How to Style Taper and Floating Candles for Weddings and Events
When it comes to making a wedding or a special event truly memorable, you cannot skip candlelight. The flickering glow of candles is one of the most powerful styling tools available. It instantly adds glamour, warmth and a sense of intimacy that few other decorative elements can replicate. Not to mention, this is a simple trick you can use to make the space more inviting and Instagrammable.
Among the many candle styles available, two consistently stand out for weddings and events: taper candles and floating candles. While both are undeniably elegant, each offers a distinct look you can use to your advantage.
You’ll find both floating and taper candles wedding designs in our versatile range, curated to help bring your most magical moments to life. Their understated charm makes them just as suitable for weddings as for other events, allowing you to create cohesive décor across tables, aisles and ceremony spaces. However, to truly get the most out of your purchase, it’s important to understand the differences between the two styles and know when and how to use each one effectively.
Taper vs. Floating Candles
At first glance, the differences between taper and floating candles are immediately noticeable.
The taper designs are architectural-like with vintage appeal, with their long (specifically 15 to 30 cm with 1.7 to 2 cm wide base), slender and elegant figure. So, it isn’t a surprise they were long a common sight during weddings and events for adding a sophisticated touch with a formal, dramatic or romantic effect.
Taper candles for wedding are available in a variety of heights and colours, so you’re spoiled for choice. When made with quality wax and a well-balanced wick, they can burn for hours, preserving the desired aesthetic longer throughout the event. This longevity makes them particularly well-suited to long receptions and evening celebrations.
The floating candles wedding decor option, on the other hand, offers a softer and more minimalist aesthetic. These candles are smaller in size, measuring around 5 to 7.6 cm with a height of approximately 3.8 cm. They are specifically designed for water-based displays, creating the illusion of light gently resting on the surface.
What are floating candles used for, exactly? They're perfect for an effortless romantic and relaxing vibe with a modern twist. While there are other candle types that displace water, such as votives and pillars, they are heavier than the floating types, especially in the top, which is why they tip over. The reason floating candles float is that they’re in an even, round shape.
Aside from the design and height differences, another aspect that separates taper candles wedding designed from the floating counterpart is in how and where you can use them. The first is rather sensitive to drafts and wind exposure, whereas the latter can handle outdoor use.
To get the wanted result of either choice, though, one thing is certain - high-quality wax and properly constructed wicks ensure a slow, even burn that’s smokeless and dripless. This not only improves safety but also preserves the overall aesthetic you’ve worked so hard to achieve.
How to Use Each?
Gorgeous on their own as well as paired together, there are many ways you can use floating and taper wedding candles. Here are some examples to give you an idea and inspire you for your upcoming events.
Taper Candles
If you’re after creating ambience with elegant structure, go for the wedding tapers. As they’re tall and sophisticated, they can add grandeur to the space.
Table Décor
While weddings are already special occasions, a thoughtful taper candle arrangement can elevate the experience even further. From welcome tables to head tables and dessert tables, they provide a dramatic result without overwhelming, and they’re easy to incorporate at venues as much as home wedding settings, formal reception, corporate and evening events.
It’s important to be aware of the rules at the location, as not all places allow “open flame”, in which case you get enough time to find suitable glass candle accessories in the form of holders that go well with the rest of the glassware. Metallic holders are another timeless choice, and you can choose to mix them in material and finish if you prefer a more eclectic outcome.
Colour selection is important to ensure a cohesive look with the rest of the event decor. Soft neutrals like white or ivory blend seamlessly with most table settings, while bolder hues such as gold, red, blue or lavender can be used to create contrast and personality. In terms of styling, you can try arrangements with taper candles of different heights. Clusters of three to five work great for adding more visual interest.
To enhance the look, consider pairing taper candles with floating candles. You can place them in the same type of holders or in gorgeous vases, leaving enough room (about 10 cm) between each candle for proper burning.
Lastly, consider decorating around the holder with actual or artificial flowers, foliage and/or fruits in colours that go well with the palette you’re working with. Some may choose to add ribbons, particularly if the same detail is featured in the chair décor, which is perfect for creating a cohesive feel.
Ceremonial and Aisle Décor
Don’t be afraid to use the candles for the ceremony and aisle décor as well - you have plenty of options to work with. Just picture it - a magical pathway lining the staircase or aisle with tapered candles in holders of different sizes.
Decorating around the altar to create an illuminated focal point is another great idea, framing the couple. Just make sure the spots you pick for them are away from flammable items like curtains and aisle runners for safety. Also, provide a foot of space around the candles for an extra dose of safety.
Floating Candles
If your goal is creating a soft, reflective glow with a water feature, go for floating candles. This way, you’ll create a calming effect with just the right dose of subtle drama.
Table Décor
When you’ve got a smaller table to accentuate, leave it up to the floating candle wedding centrepieces. They are perfect to use with cylinder vases filled with water in varying heights, creating a lovely flowing effect.
Get a bigger container, and you can throw in more of these small candles for a more striking glowy look. Depending on the style, setting and event, you can additionally decorate with fillers beneath the waterline; stones, glass beads and garlands are some examples.
Ceremonial and Aisle Décor
Doing an outdoor wedding or event where there’s some fancy water feature, like a fountain or pond? This is your chance to add the delicate and contemporary charm of floating candles. They can just as easily be featured around the aisle, an arch or an entryway for a charming and luxurious backdrop.
Have some interesting features like a welcome chalkboard sign or a Photo Booth you want to customise? Layering some of these candles can do the trick.
For safety, be sure to place them in heat-resistant containers on a stable surface, and never leave them unattended.
