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9 Popular Ways to Use Flameless Candles For Wedding Receptions

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candle ideas for wedding receptions

Love the look of candles but can’t use real flames at your wedding? Check out these popular ways to use flameless candles for wedding receptions!

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Flameless Candles for Wedding Receptions

Have you ever been to a wedding where you were blown away by the all the beautiful details the couple had put into their big day? I always enjoy when a couple chooses decor for their reception that reflects who they are and their commitment to each other.

One of the best ways to create that magical feeling at your wedding is with lighting. But venues often put restrictions on lighting and for good reason – risk of fire.

taper candles, glass hurricanes, flower for wedding centerpiece

There are ways to get around this risk, one of which is using flameless candles for your wedding instead of real candles.

Flameless candles have come a long way since the early days. Many of them look so real, it’s hard to tell the difference between LED candles and real wax candles.

Let’s explore some ideas regarding flameless candles for wedding receptions that you can use for your big day. These ideas will work great with real wax candles too!

Wedding Centerpieces Using Flameless Candles

taper candles, flowers centerpieces for wedding tables

If you’re serving food at your wedding, then you’ll most likely have tables in need of decorations 🙂

Lots of brides like the soft, romantic look of candles for their wedding reception table centerpieces. But it can be frustrating if your wedding venue doesn’t allow you to use real candles.

Luckily, you can still create a beautiful glow at your tables by simply using flameless candles in place of candles with real flames. Most venues are ok with this and there are lots of different types of LED candles on the market these days.

wedding table centerpiece with flameless candles, cut out lanterns

If you don’t like the look of LED candles, or if you think they look tacky, then consider using candle holders to hide the flame. The look above features LED candles hidden in laser cut lanterns as a way to use flameless candles for wedding receptions.

lantern with flameless candle, table number, wood charger for wedding centerpiece

Lanterns also work well for flameless candle centerpieces. You’ll find some lanterns on the market that already contain an LED candle inside. Add a few more accessories like flowers, tea light candles & holder, etc. for a cute, DIY centerpiece.

Not using separate tables at your wedding? Flameless candles can easily be used in tablescapes for a large “king table” setup

votive candle holders for wedding centerpieces

For more great ideas on how to use flameless candles for wedding centerpieces, check out this post: 10 Beautiful Flameless Candle Wedding Centerpiece Ideas That Look Real

Flameless Candles for Wedding Reception Table Decorations

candles, flowers for wedding sweetheart table, fireplace mantel at wedding reception

Apart from the tables where your guests will sit during the reception, there might be other table areas in need of decoration as well.

A lot of couples these day do a special sweetheart table where they can sit and enjoy their meal during the reception. There’s tons of great ways to decorate a sweetheart table, but consider using flameless candles for a special touch.

You can place the candles directly on the table, in front of it or off to the sides for a unique look. Pair the candles with flowers, balloons, fabric, a wedding neon sign, etc. Pinterest has tons of great ideas on how to decorate a sweetheart table with candles.

Flameless candles for wedding reception table centerpieces with ribbon, mercury glass hurricanes

Other table ares you might have at your reception include tables for photo booth props, appetizers, desserts, cocktail hour, favors, guest book signing, etc.

Also, consider if there will be any flat surfaces at your reception such as cabinets, bookcases and bar carts. Any flat, horizontal surface is a great place to use decorative lighting such as candles, lamps, string lights and fairy lights.

Flameless Candles for Wedding Fireplaces, Mantels

Some venues have beautiful, ornate wooden fireplaces and mantels that you can decorate to suit your wedding theme. Similarly, maybe your venue has something a bit more rustic and charming.

These areas are naturally designed for fire and candles. Even still, your venue might not allow it.

Instead of using real candles, decorate these areas with LED candles for wedding. One popular way to do this is to use lot of lanterns. The glass in the lanterns will catch the light adding a soft glow to the area.

Add in your wedding theme colors using flowers, greenery and other decorations for a cozy space that can be used as a backdrop for wedding reception photos.

Another way to achieve a pretty glow in the fireplace area is to use flameless tea lights, glass votive holders or even mercury glass votive holders.

You can also use tall LED pillar candles along with glass candle holders. Either way, the glass will help reflect the light and provide a romantic atmosphere.

Glass Vase Candle Holders for Weddings

If there is nothing in the fireplace, consider filling the space with candles. This gives the feel of a fire in the hearth without the need for logs and smoke.

Candles For Outdoor Areas, Pathways At Weddings

Is your wedding outside? Or will guests have access to outdoor areas during the reception? If so, consider decorating those areas with lighting! Good outdoor lighting adds such a fun, carefree feel to a wedding. If the weather is good, guests will love spending time outdoors at your reception.

There are lots of ways to decorate outside with lights. One way to do this is by using luminaries to highlight a path or walkway.

Traditional luminaries using paper bags and real wax tea lights might pose a fire risk. However, you can buy safer luminaries that use weather resistant plastic bags, LED tea light candles and reusable, weighted candle holders.

Lanterns & Luminaries for Weddings

Or consider using cheap LED tea light candles and paper bags filled with a bit of sand as an inexpensive but safe way to light outdoor areas at your reception.

Flameless candles for wedding reception table centerpieces with hanging glass orbs

Does your wedding have a large tree or pergola? Or maybe a gazebo? Anywhere you can hang lighting outdoors will make for a lovely setting. Consider using string lights, fun laser lights and candles.

Many people like the look of hanging candles in glass holders. To make things safe for guests, consider using hanging glass tealight holders, and flameless votives or tea lights.

In addition, you can even find extra large hanging glass candles holders that will support a full sized candle.

Flameless candles for wedding reception on the beach in the sand

Having a beach wedding? The beach is such a picturesque place to get married. You can make it even more special with the right lighting. One easy way to do this is to have a large display of candles in the sand.

Now most people won’t worry too much about a fire hazard on the beach unless it is really windy. The wind might feel cool in the hot weather, but it can cause flames from candles to blow out. This won’t be a problem using flameless candles. Battery operated candles will stay lit in all kinds of weather.

Waterproof Flameless Candles for Weddings

Just make sure to buy outdoor flameless candles. These weather proof flameless candles are made of plastic, can withstand different temperatures and are generally water resistant.

Candles for Steps & Stairways at Weddings

Will your wedding venue have a stairway you can decorate? Many places do and a well decorated stairway will look stunning in your professional wedding photos. Not to mention it will wow your guests and become a lovely focal point for your wedding reception or ceremony.

But how do you decorate a stairway with wedding reception candles? It all depends on your wedding decor theme. A wedding theme with a timeless, elegant look might want to use flowers, greenery and candles along the wedding venue stairs.

candles, lanterns, flowers down steps at wedding reception

There’s something very romantic about the way the lights and the plants are layered down the steps and onto the floor below. Of course, some venues won’t allow real wax candles to be used to decorate stairways for a wedding. But you can easily get the same effect with flameless candles.

Flameless Pillar Candles for Weddings

Faux candles come in a wide variety of shapes and colors (including LED taper candles and LED pillar candles). Bulk flameless candles are available as well. So you’re sure to find something that works for your venue’s stairs.

Candles and greenery might work for an elegant wedding theme, but what if your venue’s style is more rustic or even industrial? Or what if you don’t have the budget for lots of garland and flowers but still want to decorate a wedding venue staircase?

LED candles for wedding can look beautiful by themselves. Consider using them in small groupings, or just one large flameless candle per step. Pinterest has lots of good ideas for this.

Floating candles in clear glass vases can also work well to decorate a wedding stairway and are an inexpensive option for those with a smaller budget. Regardless of your wedding decor theme, with a little creativity, you’re sure to create perfect look for any stairs at your wedding venue.

Wedding Gift Table, Seating Assignment Decor With Candles

Traditionally wedding seating assignments are displayed on little cards that guests can take to their assigned table. But there are so many creative ways to display seating assignments these days including plaques, signs, charts, etc.

However you decide to tell your guests where they are sitting, you’ll want to make sure it’s somewhere easy to find. Often this is near the gift table, close to where you might be serving appetizers or at the entrance to the seating area.

One way to make this area stand out and entice guest to come a find their seats is to include lighting. People are naturally drawn to lights and fun displays, so if you can make your seating assignments charts visually appealing, your guests will notice them more easily.

Flameless candles for wedding reception table centerpieces with flowers, candle holders

Don’t forget about adding fun lighting to the gift table! Above all, this is an area that often calls for signs and decor as guests like to be reassured this is an ok space to leave gifts and cards for you.

Adding lights to your gift table creates curiosity and people will want to see “what’s over there?”

You can use different size LED pillar candles for your gift table as shown in the photo above. On the other hand, consider using lots of small tealights in votive holders for a delicate, romantic look.

LED Votive & Tea Light Candles for Weddings
Tea Light Candle Holders for Weddings

By using flameless candles for wedding receptions on your gift table, you won’t have the risk of real flames. You don’t want your presents catching on fire do you? 🙂

Flameless Candles for Wedding Reception Photo Backdrops

A lot of weddings these days setup some area at the reception where people can take photos. The backdrop for the photo area can be very simple such as string lights and candles. Or you can go all out with an elaborate display.

Wedding reception candles are a great way to enhance you wedding photos, especially if your venue doesn’t have a lot of spaces with captivating backgrounds.

It’s also a fun thing for your guests to do throughout the reception. If you don’t want to do a photo booth, consider having props near the photo backdrop that guests can use for photos.

Candles add romantic charm to backdrops and give off a soft glow in darker spaces. But if you’re concerned about safety, you’ll need to make sure you use flameless candles for wedding receptions so there are no fire hazards.

One way to create a captivating wedding reception backdrop is to use candles with lanterns and hanging glass tealight holders, similar to this look on Pinterest.

Another thing you can do is have candles in birdcages, hurricanes, vases, etc. as part of the backdrop. Candles will still look pretty even in daylight because they are associated with romance.

Another way to create a stylish backdrop using flameless candles for wedding receptions is to create a wall of candles.

You’ll need some sort of shelving and you’ll want to keep the space dark so that the glow from the candles really shines through. If your venue has shelving already, then this can be a beautiful way to style it for your wedding reception or ceremony.

Flameless Pillar Candles for Weddings

For the number of candles needed to achieve a look similar to the one in the photo, it might be best to rent the flameless candles. So consider using a company like Q Candles or any of the others listed in this blog post: How to Rent Flameless Candles for Weddings – Everything to Know

Flameless Candles for Wedding Bar & Food Serving Areas

A great place to add flameless candles for wedding receptions is the at bar or any area where drinks are being served. Now some bars are too small to add decorations. But if your bar has space, consider setting the mood with candles and lighting.

One popular way to do this is with lanterns and flameless candles. A friend did this in areas throughout her reception and it was gorgeous. This works well for a wide variety of wedding decor styles, including rustic or elegant themed weddings.

Lanterns & Luminaries for Weddings

Another place to add candles is to food serving areas (including the “cookie tables” people do in some parts of the country!) You might be having a sit down meal and dessert and thus no areas where food is displayed.

But if you’re doing anything with a buffet or self serve style, then consider adding decorations to those areas as well. These are great places at your reception to add signs, displays and of course candles 🙂

flameless candle, burlap, flowers in mason jar vase for wedding reception

But what if you’re not allowed real flames? Just substitute with realistic looking LED candles instead. Most people won’t know the difference!

Flameless Candles for Wedding Dance Floors

Placing decorations near your dance floor can really make your wedding reception look stylish and fun. But using real candles can be a fire hazard. A lot of venues don’t allow it or require special permits.

However, you can still get a pretty glow by your dance floor by using flameless candles for wedding receptions. Just use battery operated candles and string lights.

Flameless candles can be placed in groups on the side of the dance floor either by themselves or with lanterns, hurricanes, etc. Therefore, add string lights overhead and you’ve got the perfect mood lighting for dancing!

In conclusion, there are so many fun and creative ways to use flameless candles for wedding receptions! What’s your favorite?

Do you have any ideas that weren’t mentioned above that could help others create their dream wedding? Share them below in the comments 🙂

More Wedding Candle Ideas

For more wedding candle decorating inspiration, tips and styles, check out these posts:

Pit It For Later!

candle ideas for wedding receptions
candle ideas for wedding receptions
candle ideas for wedding receptions
Flameless candles for wedding reception table centerpieces with greenery, glass vases, flowers
candle ideas for wedding receptions
Flameless candles for wedding reception table centerpieces with flowers, hanging glass orbs
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Flameless candles for wedding reception table centerpieces with lanterns, wood chargers
Flameless candles for wedding reception table centerpieces with flowers, burlap, ivy

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Comments

  1. Benjamin Andrews says

    I thought it was interesting that you state that it is a good idea to have your wedding decor reflect who you are. My daughter is getting married in three months and wants to make sure that she has the venue as attractive as possible. It might be smart for her to find a wedding rentals company to get props and items from.

    Reply

  2. Kostya says

    I really like weddings in which they use decorative lighting. When you are at such a wedding, you get a feeling like you’re in a fairy tale. Now there are a lot of proposals for placing decorative light at weddings and among all the offers I like the photographer’s proposal https://taraweddings.ca/wedding-lighting/. Very high quality does the job I recommend this photographer to everyone.

    Reply

  3. Snapivite says

    Amazing article! Flameless candles are well-known and popular when it comes to decoration as they create a classic ambiance and relaxed atmosphere all around.

    Reply

  4. martin says

    Great feature and you are spot on, matching the candle to the decor is the key plus something that actually looks like a real candle. Please take a look at our Symphony candle collection.

    We have recently launched, these include a patented music sensor which allows the flame to dance to your own music, this is the worlds first and fully patented so I would love to get feedback from you and your readership.

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    Reply

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