The Truth About Candles

Here are some things I have learned while planning out the decor for my wedding–which by the way–is next month!

True: Decorating your wedding and reception with flowers can get very expensive.

True: Non-floral centerpieces can be an excellent and cheaper option.

Untrue: Candles are always a much cheaper way to decorate.

Now let me explain this last nugget of wisdom…the “untrue” part.  So, if you’re talking about using say, eh, three, four–even ten VOTIVE candles to decorate your tables–well then candles could be a significantly cheaper way to decorate.

But when you’re talking about using candles in mass to make a striking and dramatic impact–which in my opinion is the only way to do it–let me tell you it is not cheap.  In fact, depending on how much of a bargain seeker you are or are not–candles could end up costing you about the same as floral.

I’m talking pillar candles here, however. Not just your small votives or tea-light holders. And pillars aint cheap!  Add to the cost of the pillars the cost of glass vases to place them in (you’ll normally need this for safety plus the light reflecting on the glass is gawgeous) and you are talking some serious cash.

Now, I love flowers–don’t get me wrong.  That’s why no matter how much candlelight we have we will have fresh flowers–and a nice amount– on our tables.

But something about the idea of a completely or almost completely candlelit space just intrigues me and seems that it would have so much impact.

I had my little heart set on creating something like the above photo, but after doing the math and figuring well above a thousand dollars for all the pillars and vases I would need to make impact, I began to back down from the idea…UNTIL I met Sarah, who is getting married a few weeks before me in Cleveland and who is having a basically flowerless reception with lots of candles. Try like 500 candles with corresponding glass vases. And guess what? She is so gracious as to be willing to pass them on to me for a fair price! Actually, she found me through this blog! 

So looks like I may be able to make this happen after all!

So question, because this is one of fiance’s concerns. Can you ever have TOO MANY candles in a space?