Here are 10 ways to plan a dreamy candlelit wedding reception:
If there’s one styling detail that can make a space appear absolutely breathtaking, it would be the presence of candles. The soft, graceful glow from multitudes of tiny flames can work wonders in giving your wedding reception the enchanting atmosphere you’ve seen only in dreams. Let’s say you have your venue, general decor, and flowers down, but are still on the hunt for a special feature that’ll elevate your event design to a spellbinding level. Designing around candlelight might just be the upgrade you’re looking for. We guarantee you’ll fall head over heels in love with the result!
Below, we’ve compiled 10 tips to get you started in designing a candlelit wedding reception dinner. Let’s dive in!
1 . Work with an event designer who understands your vision.
right on track. A wedding designer is equipped with all the technical expertise needed to execute a candlelit wedding reception that fits your mood board, is achievable given the scope of the venue, and is completely safe.
Your event designer can work with your wedding planner to comply with the safety regulations of the venue, study whether the rain or wind on the day will affect the setup, and other logistical concerns that come with the territory. Not to mention the fact that their artistic flair can bring your vision to life, and possibly go above and beyond!
Some fantastic wedding designers with a special capacity for candlelit dinners include Alice Wilkes, Julia & Evita, Cerka Creative, With Love, Inc., and many more.
2. Take the weather and time of day into account.
Will you be having your wedding in the day time, or during the twilight hour? Will it be indoors, or outside by the beach? These factors will undoubtedly play a part in the planning of your reception dinner, since you need to consider the lighting, how the candles will affect the warmth of the space, and whether there are provisions to protect the flames in the event of a sudden drizzle.
Outdoor weddings typically see candles encased in glass jars, which seal them off from wind. Details like these are important during the drafting phase—it’s always better to be prepared!
3. Enhance the design with fairy lights.
Dainty fairy lights are fitting enhancements to a candlelit dinner. They are delicate light sources that don’t wash out the candlelit feel, yet provide enough additional brightness.
READ MORE: 12 Tips for Planning a Magical Fairytale-Themed Wedding
4. Consider floating candles.
Add a touch of mystique with floating candles! This effect is achieved by suspending candles from an overhead bar or cable using thin wires, making them appear as though they are hanging in mid-air. These photograph beautifully, and make for the most beautiful subdued lighting scheme.
5. Mix candles of assorted sizes.
Create more dimension by grouping candles of various height and width together. This arrangement pairs beautifully with rustic venues for an organic, otherworldly feel.
6. Create a garden of candles.
Now, if your photographer will be using a drone, we recommend setting up an entire garden of candles that will light up the immediate area around your dinner venue. With the help of hundreds of tea lights, this setup looked like the scene was ablaze with fallen stars!
7. Use a reflective table.
If you would like to work with a relatively smaller number of candles yet aim to multiply their effect, opt to place them on a mirrored surface to magnify their light. A metallic table would be fitting for this. It’s a modern take on table setting that won’t require a tablecloth!
8. Keep it minimal.
Of course, another option is to keep it subtle and clean. This wedding setup featured candles and glass cylinders of congruent height in a straightforward line, and the result was absolutely immaculate. Minimalism lovers will be obsessed with this one!
9. Dark color scheme around it for contrast
Another way to make the candle lighting truly shine is to use dark colors in your background. This way, the lights will remain hushed and deep, producing a cozy, moody atmosphere reminiscent of the artistic parlors imagined in classical novels.
Elaborate candelabras would suit this setting, figuring as key centerpieces in the setup. How beautiful is this!
10. Create a fairytale setting with abundant florals.
Simulate a fairyland with soft candlelight and decadent, overgrown blooms. Supersized roses, lush arches, and voluminous flower bushes are welcome—you’ll feel just like a princess on your special day.
Now, what are you waiting for? Begin building your moodboard for your very own candlelit wedding reception dinner!
