13 creative wedding centerpieces featuring candles for every style
Your wedding decor is the perfect opportunity to express your style as a couple. Centerpieces are one of the most important reception decorations, as guests will see them up close at their tables. Although your wedding centerpieces should complement the overall vibe of your big day, they don't have to go with every other detail.
Few décor elements compare to the soft, flickering glow of candles when creating a romantic and unforgettable wedding atmosphere. Wedding centerpieces with candles offer a timeless and enchanting way to elevate your reception tables, bringing warmth, intimacy, and beauty to every setting.
Candles for wedding centerpieces
Candles are timeless and versatile for centerpieces, offering beauty and atmosphere. Their soft, flickering glow adds a sense of romance and intimacy to any reception, effortlessly transforming even the simplest table into something memorable. Unlike other décor elements, candles can suit any style—from rustic weddings to elegant black-tie affairs. They pair beautifully with florals, greenery, or minimal accents, allowing you to create centerpieces that feel personal and unique. Candles also come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, making them easy to customize according to your theme and color palette. Beyond their visual appeal, they also create a calming, inviting ambiance that guests will appreciate throughout the celebration. Simply put, candles are an effortless way to elevate your wedding tables with warmth and style.
Types of candles to use
Choosing the right type of candles for your centerpieces can make all the difference in achieving the look and mood you envision. Each candle style brings its own charm and visual effect, allowing you to mix and match for a truly customized and layered centerpiece display.
Taper candles
Elegant and refined, taper candles are a classic choice for wedding centerpieces. Their tall, slender silhouette instantly adds vertical interest and sophistication to any table setting.
Pillar candles
Pillar candles are thick, sturdy, and visually impactful. Their solid shape makes them a strong focal point on any table, whether used alone or in clustered arrangements.
Votive candles
Small but mighty, votive candles are a favorite for adding ambient lighting to wedding tables. Usually housed in small glass holders, votives are great for scattering across tables to create a glowing, starry effect.
Floating candles
Floating candles are a stunning option for a touch of magic and softness. These are typically placed in water-filled bowls, glass vases, or wide goblets and can be accented with petals, greenery, or stones beneath the water’s surface.
Tealight candles
The smallest and most versatile of all, tealights are perfect for layering light throughout your reception space. Though subtle, they’re incredibly effective when used in large numbers.
Sand wax candles
Sand wax candles are a unique and creative option that allows for full customization. Made from fine grains of colored wax, they can be poured into clear containers and shaped around a wick to create personalized designs.
How to display candles for wedding centerpieces?
Candles can serve as the center of attention in your centerpiece décor or as accent pieces that enhance the atmosphere of a floral arrangement or other innovative design. As you design your tablescape, consider the focal height you want and the items that complement your wedding theme or color scheme. In terms of placement, candles are usually placed in the middle of circular wedding tables, whereas they may be positioned anywhere along the length of rectangular tables. Make a model of your candle suggestions for wedding centerpieces and see what works best. You may choose to substitute a votive for a tealight or use towering tapers to increase the height. Experiment with the arrangement until you get it perfect.
13 elegant wedding candle centerpiece ideas
1. Taper candles and greenery
Tall taper candles paired with lush greenery create classic and elegant centerpieces. Perfect for long tables, this style adds height and soft romance. You can customize the candle holders in gold, black, or clear glass to match your theme while the greenery brings in freshness and texture for a timeless look.
2. Lantern candle décor
Lanterns with pillar candles make cozy, rustic wedding centerpieces. Whether vintage metal or wood, lanterns suit outdoor, fall, or boho weddings. Add greenery, seasonal flowers, or twinkle lights around the base to enhance the design. These centerpieces are versatile and create a glowing, intimate vibe for your guests.
3. Floating candles and petals
Glass bowls or tall vases filled with water, petals, and floating candles make elegant wedding decor. The reflection of candlelight on the water creates a soft, dreamy glow that works beautifully for evening receptions or romantic themes. Add rose petals or crystals to enhance the charm.
4. Mirrored candle trays
Mirrored trays holding a mix of votives and pillar candles reflect candlelight beautifully. These wedding decorations enhance any table with added sparkle and depth. You can pair them with minimal florals or greenery for a clean look, making them ideal for elegant or modern themes.
5. Minimalist white candle clusters
For a sleek, modern look, group white pillar candles of varying heights. These minimalist wedding décor ideas are clean, chic, and easy to style. Add greenery or dried elements around the base for extra texture without overwhelming the simplicity of the candle arrangement.
6. Romantic floral candle rings
Surround candles with rings of fresh flowers to create soft and romantic wedding centerpieces. Use roses, peonies, or seasonal blooms that match your palette. These lush arrangements add fragrance and beauty while keeping the candlelight central to your table’s ambiance.
7. Mason jar candle décor
Mason jars filled with candles, lace, and twine make lovely rustic wedding centerpieces. Easy to DIY and budget-friendly, they suit country or boho weddings perfectly.
8. Wine glass tealight display
Flip wine glasses upside down and place tealights on top. Add flowers or photos inside the bowl. These creative and affordable DIY wedding decor ideas are playful, unique, and easy to personalize. It is ideal for smaller receptions or couples who love a personal touch.
9. Beach-inspired candle ideas
Surround pillar candles with shells, sand, and driftwood for ocean-themed wedding decorations. These designs are perfect for beach weddings or summer receptions. Add starfish or seagrass to tie in natural elements and create a relaxed, breezy coastal vibe for your celebration.
10. Candlelight and crystals
Pair candles with glass beads or crystals to add shimmer. These wedding centerpieces reflect light beautifully and are perfect for glamorous or winter weddings. Use silver trays or mirrored bases for extra sparkle, and keep floral accents minimal to let the shine take center stage.
11. Sand wax candles in glass jars
Fill glass jars with layers of colored sand wax, and insert a wick for custom candle art. These personalized wedding centerpieces let you match your theme’s colors and offer a creative, modern alternative to traditional candle decor with lots of visual texture.
12. Tall candelabras with flowers
Candelabras create dramatic wedding centerpieces with their height and structure. Drape them in ivy or roses for a lush look. Ideal for formal settings like ballrooms or churches, these pieces bring grandeur and timeless elegance to your tablescape.
13. Tealight candle scattering
Scatter tealights in glass holders across your tables for soft, glowing wedding centerpieces. Simple yet romantic, this style works with any theme. Add greenery, petals, or wood slices underneath for texture. It’s perfect for intimate dinners or cozy evening receptions.
Candlelit wedding centerpieces are a simple yet powerful way to elevate your celebration. They blend beauty with the atmosphere, and with countless ways to style them, they can be perfectly tailored to your theme. Let your love shine in the soft glow of candles, creating a setting as unforgettable as your vows.
