How to Make Candle Reception Centerpieces

Candle centerpieces can add a warm, romantic glow to your reception.

Add the finishing touches to any wedding reception by designing candle centerpieces. These are easy to create and many of the items are reusable after the wedding. Candles add a warm, romantic glow to the reception room. Use candles of the same scent to complete your design and add a nice aroma to your reception room. Creating candle centerpieces requires creativity and your imagination.

Things You'll Need

• Floating candles
• Bowls
• Ribbon or beads
• Glass mirror
• Flowers and rose petals
• Pillar candles
• Taper candles
• Hurricane lamps
• Candelabras
• Crystal votives
• Vase gems
• Sand and shells
• Martini glasses
• Holiday balls
• Jack-o-lantern

Instructions

Instructions

1. Brainstorm ideas and gather supplies. Sketch designs for candle centerpieces. Write down ideas and materials you'll need to complete the project. Think about colors you want to incorporate or the size of the centerpiece. Know how many reception centerpieces you need to make before going to the craft store. Start early and watch for sales to save a few dollars on supplies.

2. Consider floating candles. Easy and inexpensive to make, floating candle centerpieces provide intimate reception centerpieces. Be creative and color the water in the bowl. Wrap ribbons or beads around the bowl, matching your wedding colors. Set the bowl of floating candles on a small glass mirror. This catches the light and makes your centerpiece shine. Consider the burn time of floating candles before purchasing.

3. Try a candle and floral centerpiece. Create a floral centerpiece to match the flowers and colors in your wedding. Allow space to place one or two pillar candles, depending on preference. Place flower petals in the bottom of a tall vase, fill with water and top off with a floating candle. Sprinkle flower petals around floating candle centerpieces.

4. Keep it simple. Vary the heights of taper candles for your reception centerpiece. Try using candles in various holders such as hurricane lamps, candelabras or crystal votives. Put rose petals around the candle in the hurricane lamp to add an extra touch. Use candelabras to make a dramatic statement with your reception centerpieces. Place crystal votives on mirrors with beads or vase gems to add sparkle.

5. Make candle centerpieces with a theme. Incorporate your interests, such as placing floating candles in a martini glass or placing sand and shells in a candle holder. Try making your own candles. This provides a fun afternoon activity for your wedding party or family. Design candle centerpieces to match the holidays, such as placing a candle in a jack-o'-lantern or using holiday balls and pillar candles placed on a mirror or platter.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're using the candles indoors, consider smokeless and dripless candles to keep the air clear and your tables tidy.

• If you're using candles outdoors, make sure you place your candles in tall containers or the wind will blow them out.

• Make sure there is plenty of clearance around and above your candle centerpieces to prevent any fires.