How to Present a Wedding Basket of Candles with a Poem

A basket full of candles makes a romantic but practical wedding gift.

A wedding basket containing candles and a poem reflects a truly heartfelt effort to celebrate a couple's commitment to marriage. How you present the gift basket adds a special touch that shows your sentiment and respect for the couple's vows. Poems are particularly meaningful when read aloud, and opting for a quiet time and place to present your gift will allow the recipients a chance to slow down amidst all the wedding excitement to reflect on the journey of starting a new life together.

Things You'll Need

• Paper shavings
• Tulle
• 5 Pillar candles
• 6 Votives in holders
• Decorative scroll holder

Instructions

1. 

   Opt for red candles for Valentine's Day weddings.

   Line the basket with paper shavings to pad the bottom and support the candles. Wrap the large pillar candles in tulle and secure them at the top with a ribbon. Set the pillar candles in the basket and fill in open spaces with smaller votive candles to create a full-looking basket. Place the poem in the scroll holder for safekeeping until you have given the couple your basket full of candles.

2. 

   Couples are often overwhelmed with attention during the wedding reception.

   Make arrangements to meet with the bride and groom at a quiet location before or after the wedding ceremony and reception so you will have their full attention without having to read aloud over the voices of guests or loud music.

3. Ask the bride and groom to sit down so you can present them with their basket. Hand them the basket and wait until they are finished opening the candles until you announce you're going to read a gift of poetry to them. Show the newlyweds the scroll holder and ask them if they are ready to hear the poem that you have chosen to celebrate their vows.

4. 

   It may help to memorize the poem before reading it aloud.

   Read the poem to the newlyweds, making eye contact between stanza lines to convey the sincerity of your gift. Speak with a clear voice and read the poem slowly enough that the bride and groom can fully appreciate your sentiments. Roll the poem to a cylinder and place it back in the scroll holder when you are finished reading.

5. 

   Newlyweds appreciate tokens that will remind them of their wedding vows.

   Hand the scroll holder to the couple and tell them that during the years ahead, you hope they will refer to the poem through good times and bad so they can always remember and refresh their commitment to marriage and each other.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep an index finger on the stanza you're reading while you make eye contact. This will keep you from losing your place.

• Don't worry about making mistakes; it's the thought that counts.

• Choose quality candles to avoid fire hazards.

• Choose a fire-safe scroll holder so your poem will stay safe for many years to come.

References

• Rock Hill Cottage: Free Gift Basket Ideas
• Homemade Gift Basket Ideas: Homemade Wedding Gift Baskets

Resources

• Stretcher: Gift Basket Ideas