lights are a romantic and understated way to light a candle. It's also perfect for an intimate moonlit evening wedding.

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

7. Wrapped in leaves

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Demi Pieris (@giftedbydemi) on Aug 11, 2019 at 9:46pm PDT

Fresh earthy and leafy greens offer beautiful contrast with white candles, making the result fresh and pretty. Just wrap two-tone leaves around each candle for a fun DIY project.

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

8. Wood backdrop

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Madeira Designs (@madeira.designs) on Aug 11, 2019 at 4:08pm PDT

While we’re not normally imagining wood and fire as being best buds, this walnut backdrop is divine with the candles, and it's a fun idea for a rustic wedding.

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

9. Customize with names

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by NCandles (@candlesn1) on Aug 7, 2019 at 7:31am PDT

Everything else at the wedding will be custom, so why not get the bride and groom’s names or wedding date engraved on the candles, too?

(Etsy, $10)

10. Martinis

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Pieces and Posies (@piecesandposies) on Aug 5, 2019 at 4:03pm PDT

Do you both love a dry martini? Put your candles in martini glasses. It looks so fun and elegant.

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

RELATED: 15 Cheap DIY Wedding Table Centerpiece Decoration Ideas (That Won't Break The Bank)

11. Fish bowl

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Demi Pieris (@giftedbydemi) on Aug 3, 2019 at 7:08am PDT

Maybe you met at an aquarium or maybe you both just love your pet goldfish. Still candles in a fish bowl are fun and full of whimsy.

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

12. Campfire

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Noah Arvidson (@animascraftwoodworks) on Jul 31, 2019 at 3:37pm PDT

This glowing woodsy tea candle holder looks totally like a campfire and will be perfect for an outdoor wedding.

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

13. Butterflies

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Dyan Seigler (@dyanseigler2) on Jul 30, 2019 at 9:40pm PDT

Butterflies are magical and beautiful, as are these rhinestone butterfly candle holders.

(Etsy, $8)

14. Pottery art

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Puzzle Pots (@puzzlepots) on Jul 8, 2019 at 2:50am PDT

This pottery art looks something like stones one would find on a beach. But it also feels homespun and natural, like love and your life together (hopefully).

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

15. Abstract art

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Moheeni Paul (@moheenipauldesigns) on Jun 23, 2019 at 10:44pm PDT

Have a favorite pattern? Why not work it into the candles, be it color, theme, or just something that is uniquely you?

(Etsy, $18.96)

16. Bed of flowers

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by petal & partridge (@petalandpartridge) on Apr 27, 2019 at 7:03am PDT

Just lke that Bon Jovi song about bed of roses. Putting your candles in a bed of flowers can be gorgeous and fragrant.

(Walmart, $18.89)

17. Pink and gold

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by The Floral Archist  (@purejoyflowers) on Mar 26, 2019 at 10:07am PDT

Nothing is more feminine than pink, and nothing is more elegant than gold. These candles play off the regal gold and the pretty pink for a feel that is royal and elegant.

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

18. Crystal candelabras 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by RG Creations Floral (@rgcreationsfloral) on Feb 17, 2019 at 11:12am PST

It’s a bit gothic but still rather fabulous, and candelabras are a guaranteed win.

(Walmart, $69.99)

19. Pink crackle glass

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Diane Sousa (@oceanartbydiane) on Feb 12, 2019 at 2:40pm PST

What fun is this? It's perfect for the artisinal couple trying to make a statement.

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

20. Photo finish

Is that the Roman Colosseum? If you have a picture or a memory that is especially meaningful, work it into your candle centerpiece.

(Etsy, $50.50)

RELATED: 20 Best Wedding Card Box Ideas

Aly Walansky is a NY-based lifestyles writer who focuses on health, wellness, and relationships. Her work appears in dozens of digital and print publications regularly. Visit her on Twitter or email her.

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