Candles are one of the few wedding decorations that work at every price point, in every venue, and for every style — from a simple garden ceremony to a formal ballroom reception. Done well, they create warmth, depth, and romance that no other decorating element matches. Done poorly, they drip on tablecloths, blow out during vows, or run out halfway through the reception.
This guide covers everything New Zealand couples and wedding planners need to know about choosing, placing, and safely using wedding candles — with specific product recommendations from Golden Glow’s NZ-made range.
Types of Wedding Candles and Where They Work
Taper Candles
Taper candles are the most versatile wedding candle. Tall, slim, and elegant, they work on dining tables in candelabras or single holders, on ceremony pew ends, along aisle runners, and grouped on ledges and mantlepieces. Our dining taper candles in 250mm height burn for approximately 8 hours — enough for a full ceremony and reception without replacement. Available in white, ivory, gold, silver, and colours to match your palette.
For outdoor ceremonies, taper candles need wind protection — use enclosed lanterns or hurricane glass. An exposed taper will struggle in anything more than a light breeze.
Pillar Candles
Pillar candles are the statement piece. A grouping of three pillars in different heights on a plinth, ledge, or cake table creates visual impact without the fuss of florals. They work particularly well in churches and heritage venues where there are natural horizontal surfaces at eye level. Our pillar candles range from 60mm diameter compact pillars to 100mm+ statement sizes, in white and ivory — the standard for NZ weddings.
Always use pillars in a heat-resistant holder or on a drip tray. Never place directly on fabric-covered tables without protection.
Floating Candles
Floating candles in wide glass bowls are one of the most cost-effective centrepiece options available and photograph beautifully. A large cylinder vase filled with water and three or four floating candles — surrounded by flower petals, greenery, or river stones — is a complete centrepiece at a fraction of the cost of a floral arrangement. Burn times of 3–5 hours suit evening receptions.
Tea Lights
Tea lights are the workhorse of wedding décor. Scatter them in glass votive holders across every surface — place settings, windowsills, stair treads, bar tops, and mantlepieces. They add a layer of warmth that transforms a venue from a function room to something special. Our 4-hour and 9-hour tea lights give you flexibility for different event lengths.
Unity Candles
Unity candle ceremonies involve two taper candles (representing each partner) used to light a central pillar candle together. If you’re planning a unity ceremony, you need three candles: two matching tapers and one pillar. The pillar should be wide enough to be stable in its holder and substantial enough to look intentional — a 60×80mm pillar in white or ivory works well. The tapers can match or complement the rest of your décor.
How Many Candles Do You Need?
A common mistake is underordering. Here’s a rough guide for a 100-person NZ wedding reception:
- Round tables (10 guests each = 10 tables): 2–3 taper candles per table in candelabras, or 1 floating candle centrepiece with 6–8 tea lights scattered. For tapers: 20–30 candles. For tea lights: 60–80.
- Bar and cocktail areas: 10–15 tea lights per surface.
- Ceremony (aisle): 2 tapers per pew or row end, 20–30 rows = 40–60 candles.
- Ceremony focal point (altar/arch): 3–5 pillar candles, or 2 large tapers in floor-standing holders.
- Welcome table, seating chart, cake table: 6–10 candles across these.
Total for a 100-person wedding: typically 100–200 candles across all types. Order 10–15% extra to allow for breakage and to have replacements on hand.
Colours: What Works for NZ Weddings
White and ivory are the default for a reason — they suit every venue and every floral palette. Gold taper candles add warmth to autumnal or rustic themes. Silver works well for winter and contemporary settings. Coloured candles work best when used intentionally — one or two accent colours from your palette rather than a full rainbow. Our taper range includes a selection of colours if you need specific matching.
Scented vs Unscented
At weddings, unscented candles are almost always the right choice for dining areas. Fragrance at table height competes with food aromas, wine, and the perfume of guests — it’s too much. If you want scent at your wedding, keep it in the entrance, bathroom, or a lounge area away from dining. Our wedding candle range is primarily unscented for this reason.
Candle Safety at NZ Venues
Many NZ wedding venues — particularly heritage buildings, marquees, and rural properties — have specific open-flame policies. Check with your venue before you finalise your candle order. Key points:
- Always use appropriate holders. Taper candles must be in a holder that grips the base firmly — a loose taper is a fire hazard.
- Keep candles away from floral arrangements, fabric draping, and paper decorations.
- Assign someone (typically the venue or a coordinator) to extinguish all candles at the end of the event.
- Never leave burning candles unattended — during a ceremony this means someone stays in the room.
- For venues that prohibit open flames, our rechargeable LED tea lights provide the visual effect without the risk.
Ordering for Your NZ Wedding
Golden Glow Candles has been supplying NZ weddings for over 55 years from our Auckland factory. We manufacture our taper and pillar candles in Birkenhead and carry consistent stock across our wedding range, so colour-matching and quantity ordering are straightforward.
We recommend ordering a small test quantity first to confirm your candles work with your chosen holders and look right in your venue lighting. Free shipping applies on all orders over $99 throughout New Zealand — making bulk wedding orders excellent value.
Browse our full wedding candle range, or call us on 0800 CANDLE (0800 226 353) if you need help with quantities or specific product recommendations for your venue.
Wedding Candles FAQ
How many candles do I need for a 100-person wedding?
A 100-person wedding typically requires 100–200 candles across all types. For 10 round tables: 20–30 taper candles or 60–80 tea lights for table centrepieces. For a ceremony aisle: 40–60 taper candles (2 per row end). For the ceremony focal point and other surfaces: 10–20 additional candles. Order 10–15% extra to allow for breakage and last-minute adjustments.
Should wedding candles be scented or unscented?
Unscented candles are the right choice for dining tables at a wedding. Fragrance at table height competes with food aromas, wine, and the perfume of guests — and some guests will find any scent off-putting. If you want scent at your wedding, place it in the entrance, bathroom, or a lounge area away from dining.
Are candles allowed at NZ wedding venues?
Most NZ wedding venues allow candles, but many — particularly heritage buildings, marquees, and rural properties — have specific open-flame conditions. Always check your venue’s policy before ordering. If open flames are not permitted, rechargeable LED tea lights provide a realistic flickering effect without any fire risk.
What candles are used for a unity ceremony?
A unity ceremony requires three candles: two matching taper candles (one for each partner) and one central pillar candle. The two tapers are lit first, then used together to light the pillar candle. A 60×80mm white or ivory pillar works well — wide enough to be stable, substantial enough to look intentional. The tapers should match or complement your wedding colour palette.
When should I order wedding candles?
Order a small test quantity 4–6 weeks before the wedding to confirm the candles work with your chosen holders and look right in your venue lighting. Place the full order at least 2–3 weeks before the event. Golden Glow manufactures taper and pillar candles at our Auckland factory and carries consistent stock, so colour-matching across multiple orders is reliable.