Real Candles VS Flameless Candles for Outdoor Weddings
There is a unique bliss that surrounds the celebration of love on your wedding day. As you exchange vows under a canopy of stars or surrounded by blooming flowers, the joy of the moment is unparalleled. However, planning outdoor weddings can come with its own set of challenges. On one hand, the beauty of nature offers a stunning backdrop that breathes life into your ceremony, but then there’s also the stress of coordinating all the elements to ensure a seamless event.
One of the key elements to consider when planning an outdoor wedding is lighting. Making the right choice about your lighting can greatly influence the atmosphere; choosing traditional real candles provides a warm, enchanting glow, but flameless candles offer safety and convenience, particularly in windy conditions. Your decision will not only affect the aesthetic but also your comfort and peace of mind on your special day.
In this article, we at Pen Ryn Estate will guide you through the considerations of selecting the perfect lighting for your outdoor wedding. With many years of experience in event and wedding planning at our picturesque wedding venues, we can help ensure your day is as magical and stress-free as possible.
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Real Candles
Real candles, known for their classic charm, are made from wax and have a wick that produces a soft, inviting glow when lit. Their flickering flames create a warm atmosphere that enhances the romance of outdoor weddings. Available in various shapes, sizes, and scents, real candles can match any theme or décor, allowing couples to personalize their celebrations.
There are many styles of real candles, each adding a unique touch to the setting. Pillar candles can be placed on tables or in decorative arrangements, while votive candles provide a soft glow and can be grouped for extra effect. With thoughtful placement, real candles can turn your outdoor wedding into a magical celebration of love.
Pros of Real Candles
When it comes to setting the mood for your outdoor wedding, real candles are unmatched in their beauty. Their natural flicker and warm glow create an intimate atmosphere that adds romance to the occasion.
Aesthetic Appeal
The soft, dancing flames of real candles bring a timeless charm that fills the air with romance. Whether placed elegantly on tables or scattered along pathways, they cast a lovely light that highlights your wedding décor. As day turns to dusk, candles can turn your venue into a magical space, making every moment feel special.
Variety
One major benefit of real candles is the wide variety available. From elegant pillar candles to charming tea lights, the choices are almost endless. Couples can pick different heights, shapes, and colors to match their theme perfectly. Scented candles can also add a personal touch, filling the air with scents that bring back fond memories.
Atmosphere Control
Real candles also help control the atmosphere of your outdoor setting. Adding candlelight can quickly change the feel of an event, softening harsh surroundings and creating a cozy, inviting space for your guests. As the night goes on, the gentle glow of the candles creates a relaxed vibe that encourages connection and conversation among your loved ones, enhancing the overall experience of your celebration.
Cons of Real Candles
While real candles add charm and warmth to outdoor weddings, there are some practical issues couples should consider. As lovely as a flickering flame can be, it’s important to recognize the challenges they may bring.
Weather Dependency
One major downside of using real candles outside is their reliance on weather conditions. Wind can easily blow out the flames, causing couples to repeatedly relight candles during the outdoor ceremony. This can be distracting and impractical, especially on breezy evenings. Couples should think about the wind potential at their chosen venue and have a backup plan.
Fire Hazard
Safety is another important consideration when choosing real candles. Many venues have restrictions on open flames due to fire risks. Couples must check venue policies and talk to their wedding planners to ensure that using real candles follows safety guidelines. Ignoring these rules could result in fines or even being unable to use candles at all, which could take away from the ambiance of outdoor weddings.
Our team of event coordinators at Pen Ryn Estate is happy to help answer any questions you may have about real candles and venue regulations. We want to ensure your special day is both absolutely beautiful and safe at our best Philadelphia wedding venue, River’s Edge Garden Pavillion.
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Maintenance Requirements
Real candles also need some maintenance that could detract from the joy of the day. Couples should think about how often they need to replace or check the candles to keep them functional and looking good. This may require coordinating with a reliable friend or family member, adding extra logistics to an already busy wedding day. The last thing any couple wants is for their carefully chosen lighting to look neglected or uninviting.
Flameless Candles
Flameless candles are innovative lighting options that mimic the warm glow of real candles without an open flame. Made from materials like wax or plastic, they use LED lights to create a flickering effect similar to traditional candles. Available in various styles, sizes, and colors, flameless candles fit perfectly into any outdoor wedding theme. Their realistic look adds elegance, while being battery-operated allows for flexible placement without the worry of real flames.
You can find many styles to suit your event, including pillar flameless candles, tea lights, and even floating candles that can add a unique touch to the decor of outdoor weddings.
Pros of Flameless
Flameless candles offer a fantastic alternative to their traditional counterparts, blending safety and convenience while still providing an enchanting atmosphere for outdoor weddings. By exploring their key advantages, couples can make informed decisions about their lighting choices.
Safety
One of the most significant benefits of flameless candles is their ability to eliminate the risk of fire. Unlike real candles, flameless options do not have an open flame, making them particularly suitable for outdoor settings where wind, dry foliage, and other environmental elements can create potential hazards. This makes them a worry-free option for couples concerned about safety, allowing them to focus on their celebrations without the stress of potential fire risks.
Convenience
Flameless candles are incredibly convenient for outdoor events. They do not require constant supervision, as there is no flame to extinguish or relight, making them perfect for a busy wedding day. Many flameless candles are battery-operated and come with timers, allowing couples to set them to turn on and off automatically. This feature ensures that the lights will be perfectly illuminated without the need for anyone to manage them throughout the event, freeing up time for couples and their guests to enjoy the festivities.
Realistic Appearance
Modern flameless candles have come a long way in terms of design, with many now mimicking the flickering effect of real flames remarkably well. Through advanced technology, these candles provide a warm and inviting glow similar to that of traditional candles, enhancing the romantic atmosphere without the drawbacks associated with real ones. Available in various styles and sizes, flameless candles allow couples to achieve the aesthetic they desire while enjoying the peace of mind that comes with their use.
Cons of Flameless Candles
While flameless candles provide a safe and convenient lighting solution, there are some concerns that couples might want to consider when deciding between real and flameless options. Understanding these drawbacks can help in making the best choice for your special day.
Less Authentic
Some may argue that flameless candles lack the genuine ambiance of real flames. The flicker and glow of a live flame create a unique atmosphere that is hard to replicate. Although high-quality flameless candles can closely mimic this effect, the tactile experience of lighting a candle or the aroma released by burning wax can provide a sensory richness that many find missing in flameless alternatives. For those seeking an authentic experience, this aspect may be a significant consideration.
Limited Scent Options
Another con of flameless candles is the limited scent options available. While traditional scented candles can infuse the air with delightful fragrances, flameless candles typically do not emit any scent since they contain no wax or essential oils. Although some flameless candles come with a scent feature, they often don’t compare to the genuine aromas released by their burning counterparts. For couples who wish to create an aromatic atmosphere to enhance their celebration, this limitation may detract from the overall experience.
Recommendations for Outdoor Weddings
When planning outdoor weddings, it’s essential to consider your lighting options carefully. The right choice can elevate the atmosphere while ensuring safety and convenience.
Consider the Venue
Before finalizing your candle choices, it’s crucial to check the venue’s regulations regarding real candles. Many venues have specific fire safety rules that may prohibit open flames, particularly in outdoor settings. If your venue does not permit traditional candles, flameless alternatives can provide the necessary ambiance without compromising safety.
For example, here at Pen Ryn Estate, we allow real candles at our outdoor wedding venue, River’s Edge Garden Pavillion, with certain restrictions to ensure the safety of our guests and property. However, some venues may only permit flameless candles due to fire code regulations. It’s essential to clarify these details early on in your wedding planning process.
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Weather Considerations
Weather can significantly impact outdoor events, especially during windy conditions. Real candles are subject to being extinguished by gusts of wind, which can disrupt the planned atmosphere. Flameless candles shine in this regard as they remain lit regardless of external conditions, allowing you to focus on enjoying your special day without the worry of managing flames.
So, we recommend considering flameless candles as a primary lighting option for your outdoor wedding, especially if the weather forecast predicts wind or other elements that could affect traditional candles.
Decorative Choices
For those seeking to replicate the look and feel of traditional candles, choose flameless options made with wax. These candles often come equipped with a flickering feature that mimics the dance of real flames, adding an authentic touch to your décor. By using high-quality flameless candles, couples can achieve the aesthetic they desire without sacrificing safety.
Bulk Options
If your wedding plans include the use of numerous candles, consider purchasing flameless candles in bulk. This approach not only provides significant cost savings but also ensures consistency in style and lighting throughout the venue. Bulk purchasing makes it easier to create the desired ambiance while staying within budget.
Versatility in Use
Flameless candles are incredibly versatile and can be used in various settings beyond the wedding day. After the event, they can enhance home décor or serve as lasting reminders of your special occasion, adding charm and sophistication to everyday spaces. This versatility means your investment in flameless candles continues to pay off long after the celebration has concluded.
Customizable Settings
Many modern flameless candles come with adjustable brightness settings or timers, allowing couples to customize the lighting based on the moment. Whether you prefer an intimate glow for a romantic dinner or brighter illumination for a dance floor, these options enable easy adjustments that cater to the atmosphere you wish to create.
Mix and Match
Why choose one type of candle when you can have the best of both worlds? Consider incorporating a mix of real and flameless candles into your decor for your outdoor affair. This way, you can enjoy the ambiance and authenticity of real candles while ensuring safety and convenience with flameless options.
For example, you could use real candles for your wedding ceremony or reception outdoors and use flameless alternatives for pathways or other areas where safety is a concern. This method allows you to enjoy the benefits of both options while creating a unique and memorable atmosphere for all the guests.
Conclusion
When planning an outdoor or outside wedding, choosing the right lighting is essential for creating the perfect atmosphere. Whether you opt for the enchanting ambiance of real candles or the practical elegance of flameless options, each choice can contribute significantly to the overall experience of your special day. Consider your wedding venue and outdoor or indoor space, weather conditions, and personal preferences to make the best decision.
To discover how River’s Edge Garden Pavilion at Pen Ryn Estate can enhance your celebration, contact our team. We’re here to guide you in making your wedding day spectacular, from lighting to every detail in between.
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