If you're planning your big day – or if you're a wedding planner piecing together the perfect ambiance – you know that wedding candles are a mood setter, a style statement, and a flickering guide to an evening filled with romance and memories.
One consideration when planning your reception is determining how many candles per table. A wedding venue, after all, must radiate the perfect blend of warmth and intimacy. Whether you're dotting your tables with delicate tea lights or anchoring centerpieces with majestic pillars, each choice adds a brushstroke to the masterpiece that is your wedding day.
With that in mind, we'll walk you through each candle type and the ins and outs of candle quantifying, ensuring that every table is lit just right – neither too sparse to notice nor too crowded to converse over. Let's light the way to a beautifully illuminated celebration!
Candle Quantities for Different Table Sizes
When planning your wedding table décor, one of the elements to consider is the number and type of candles you'll use to create the perfect ambiance. Different table sizes require varying amounts of candles to achieve a balanced and beautiful glow. Below, we outline the ideal candle quantities for round and rectangular tables, helping you to illuminate your celebration flawlessly and with style.
Candles for 5 ft. Round Tables
For intimate gatherings around 5 ft. round tables, a magical setup includes:
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Pillar Candles: 2-3 large or 4-5 small, providing a solid, eye-catching centerpiece.
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Votive Candles: 5-7 candles to cast a soft, inviting glow around the table.
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Taper Candles: 3-4 candles, perfect for adding height and elegance.
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Floating Candles: 3-5, arranged in a large bowl or several smaller ones for a dreamy effect.
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Tea Lights: 7-12, ideal for sprinkling a little starlight across the table.
Candles for 6 ft. Round Tables
When setting up 6 ft. round tables, consider these candle quantities for an enchanting evening:
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Pillar Candles: 3-4 large or 5-6 small to serve as the focal point.
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Votive Candles: 5-7 to create a warm perimeter of light.
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Taper Candles: 4-5, adding vertical drama and sophistication.
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Floating Candles: 3-5, for a serene and picturesque water feature.
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Tea Lights: 7-12, to ensure the entire surface flickers with inviting light.
Candles for 8 ft. Round Tables
For larger 8 ft. round tables, amplify the ambiance with:
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Pillar Candles: 4-5 large or 6-7 small, making a grand statement.
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Votive Candles: 5-7, enveloping the table in warmth.
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Taper Candles: 5-6, soaring above with classic grace.
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Floating Candles: 3-5 in expansive arrangements.
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Tea Lights: 7-12, scattered to fill every inch with twinkling light.
Candles for Standard 6 ft. Rectangular Tables
On standard 6 ft. rectangular tables, set a refined scene with:
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Pillar Candles: 4-5 large, spaced for an even, luxurious spread.
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Votive Candles: 6-8, offering a continuous line of light.
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Taper Candles: 4-6, lining the center for an elongated visual impact.
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Floating Candles: 4-5, adding a soft, flowing element.
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Tea Lights: 8-13, complementing the other candles with their delicate glow.
Candles for Long 8 ft. Rectangular Tables
For the grand 8 ft. rectangular tables, consider:
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Pillar Candles: 6-7 large, commanding attention and admiration.
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Votive Candles: 7-9, ensuring light reaches every guest.
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Taper Candles: 6-8, creating a regal and refined skyline.
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Floating Candles: 6-7, for visual interest and variety.
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Tea Lights: 9-15, perfect for filling extensive table landscapes.
Wedding Table Candle Guide
Now it's time to answer the question of how many candles – be they pillars, tea lights, floating, tapers, or votives – per table. To help you visualize the setups, below is a detailed chart that outlines the recommended number of each type of candle per table size. This visual aid will allow you to quickly reference and make decisions based on your table arrangements and overall wedding theme.
| Wedding Table Candle Guide | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candle Type | 5 ft Round Table | 6 ft Round Table | 8 ft Round Table | Standard 6 ft Rectangular Table | Long 8 ft Rectangular Table |
| Pillar Candles | 2-3 large or 4-5 small | 3-4 large or 5-6 small | 4-5 large or 6-7 small | 4-5 large | 6-7 large |
| Votive Candles | 5-7 | 5-7 | 5-7 | 6-8 | 7-9 |
| Taper Candles | 3-4 | 4-5 | 5-6 | 4-6 | 6-8 |
| Floating Candles | 3-5 in one large bowl or several smaller bowls | 3-5 in one large bowl or several smaller bowls | 3-5 in one large bowl or several smaller bowls | 4-5 | 6-7 |
| Tea Lights | 7-12 | 7-12 | 7-12 | 8-13 | 9-15 |
Types of Candles for Wedding Tables
Choosing the right type of candle for your wedding tables is like selecting the perfect accessories for your wedding dress – they must complement the overall theme and enhance the atmosphere. Here's a breakdown of the most popular candle types to consider for your celebration:
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Pillar Candles: The stalwarts of wedding décor, pillar candles stand tall and proud, offering a solid presence and a long burn time. They're perfect for making a statement in large venues or on spacious tables where their stately elegance can truly shine.
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Votive Candles: These small but mighty candles are ideal for creating a soft, shimmering glow. Nestled in elegant holders, votive candles are perfect for intimate table settings where every flicker brings warmth and closeness.
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Taper Candles: For a touch of classic sophistication, taper candles are the go-to. Their slender form and dignified height make them excellent for formal weddings, casting a graceful light that elongates tablescapes.
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Floating Candles: Add a touch of whimsy to your wedding tables with floating candles. Set in bowls of water, these candles are particularly captivating and can be adorned with floral arrangements or decorative pebbles to reflect your wedding theme.
Tea Lights: Tea lights can be scattered liberally across your tables to create a starlit effect. They're especially effective in glass holders, where their light twinkles charmingly throughout the evening.
Considerations for Every Corner of Your Celebration
As you dot your celebration with the gentle glow of candles, don't forget those less obvious spots that also deserve a touch of light. Make sure to illuminate hidden gems like the bar, gift table, escort card table, and any other special stations (like a mask table, perhaps?). These areas might be overlooked, but they're key players in setting the overall mood of your venue.
Here's a little insider tip: it's wise to have a few extra candles on hand. Your florist or wedding planner can work their magic, placing them in nooks and crannies you might not have considered, ensuring that every corner feels included in your special day.
When arranging candles, displaying them in odd numbers can create a more visually engaging setup. This designer's trick tends to make decorations look more natural and dynamic. However, this is your day – so if even numbers speak to your soul, then let your symmetrical flag fly!
If you're feeling uncertain about how it all might come together, why not set up a table mockup at home? It's a great way to play around with arrangements and see what looks best before the big day rolls around.
And a final, crucial note: always double-check your venue's policy on open flames to ensure you're all set to light those candles safely. It's a small detail that can make a big difference in planning your perfectly lit celebration.
Why Choose Kisco Candles for Your Wedding?
When selecting candles for your wedding, the quality, variety, and value of the products are paramount. Here's why Kisco Candles should be your go-to source for all your wedding candle needs:
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Unmatched Quality: At Kisco Candles, we pride ourselves on offering Bolsius candles, which are made to the highest standards. These unscented candles are dripless and smokeless, crafted to ensure a clean, long-lasting burn. You can trust that the ambiance they create will last throughout your entire event without diminishing.
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Incredible Variety: Whatever your theme or style, our extensive range of candle types – from pillars to votives, tapers to tea lights, and floating candles – ensures you can find the perfect match for your wedding décor.
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Economical Bulk Purchases: Planning a wedding can be costly, which is why we offer special rates on bulk purchases. Buying in bulk helps keep your budget in check and ensures you have consistent quality and style across all your event spaces. This is ideal for large weddings where many tables need the same type of candle.
- Flexibility and Convenience: We understand that wedding planning can be stressful, which is why our customer service is geared toward making your purchasing process as easy and flexible as possible. Whether you need a quick shipment or have a custom order, our team is here to help ensure everything goes smoothly.
Keep the Flame Alive With Bolsius Wedding Candles From Kisco
Bolsius candles from Kisco are a timeless and elegant choice for wedding décor, offering both beauty and a warm ambiance. By understanding how many candles to use per table and selecting the right types for your event, you'll ensure that your wedding glows as brightly as your future together. Be sure to visit Kisco Candles and explore our entire selection. Here's to a bright and joyful celebration!
Shop All Wedding CandlesHow Many Candles Per Table at Weddings
When planning the candle decor for a wedding, numerous questions may arise. Here are some common FAQs to help guide you through the decision-making process. If you have additional questions, please get in touch.
How do I decide on the type of candle to use at my wedding?
Consider the theme and style of your wedding. Pillar candles are great for a grand and formal look, votives create a warm, intimate atmosphere, taper candles suit elegant, traditional settings, and floating candles are ideal for adding a whimsical touch to your décor.
How can I ensure candle safety at my wedding?
Always use stable and non-flammable holders or containers. Keep candles away from flammable materials like drapes or floral arrangements. If outdoors, consider the wind conditions and use protective enclosures to prevent the candles from going out or tipping over. Also, a fire extinguisher should always be accessible in case of emergency.
What are some tips for maximizing candle life during the event?
Choose high-quality candles designed to burn longer, and consider the duration of your event when selecting candle sizes. Lighting the candles at the right time – just before guests enter the reception area – ensures they burn throughout the event without going out too early. Trim the wicks before lighting to help the candles burn more evenly and slowly.
Can I mix different types of candles on the same table?
Absolutely! Mixing different types of candles can add depth and interest to your tablescapes. For instance, combining tall taper candles with shorter votives and a few tea lights can create a layered lighting effect that's beautiful and functional.
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