The Ultimate Guide to Styling with Candle Vases for Weddings, Tablescapes, and Outdoor Events

Creating the perfect ambience for your event is all about the details. Candle vases, hurricane vases, lanterns, and candle sleeves can transform any space with their warm glow and elegant appearance. Whether you're planning a wedding, decorating a tablescape, or hosting an outdoor gathering, these lighting options are your go-to for adding charm and sophistication.

Here's a comprehensive guide to styling with these decorative candle holders.

1. Candle Holder Options

Candle Vases:
Candle vases come in a range of shapes and sizes like cylinders, squares, or rectangles, making them versatile for various styles. They can serve as stunning centrepieces or scattered accents throughout the venue.

Hurricane Vases:
These glass containers not only hold candles but also protect the flame from drafts or wind, making them perfect for outdoor events. Their different shapes and sizes allow for creative arrangements that can be functional and stylish.

Lanterns:
Lanterns add a rustic or vintage charm, whether placed on tables or hung from above. Available in materials like glass, metal, and wood, lanterns can house pillar candles or LED lights for a soft, atmospheric glow.

Candle Sleeves:
Candle sleeves are sleek glass tubes that encase pillar or dinner candles. They offer wind protection, prevent dripping wax, and act as decorative accents, especially when paired with candle plates or non-flammable surfaces.

Votive and Tealight Holders:
For a subtle, intimate feel, votive and tealight holders are small yet impactful. They are easy to incorporate into any tablescape or decor theme, providing a soft, romantic ambience.

2. Choosing the Right Candles

Quality First:
Choose high-quality candles that burn evenly and last throughout the event.

Unscented Wax Candles:
Traditional wax candles, especially unscented pillar, dinner, or multi-wick candles, offer warmth and atmosphere. Opt for dripless varieties to avoid mess.

Coloured Novelty Candles:
Novelty-shaped coloured candles can add charm and a touch of whimsy to your celebration with trendy styles that beautifully illuminate any setting.

Tealight & Votive Candles:
Perfect for shorter events or as accent lighting, tealights and votive candles add a soft, flickering glow that enhances any setting.

candle sand wax:
For a creative twist, candle sand wax can be poured into vases, where you simply add a wick and light it. It’s reusable, making it both fun and eco-friendly.

LED Candles:
Flameless LED candles provide a safe, windproof alternative, especially for outdoor events. Many come with remote controls for easy, convenient operation.

Batteries:
Ensure your LED candles have fresh batteries that will last the duration of the event.

3. Space & Layout Considerations

Spacing:
Allow sufficient space between candles and other decor items to avoid overcrowding and ensure a balanced, harmonious look.

Vase & Candle Dimensions:
Consider the size of both the vases and candles when designing centrepieces or tablescapes to maintain proportion and visual interest.

Heat Awareness:
Keep in mind that burning wax candles produces heat, so plan accordingly, especially in close proximity to other decor elements.

4. Safety Measures

Outdoor Use:
For outdoor events, protect real flame candles by placing them in hurricane vases or lanterns to guard against wind.

Flame Height:
Always trim candle wicks before lighting to control the flame and prevent it from reaching nearby decorations.

Supervision:
Assign someone to monitor the candles throughout the event, ensuring that they are extinguished if they become a safety hazard.

5. Cleaning & Storage

Cleaning:
Once the candles have cooled, gently remove any leftover wax using warm water and mild soap. Avoid abrasive materials that could damage the glass.

Storage:
Store candle vases, holders, and lanterns in a cool, dry place. Wrap delicate items in soft cloth to prevent scratches, and pack carefully to avoid breakage.

6. Styling Tips for Maximum Impact

Mix & Match:
Combine different vase styles and sizes to create a visually engaging and dynamic display.

Height Variation:
Vary the heights of both the vases and candles to add depth and dimension to your tablescapes or event decor.

Theme & Colour Coordination:
If clear vases and sleeves aren’t being used, choose candles and holders that align with your event's theme and colour palette to create a cohesive look.

Decorative Accents:
Enhance the overall aesthetic by incorporating flower petals, stones, or greenery around the vases, adding a natural, elegant touch.

Safety First: A Final Note
While candlelight adds an irreplaceable ambience, safety is key. Always ensure that candles are placed on stable, non-flammable surfaces, away from flammable decorations. Assign a designated person to supervise the flames, especially for outdoor or long-lasting events. With the right planning and care, you can create a stunning, safe environment for your guests.

By thoughtfully incorporating candle vases, hurricane vases, lanterns, and candle sleeves, your event will have a timeless, radiant atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression.

For more tips on event candles, read our blogs The 3 Best Ways to Clean Melted Wax from Candle Containers, Event Decorating with Koch & Co® candle sand wax, and Coloured Event Candles For Every Occasion.