Flowers, bunting, ornamental features and other decorations are all beautiful ways to make an event special. But what adds a truly magical touch, day or night? Candles.
Candles bring warmth, glow, and atmosphere to any setting, helping transform an event into something memorable and visually striking.
Here are the best types of candles to elevate your next event and create a standout experience.
Quick Answer: What are the best candles for events?
The best candles for events include taper candles for elegance, pillar candles for impact, tealights for ambient glow, metallic candles for reflective shine, and oversized statement candles for dramatic effect.
- Use taper candles for elegance
- Use pillar candles for bold displays
- Use tealights for soft ambient lighting
- Use metallic candles for shimmer
- Use statement candles for high-impact styling
Why use candles at events?
Candles offer a warm, inviting glow that can instantly elevate the atmosphere of any event. Whether you are planning a wedding, party, or formal gathering, candles help create a romantic, luxurious, and memorable environment.
They can also be used to define different areas within a space, highlight key features, or create focal points across your venue.
Things to consider when using candles at events
Burn time
Make sure your candles last for the entire duration of the event. You do not want to replace candles midway through a wedding or celebration.
Venue rules
Some venues do not allow open flames. In these cases, you may need to use enclosed candle holders or vessel candles.
Outdoor use
If your event is outdoors, use glass vases or containers to protect the flame from wind and keep candles stable.
Placement and safety
Position candles carefully to avoid hazards. Keep them away from walkways, food areas, and places where guests may accidentally knock them over.
Setup time
Allow enough time to unwrap, arrange, and position candles before the event begins.
The 5 best types of candles to use at events
1) Taper candles
Taper candles bring elegance and height to your event décor. Available in a range of colours and sizes, they are perfect for mixing and matching to achieve your desired look.
Hand-dipped tapers offer a classic shape, smooth finish, and slow, even burn, making them ideal for formal settings.
2) Pillar candles
Pillar candles create a bold and dramatic visual impact, especially when grouped in different heights and colours.
Choose high-quality pillar candles with a long-lasting, smokeless, dripless burn and a firm wax structure so they can stand securely on their own.
3) Tealights
Tealights are small, versatile, and cost-effective. They are ideal for adding subtle sparkle across tables, pathways, and decorative displays.
Use them individually for soft lighting or group them together for a stronger visual effect. They are especially popular for weddings and romantic settings.
4) Candles with metallic features
Metallic candles provide a shimmering glow that enhances the overall ambiance of an event.
Available in various shapes such as pillars, balls, floating candles, and tapers, as well as finishes like gold, silver, bronze, and copper, they offer endless styling possibilities.
These candles are particularly suited for weddings, anniversaries, and milestone celebrations.
5) Mega-size statement candles
Oversized candles create a striking focal point and add a sense of scale to your event décor.
Large pillar candles, oversized ball candles, and giant floating candles can all deliver a strong visual impact, especially when combined with extra-long tapers.
How to style candles for maximum impact
Combine different candle heights, shapes, and finishes to create depth and visual interest.
Group candles together for stronger impact, or spread them throughout the venue for a consistent glow.
Match candle colours to your event theme or season to create a cohesive and polished look.
Frequently asked questions
What candles are best for weddings?
Taper candles, pillar candles, and tealights are the most popular choices for weddings because they create a romantic and elegant atmosphere.
Are candles safe to use at events?
Yes, when used correctly. Always follow venue rules, use stable holders, and place candles away from high-traffic areas.
How long should event candles last?
Event candles should last longer than the full duration of the event. Always choose candles with sufficient burn time to avoid replacements.
Can I use candles outdoors?
Yes, but they should be protected from wind using glass containers or enclosed holders.
How do I make candles look more impressive at events?
Use a mix of sizes, heights, and finishes, group candles strategically, and match them to your event theme for a cohesive look.
Final takeaway
Candles are one of the simplest and most effective ways to transform any event space. They add warmth, elegance, and atmosphere while remaining flexible and cost-effective.
By choosing the right types of candles and placing them thoughtfully, you can create a truly memorable event experience.
