Candle Terminology: What’s the Difference Between Tapers, Votives, and More?

Mar 10

We break down the most widely requested candle styles. Scroll to the end to see our bonus lighting option.

1. Floating Candle

Floating candles are a popular choice for weddings. They add an airy feel to centerpieces, and come in a variety of colors. The are typically in a glass cylinder, or our stemmed glass candle holder. The stemmed holder is a great option for narrower tables or where table top space is limited.

Wedding centerpiece consisting of seven glass cylinders with blush floating candles, and disco ball accent for a wedding in New Jersey. — Photo By Lauren Carly Photo

White floating candles in stemmed glassware styled down a long table with accompanying white floral accents for a wedding in New Jersey — Photo by L. C. Allison

A long table styled with plenty of floating candles, a blue cheese cloth runner, and greenery accents for a wedding in New York — Photo by Inbal Sivan

Floating candles in a stemmed holder surrounded by floral budvases for a wedding in New York — Photo by Elizabeth Uccello

2. Taper Candles

Taper candles bring a certain elegance and come in a variety of colors. Most venues require a glass shade to use taper candles

Tan taper candles in brass holders are styled on an escort card table with budvases and LED lamps for a wedding at The Roundhouse in Beacon New York — Photo by Jaci Berkopec Photography

Wedding table with a deep green linen, colorful flowers, and blue taper candles for a wedding in New Jersey — Photo by Russo Photo + Film

White taper candles, white floating candles, colorful pink budvases, and a white runner on a long farmtable set for dinner for a wedding at Indian Lake Trail Club in New Jersey — Photo By Alania Elizabeth Photo

3. Pillar Candles

Available in a limited range of colors, their heavier weight makes them a great choice for outdoor events.

Long farm table outside styled with white runner, purple napkins, bright flowers, and white pillar candles for a wedding in New Jersey — Photo by Oceans to Mountains Photography

Outside table styled with a yellow runner, flowers, and white pillar candles for a wedding in New York — Photo by Daniel Bergin Photography

4. Votive Candles

Votive candles are the smaller accent candles that add the perfect finishing touch to every table.

We offer a wide selection of votives in various sizes, textures, and colors, so whether you're looking for a warm amber glow, textured glass, or a pop of color, votives help bring the entire look together. We recommend placing 6-8 votives per table in a variety of styles to create a soft, inviting ambiance.

Close up of a cocktail and an amber votive candle for a wedding in New Jersey — Photo by Meghan Burke Photography

Close up of a wedding table set with flatware and a votive candle in ridged textured glass is in focus, for a wedding at Blue Hill in Tarrytown NY — Photo by Weddings by Nato

Floating candles are acceneted with a dark green votive, a burgundy votive, and a clear votive for a wedding at the Inn at Millrace Pond in New Jersey — Photo by The Kruks

Bonus: LED Lamps

Clearly not a candle, these LED lamps are a modern and stylish lighting addition to our inventory. We love mixing them in with other candle selections or by themselves with styled greens and florals. These are a unique option for venues who do not allow real candles.

Taper candles, LED Lamps, mixed votives, and moody budvases styled together for on an escort card table for a wedding — Photo by Jaci Berkopec Photography

Large room shot inside NJPAC. The stage is set with large round tables for a gala. The tables feature an LED lamp that brings a warm glow to the tables — Photo by Jen Pottheiser

Understanding the differences between taper, votive, pillar, and floating candles can help you choose the perfect combination to create a warm and inviting ambiance for your wedding.

And for even more inspiration, check out our blog post on 6 Ways to Style Candles for Wedding Centerpieces to see how you can incorporate candlelight into your special day.

If you're planning a wedding in New Jersey or New York, we'd love to help bring your vision to life—contact us today to get started!

Hope VandenAkker