Wedding Favours: Handmade Candles Instead of Sweets
Wedding favours are still a tradition, but what goes in them is changing. Classic sugared-almond packets are usually forgotten in a bag by the end of the night; couples looking for something lasting and genuinely used increasingly choose candles. A candle is small, personal, and it actually makes it into the home.
This guide covers how candles work as wedding favours, what drives the cost, how to personalise them, and what to watch for when ordering in bulk.
Why a Candle Instead of Sweets?
- It does not get thrown away. Unlike sweets, it gets used - and every time it does, it recalls the day.
- It suits everyone. No age, gender or dietary restriction to consider.
- It can be personalised. Colour, scent and label can match the wedding concept.
- It photographs well. It doubles as part of the table styling.
- Concrete vessels get a second life. Once the candle is finished, the vessel becomes a planter or pen pot.
How: How to Clean a Concrete Candle and Turn It Into a Planter
What Drives the Cost
Three things: the weight of the candle, the type of vessel, and quantity. Smaller, simply contained pieces are naturally more economical; concrete vessels and larger pours move into proper gift territory.
Think about guest numbers and budget together - the per-head figure for a 200-guest wedding is different from a 60-guest ceremony. Send us quantities and a date and we will prepare pricing and a delivery plan.
Personalisation
- Colour: matched to the wedding palette. Powder pink, ivory cream, sage and stone grey are the most requested.
- Scent: for bulk orders, neutral scents that suit everyone are safer. Lavender, cotton and olive blossom work well.
- Label and note: a small card with the couple names and the date.
- Packaging: individually boxed or simple kraft wrapping.
More: Personalised Candles and How a Personalised Candle Is Made
When to Order
This is where most people get caught out. Because everything is hand-poured, bulk orders go into a production schedule.
- For 60-100 pieces, allow at least two weeks.
- For 200 and above, three to four weeks is safer.
- In wedding season (May to September) lead times stretch - tell us early.
- Settle colour and scent when you order; changing after production starts means a new batch.
Which Designs Work
- Pure Cotton - neutral, clean linen scent that suits everyone
- Olive Branch - for Aegean-themed weddings
- Bohemian Breeze - warm and lightly spiced
Candle gifts and all our candles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is giving candles instead of sweets unusual?
Increasingly common, and guests generally react well to receiving something they can actually use.
What is the minimum for a bulk order?
Send us quantities and a date and we will work out pricing and delivery together.
Can the couple names be printed on the candle?
On the label and card, yes. For permanent lettering on the candle itself, get in touch.
Can I see a sample first?
For bulk orders we can send a single sample before you decide. Seeing the colour and scent in person is always best.
How long do the candles keep?
Stored properly, soy candles keep for years. Taking delivery a few weeks before the wedding is fine - just keep them cool and out of sunlight.