A lot goes into planning your reception décor—especially the tables. If you’re including a sit-down meal, you’ll want to dress your tables to the nines. Look to your centerpieces to create wow-worthy table décor, and incorporate candles to set the right mood. Whether it’s simple birchwood candles for a woodland wedding or glamorous candelabras for a ballroom soiree, the perfect candle and floral pairings will light up your reception space.
1. Be Our Guest
JophotoCandelabras give a romantic feel to any reception. Place tall candles on the ends of your tables for subtle elegance, or surround the candlesticks with vibrant blooms for a more glamorous look.
Flowers: dahlias and Italian ruscus
From: A Romantic Low-Country Wedding at Boone Hall Plantation in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
2. Woodland Spark
Allie Siarto & Co. PhotographyTo set an easy, earthy vibe, pull your tabletops together with succulents, greenery and birchwood candles.
Flowers: Queen Anne’s lace, pinecones and moss
From: A DIY Woodland Wedding at a Private Residence in Bay City, Michigan
3. Garden Party
Koby Brown PhotographyPair tall candlesticks with bright blooms for vibrant centerpieces. We love this look for a chic summer wedding.
Flowers: peonies, roses, dahlias and ranunculus
From: An Alfresco Southwestern Wedding at McNay Art Museum in San Antonio, Texas
4. Lantern Wreaths
Pat Robinson PhotographyStyle vintage pewter lanterns with wreaths of greenery and delicate florals for romantic centerpieces.
Flowers: peonies, Queen Anne’s lace and greenery
From: An Elegant, Classic Wedding at Greenville Country Club in Wilmington, Delaware
5. High and Low
Lisa Hessel PhotographyLow centerpieces encourage table talk among your guests. Intersperse a few tall candles for a declicate glow that still allows for easy conversation.
Flowers: dahlias, garden roses, roses and pine
From: An Intimate Summer Wedding at Lucas Park Grille in St. Louis, Missouri
6. Fire and Water
Lacy | Hanky Photography, LLCInclude fire and water in your centerpieces for an alluring sight at your reception. With a few added petals, these opposing elements make a surprisingly agreeable pair.
Flowers: orchids and rose petals
From: A Traditional Indian Wedding at A’Bulae in St. Paul, Minnesota
7. Whimsical Candelabras
Jill Doty PhotographyUse stately candelabras to hold whimsical floral arrangements. Towering candlesticks give these cascading blooms some added drama.
Flowers: roses, hydrangeas, delphinium and eucalyptus
From: An Eclectic-Glam Wedding at Fernbank Museum of Natural History in Atlanta, Georgia
8. Raised Flames
Katie LongRaise your candles high on sleek platforms with cascading garlands and beads for modern centerpieces.
Flowers: stephanotis
From: A Peabody Opera House Wedding in St. Louis, Missouri
9. Rustic Sparks
Photo LoveLine your reception tables with simple candles and fresh garlands for a fuss-free, organic feel.
Flowers: greenery
From: A Rustic Wedding at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas
10. Submerged Tulips
Genesa Richards PhotographyDon’t be afraid to think outside the box. Try something unexpected, like hanging floral arrangements or blooms submerged in water with a candle on top.
Flowers: tulips
From: An Elegant, Outdoor Wedding at Union Station in Tacoma, Washington
11. Mossy Glow
K. Thompson Photography, LLCNest candles on a bed of moss to bring long reception tables to life. Add a few bright stems and textured greenery for a slightly wild look.
Flowers: roses, fern and moss
From: A Modern, Irish-Inspired Wedding at W Washington DC Hotel in Washington, DC
12. Electric Feel
Jill Doty PhotographyConsider using electric (or flameless) candles rather than real flames. You’ll avoid a waxy mess, and you can turn them on with one easy switch.
Flowers: roses, hydrangeas, dusty miller and eucalyptus
From: An Eclectic-Glam Wedding at Fernbank Museum of Natural History in Atlanta, Georgia
13. Geometric Glow
Onelove PhotographyPlay with shape and asymmetry on your tabletops. Mix and match your candles and decorate with greenery for something a little more low key.
Flowers: roses and succulents
From: A Romantic, Vintage Wedding at Carondelet House in Los Angeles, California
14. Blue Flames
M2 PhotographyIncorporate an extra “something blue” with svelt, navy candles. Add neutral blooms, gold candlesticks and lots of greenery.
Flowers: hydrangeas, dahlias, garden roses, lisianthus, godetia, spray roses, freesia, Queen Anne’s lace, porcelain berry, olive branches, seeded eucalyptus and bay leaves
From: An Elegant Jewish Wedding at Crossing Vineyards and Winery in Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania
15. Lantern Light
Kristy RyanLight the way to your romantic reception with lanterns. Surround them with succulents and moss for a woodland touch with lots of character.
Flowers: Roses, succulents and moss
From: A Traditional Romantic Wedding in Vancouver, British Columbia
16. Dappled Luster
Michelle Beller PhotographyScatter small votives and wider hurricane candles amid greenery for an effortless, elegant glow.
Flowers: succulents and gardenias
From: An Elegant, West Coast Wedding at a Private Residence in Montecito, California
17. Alluring Candles
Ira Lippke StudiosSet the mood for your romantic reception with silver candlesticks. The simple flames will look gorgeous beside your glamorous florals.
Flowers: Hydrangeas and orchids
From: An Elegant Backyard Wedding at a Private Residence in Bannockburn, Illinois
18. Simple Tapers
Chudleigh WeddingsUse tall, slim taper candles to line your rustic tabletops.
Flowers: roses and greenery
From: A Winter Wedding at Sundance Mountain Resort in Sundance, Utah
