Candlelight Dilemma: Real vs. Faux Candles for Your Dream Wedding

Illuminating the Pros and Cons for Central Illinois Brides

What is more romantic than the glow of real candlelight? Before you get carried away with visions of flickering flames, make sure you keep these things in mind when choosing between real and faux (battery-operated) candles for your big day.

1. Venue Requirements: The First Flame to Consider

Before you start imagining your perfect candlelit reception, it's crucial to understand your venue's rules regarding open flames. Trust us, this is not a detail you want to overlook!

Some venues have no restrictions, giving you free rein to create that warm, flickering atmosphere you've been dreaming of. Others might allow real candles but with a catch – they must be covered by glass chimneys. And then there are those venues that put their foot down and forbid open flames altogether.

Here's a quick breakdown:

• No restrictions: Lucky you! Real candles are on the table (literally).

• Covered flames only: You can still use real candles, but they'll need to be in enclosed containers.

• No open flames: Time to consider your faux candle options!

Pro tip: Always check with your venue before making any candle-related decisions. It's better to know upfront than to have your plans go up in smoke later (pun intended)!

2. Budgeting for Your Glow: Real vs. Faux Candles

Now, let's talk money. Because let's face it, your wedding budget is probably already stretched thin with all those other expenses. So how do real and faux candles stack up cost-wise?

Real Candles:

• Can be cost-prohibitive, especially if you need a large number, plus they are a sunk cost - you can't reuse them or sell them following your event

• Buying in bulk can save some money

• Consider the cost of holders or chimneys if required by your venue

Faux Candles:

• Initial cost can be high, especially for high-quality, realistic options

• Consider renting instead of buying (hint: that's where we come in!)

• No need for additional accessories like holders or chimneys

At Burlap and Lace, we understand that every couple wants to achieve their dream wedding look within their budget. That's why we offer rental options for faux candles. Renting can be surprisingly cost-effective, and you won't have to worry about storing or selling dozens of candles after your big day!

3. Setting the Mood: The Ambiance Factor

Let's be honest: there's something magical about real candlelight. The way it flickers, the warm glow it casts, the romantic atmosphere it creates – it's pretty hard to beat.

Real Candles:

• Provide an authentic, warm light

• Create a natural, romantic ambiance

• Offer a subtle, pleasant scent (if scented candles are used)

Faux Candles:

• Have come a long way in mimicking real candlelight

• Offer consistency in brightness and "flame" size

• Some options even flicker realistically

While real candles have that undeniable charm, don't write off faux candles just yet. Modern LED candles can be surprisingly realistic, and they offer some unique benefits that might just win you over.

4. Safety First: Keeping Your Celebration Worry-Free

Your wedding day should be filled with joy, not stress about potential fire hazards. This is where faux candles really shine (pun intended).

Real Candles:

• Require constant monitoring

• Can be a fire hazard, especially in crowded or outdoor settings

• May drip wax on linens or surfaces

Faux Candles:

• Completely safe, no fire risk

• Can be left unattended without worry

• No​ mess, no wax drips

At Burlap and Lace, we prioritize your peace of mind. Our faux candle options allow you to create that romantic atmosphere without any safety concerns, letting you focus on what really matters – celebrating your love!

5. Longevity and Practicality: Making Your Candles Last

Consider how long you need your candles to burn. A typical wedding reception can last 4-6 hours or more. How does this factor into your candle choice?

Real Candles:

• Burn time varies depending on size and type

• May need to be replaced during longer events

• Can be affected by drafts or wind (especially outdoors)

Faux Candles:

• Battery life often exceeds typical event duration

• Consistent "flame" throughout the event

• Not affected by environmental factors

If you're planning an outdoor wedding or a particularly long celebration, faux candles might be the more practical choice. They'll keep glowing long after your last dance, without any need for replacement or relighting.

6. Environmental Considerations: Green Weddings and Candle Choices

For our eco-conscious couples (and we love you for it!), the environmental impact of your candle choice might be a consideration.

Real Candles:

• Often made from paraffin (a petroleum by-product)

• Soy or beeswax options are more eco-friendly but can be pricier

• Create waste in the form of unused wax and packaging

Faux Candles:

• Reusable, reducing overall waste

• LED bulbs are energy-efficient

• Battery disposal is a consideration (look for rechargeable options)

At Burlap and Lace, we're committed to sustainable practices. Our rental options for faux candles help reduce waste by allowing multiple uses across different events. And, we recycle our batteries after use - making sure those batteries don't end up in landfills.

7. The Verdict: Making Your Candle Choice

So, what's the final word on real vs. faux candles? The truth is, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your venue, your budget, your personal preferences, and the overall vision for your big day.

Real candles offer unparalleled ambiance and authenticity, perfect for creating that dreamy, romantic atmosphere. Faux candles, on the other hand, provide safety, consistency, and practicality, especially for outdoor or longer events.

Here at Burlap and Lace Event Rentals, we believe that every couple deserves to celebrate their love story with elegance and style, without financial stress. We offer faux candles in all sizes and shapes - from pillar candles to votives and tapers! And, should you choose to go with real candles, we have a wide selection of candle holders to meet your dream wedding vision.

Remember, whether you choose the authentic flicker of real candles or the safe, consistent glow of faux ones, what matters most is the love you're celebrating. Let us help you create the perfect ambiance for your special day, one candle at a time. ❤ 🕯

Thank you so much for stopping by our blog, we hope you found this information helpful. We want to use our blog to increase awareness and support for locally owned wedding venues. Locally owned wedding venues tend to provide a higher level of expertise, service and dedication. They also have far less turnover than corporate owned or investor owned venues. As you plan your wedding we hope you will consider a locally owned wedding venue like ours. You can find locally owned wedding venues on this wedding venue map. Below is a shout out to fellow locally owned wedding venues around the country!

polebarnchic.com

https://www.mainstreetevansville.com

https://www.celebrationseventcenter.net/

http://www.vineyardatstcharles.com/

https://www.themill-district.com/

weddingvenueowners.com