What’s Wrong With Candles?

Candles add light and color. Photo by hannahelaine photography (hannahelaine.com).

Everybody loves candles, and they are usually everywhere at a wedding reception.  They create a beautiful, festive atmosphere and always add a touch of class.  So, what could possibly be wrong with them?

There’s nothing inherently wrong with candles, but there are some things to be aware of before you decide to put them on every available surface.  There are two areas that concern me: safety and environmental considerations.

The thing to be aware of on the environmental side is that candles are made from petroleum, and burning them releases hydrocarbons into the air.  This is not a huge amount of air pollution, but if you are planning to burn candles indoors at a party, it would be worthwhile to investigate the ventilation options in the room so that it doesn’t become warm, stuff, and filled with candle smoke.

An alternative to burning standard candles is to have soy or beeswax candles, instead.  The output of these candles is less toxic than standard candles.  It’s a small way to improve the sustainability of your event, but it’s worthwhile.

Candles in the middle of the table are safer than anywhere else.

On the safety side, please be thoughtful about where you place your candles.  They are safer in the middle of a table than at the edge.  (I recently had to pick up two large, lit pillar candles that got knocked off the edge of the gift table at a wedding.  Luckily, no one was injured.)  Candles are even safer if they are in glass containers.  Your local fire code or the venue’s rules may even insist on this.  If not, it is still a very good idea.

I heard a horror story recently about candles at a wedding that made me acutely aware of the safety issues.  There was open flame at the reception, and the bride’s long veil brushed by a candle and went up in flames.  It burned so fast that there was no way to save it, and, I imagine, the bride’s hair did not escape unscathed.

You can avoid having such things happen at your wedding or party if you consider in advance where your candles are placed and how they are protected from being bumped, nudged, knocked, or brushed.