Candles have always held a special place in weddings. Beyond simply providing light, they add romance, intimacy, and a sense of timeless elegance to any celebration. When I style wedding venues, I often rely on candles to create that magical glow that no artificial lighting can truly replicate. But one of the biggest questions I often hear from couples is this: Should we invest in luxury designer candles, or should we try making our own DIY candles?
It’s a valid question because candles can significantly influence the atmosphere of your wedding day. Choosing between luxury designer candles and DIY options isn’t just about budget—it’s about style, personalization, and the overall experience you want for yourself and your guests. Each option carries unique advantages, but they also come with important considerations you shouldn’t overlook.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the key differences, drawing from my experience as a wedding decorator. I’ll share when I’ve seen luxury designer candles shine brightest, and when DIY creations added that perfect personal touch. By the end, you’ll have the clarity you need to decide which option aligns best with your wedding vision.
Understanding Candle Aesthetics in Weddings
When planning a wedding, one of the most overlooked yet powerful design elements is the candle. Candles create mood, soften spaces, and bring an undeniable sense of romance. Unlike flowers, which add bursts of color, or linens, which frame your tables, candles set the tone of the entire evening the moment they are lit.
As a wedding decorator, I’ve seen how even the simplest candles can transform an ordinary reception space into a breathtaking scene. Their flickering glow adds warmth and intimacy, making large ballrooms feel cozier and outdoor celebrations more enchanting. The ambiance they create is especially important during evening receptions, where lighting plays a major role in how your photos and videos turn out.
Candles also carry symbolic meaning. Across many cultures, they represent unity, hope, and everlasting love—making them a natural fit for weddings. Whether used during the ceremony in unity rituals or as part of the reception design, they speak a language of romance that words often cannot capture.
This is why the type of candles you choose matters. Luxury designer candles offer an unmatched polish and sophistication, while DIY candles can feel deeply personal and creative. Both bring something unique to the table, and understanding this aesthetic foundation helps you see why the debate is more than just cost—it’s about the kind of atmosphere you want to create.
What Are Luxury Designer Candles?
When I talk about luxury designer candles, I’m referring to candles crafted by high-end brands known for their artistry, premium materials, and flawless designs. These aren’t the kind of candles you’d casually pick up at a local store. They’re made with high-quality wax, often soy or beeswax, and infused with fragrances designed by expert perfumers. Their wicks are carefully chosen for an even burn, and their vessels are usually elegant enough to double as décor pieces.
Luxury candles are often sought after because they exude refinement. I’ve worked with couples who chose designer candles specifically to align with their upscale wedding theme. For example, a black-tie ballroom wedding with crystal chandeliers pairs beautifully with sleek, branded candles displayed in minimalist glass or chic metallic holders. The effect is seamless—every detail feels intentional, polished, and cohesive.
Another advantage of luxury candles is consistency. With professional production, you can trust that each candle will burn the same way, give off the same scent, and maintain the same aesthetic. This kind of reliability is crucial for weddings where timing and presentation are everything. The last thing you want is uneven melting, wax drips on your linens, or smoke that interferes with your carefully designed atmosphere.
Of course, part of the appeal is also brand recognition. Just as some couples splurge on a designer dress or a luxury venue, others choose high-end candles because they signal sophistication and exclusivity. They make a statement, not only to your guests but also in your photos, which capture every detail.
What Are DIY Candles?
On the other side of the spectrum are DIY candles. These are handmade, often by the couple themselves or with the help of friends and family. They can be crafted using a variety of materials such as soy wax, beeswax, coconut wax, or even recycled wax. With endless options for fragrance oils, essential oils, containers, and decorative touches, DIY candles offer a level of personalization that no store-bought product can match.
What makes DIY candles special is the story behind them. I’ve styled weddings where every candle on the table was made by the bride and her bridesmaids during a weekend crafting session. Not only did it create beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces, but it also added sentimental value. Guests could feel the thought and care that went into every detail, making the ambiance even more meaningful.
DIY candles also allow couples to tailor every aspect to their wedding theme. For rustic or bohemian celebrations, handmade candles in mason jars or vintage teacups can look incredibly charming. For eco-conscious weddings, DIY soy or beeswax candles in reusable containers emphasize sustainability without sacrificing style.
However, making your own candles does take time and effort. You need to experiment with wax types, wick sizes, and fragrance ratios to achieve a professional finish. Without that testing, there’s a risk of uneven burning, overpowering or faint scents, and even safety issues. But for many couples, the process itself becomes part of the joy—especially if they enjoy crafting or want to add a truly personal stamp to their wedding décor.
Luxury Designer Candles: Pros and Cons
Luxury designer candles bring undeniable elegance to a wedding, but like any design choice, they come with both benefits and limitations. From my experience, their strongest advantage lies in their quality and reliability. These candles are designed to burn evenly, maintain their fragrance for hours, and provide consistent performance throughout an event. For weddings where timing and presentation are critical, this reliability can save a lot of stress.
Another major benefit is their sophistication and style. Luxury candles often feature unique vessels—glass, ceramics, or even crystal—that enhance your tablescape without needing additional decoration. I’ve styled weddings where the candles alone were conversation pieces, blending seamlessly into the overall design. If your goal is to impress guests with an elevated atmosphere, luxury candles deliver effortlessly.
That said, the biggest drawback is cost. Designer candles are a significant investment, especially if you need dozens to fill your venue. While they’re perfect for couples who value refinement and don’t mind splurging, the expense can quickly eat into your budget. Another limitation is personalization. While some luxury brands offer custom engraving or packaging, their designs remain relatively fixed—you’re choosing from a curated selection, not creating something entirely your own.
Finally, sourcing can sometimes be a challenge. Popular brands may have limited stock or long shipping times, which requires planning ahead. For couples who are already juggling dozens of wedding details, this can add unnecessary stress if not managed early.
DIY Candles: Pros and Cons
DIY candles, in contrast, shine in the area of personalization and creativity. When couples make their own candles, every detail—from the wax type to the fragrance blend—can be tailored to their story. I’ve seen couples infuse candles with lavender from their own garden, or pour them into heirloom teacups passed down through generations. These details add layers of meaning that designer candles simply can’t replicate.
Another strength of DIY candles is their cost-effectiveness. While the initial supplies may feel like an investment—wax, wicks, fragrance oils, jars, and molds—the overall cost per candle is often much lower than luxury options. This makes them an attractive choice for large weddings where you want plenty of candlelight without overspending.
On the downside, DIY candles require time, patience, and skill. Achieving a professional-quality finish isn’t always easy. Wicks can burn unevenly, scents can turn out too strong or too faint, and wax may crack or tunnel. Without testing beforehand, these issues can compromise the look and feel of your wedding. Safety is another concern—improperly made candles can produce excess smoke, drip wax onto linens, or even pose a fire hazard.
For couples with limited time in their wedding planning journey, DIY candles may become more of a stressor than a joy. But for those who enjoy crafting or want to make the process part of their pre-wedding memories, they can be incredibly rewarding.
Cost Comparison: Designer vs. DIY
Budget often plays a decisive role in this debate. On average, luxury designer candles can cost anywhere from $30 to $100 each, depending on the brand and size. Multiply that by the number of tables and décor zones at a wedding, and the expense can quickly climb into the thousands. For couples planning a luxury wedding, this cost may be perfectly acceptable, especially when weighed against the flawless look and consistent burn.
DIY candles, on the other hand, are much more budget-friendly. A DIY kit with wax, wicks, and containers can yield multiple candles at a fraction of the price of luxury brands. On average, you might spend $5 to $10 per candle, sometimes even less if you buy supplies in bulk. For weddings requiring dozens of candles, this difference can free up budget for other areas like flowers, photography, or catering.
However, it’s important to remember that time is also a form of currency. Making candles requires not only crafting time but also trial and error. If you need to remake batches due to imperfections, the process can become costly in terms of energy and patience. So while DIY may save money, it does demand a commitment of time that luxury candles eliminate.
Personalization and Customization Options
One of the most common reasons couples lean toward DIY candles is the ability to customize them fully. From selecting unique jars and colors to blending signature scents, DIY candles can reflect your wedding theme and personal love story in a way designer candles rarely can. Imagine a beach wedding with candles scented like coconut and sea salt, or a winter celebration with cinnamon and pine—all handcrafted to complement the season and setting.
Luxury designer candles, while elegant, are typically more limited in customization. Some brands may allow you to add initials or choose from a small selection of fragrances, but the overall design remains standard. The appeal here lies not in personalization, but in the prestige and polish that the brand itself brings to your décor.
That said, there’s a creative middle ground I’ve often recommended to couples: mixing the two. Use luxury designer candles as the centerpiece elements—those focal points that draw the eye—and complement them with DIY candles scattered throughout the venue. This balance creates both refinement and intimacy, while also managing your budget.
Quality, Safety, and Burn Time
When it comes to performance, luxury designer candles generally lead the way. These candles are meticulously tested to ensure long, clean burns with minimal smoke and dripping. They’re designed to maintain their shape and fragrance over several hours, which is ideal for weddings that last well into the night. Their reliability gives peace of mind, allowing you to focus on enjoying the celebration instead of worrying about candles misbehaving.
DIY candles can absolutely achieve high quality, but it requires careful attention. Wick size must match the jar diameter, fragrance oil percentages must be balanced, and wax must be poured under the right conditions. Without testing, you may encounter uneven burns, tunneling, or smoke—all of which can distract from your wedding’s elegance.
Safety is another factor to weigh seriously. Luxury brands adhere to strict production standards, reducing the risk of hazards. DIY candles, while safe when done correctly, carry more risk if shortcuts are taken. For this reason, I always advise couples to thoroughly test their DIY candles weeks before the wedding. This not only ensures they burn beautifully but also prevents last-minute surprises.
Scent and Atmosphere
The fragrance of a candle is often just as important as its glow. In weddings, scent can transport guests, creating a multi-sensory experience that lingers long after the event ends. I’ve seen couples use fragrance as a subtle storytelling tool—lavender for calm, rose for romance, or citrus for a refreshing burst of energy during summer weddings.
Luxury designer candles excel in this area because their fragrances are often crafted by expert perfumers. These scents are layered, complex, and designed to fill a room evenly without being overpowering. For couples who want sophistication in every detail, luxury candles offer a refined aromatic experience that guests will associate with your big day.
DIY candles, however, provide freedom to experiment. You can blend essential oils to create a custom scent that reflects your personality as a couple. Perhaps you want a fragrance inspired by your first vacation together or a combination of notes that evoke your favorite season. The possibilities are endless. The challenge, of course, lies in achieving balance—some oils may not blend well, or the scent may not carry strongly enough in larger venues. But when done right, DIY scents can be deeply meaningful and memorable.
Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Choices
Sustainability is becoming a priority for many couples, and candles are no exception. Luxury designer brands are increasingly offering eco-conscious options, such as soy or beeswax candles, reusable glass jars, or responsibly sourced packaging. Choosing these candles allows couples to enjoy luxury while still making environmentally responsible choices.
DIY candles can be equally, if not more, sustainable. By selecting natural waxes like soy, beeswax, or coconut wax, and using recycled or reusable containers, couples can minimize waste and reduce their environmental footprint. I once worked with a couple who poured their DIY candles into vintage jars they collected from local thrift stores—it not only fit their rustic theme but also gave new life to old items.
For eco-conscious weddings, both luxury and DIY options can work beautifully. The key is to research materials, ask the right questions, and ensure the final product aligns with your sustainability values.
Which Candle Fits Your Wedding Theme?
Your wedding theme plays a major role in determining which candle style is right for you. Luxury designer candles often complement formal, elegant weddings—think ballrooms, modern minimalist venues, or sophisticated black-tie affairs. Their sleek designs and refined scents enhance polished settings where every detail speaks of luxury.
DIY candles, on the other hand, shine in more relaxed or personal celebrations. Rustic barn weddings, bohemian outdoor gatherings, and intimate backyard receptions are perfect for handmade touches. Guests will appreciate the authenticity of candles that feel crafted with love rather than mass-produced.
That said, I’ve styled weddings where both styles worked together beautifully. A couple once used luxury taper candles in crystal holders for their head table while filling guest tables with DIY candles in mismatched jars. The result was both elegant and intimate, creating layers of style that reflected their personalities.
Real-Life Examples and Inspiration
One of my favorite luxury candle moments was at a winter wedding where the couple lined the ceremony aisle with tall, designer pillar candles in hurricane glass. The effect was breathtaking, casting a golden glow that turned the venue into a dreamscape. It was a clear example of how luxury candles can transform a space instantly.
On the DIY side, I worked with a bride who poured soy candles in small tins, each labeled with the couple’s initials and wedding date. These doubled as both décor and guest favors. Guests loved taking home a piece of the celebration, and the candles carried the scent of vanilla and cedarwood—a nod to the couple’s cozy cabin proposal. It was affordable, personal, and incredibly well-received.
These examples show that there’s no “one-size-fits-all” choice. The right candle depends on your story, your budget, and your priorities.
Tips for Mixing Both Styles
For couples who can’t decide, mixing luxury designer candles and DIY candles is a smart solution. I often recommend using luxury candles in high-visibility areas—like the ceremony altar, sweetheart table, or entryway—where guests will notice the details most. Then, use DIY candles to fill in supporting areas, such as guest tables, lounge spaces, or favors.
This approach allows you to enjoy the prestige and reliability of designer candles while still incorporating the personal charm of DIY creations. It also balances your budget, letting you splurge where it matters most while saving in other areas.
Expert Advice from a Wedding Decorator
If I were to give one piece of advice, it’s this: think beyond the candles themselves. Consider the overall experience you want your guests to have. Do you want them to walk into a space that feels sleek, luxurious, and professionally styled? Or do you want them to feel the warmth of personal touches that speak to your journey as a couple?
Luxury designer candles are ideal for couples who value polish, consistency, and brand prestige. DIY candles are perfect for couples who want intimacy, customization, and a hands-on approach. Neither is “better”—it’s about alignment with your wedding vision.
I also encourage couples to test everything beforehand. Light the candles you plan to use in a similar environment to your venue. Notice how they burn, how they smell, and how they look in photos. A little preparation goes a long way in avoiding surprises on the big day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are DIY candles safe for weddings?
Yes, but only if made correctly. Testing in advance is crucial to ensure they burn evenly and don’t cause issues like smoking or dripping.
How many candles should I plan for?
This depends on your venue size and style. As a rule of thumb, I recommend at least three candles per guest table, plus additional clusters for entryways, the ceremony aisle, and accent areas.
Can luxury candles be reused after the wedding?
Absolutely. Many couples take them home, gift them to family members, or even repurpose them for anniversaries. This can help justify the investment.
Which option is more eco-friendly?
Both can be eco-friendly if chosen thoughtfully. Look for natural waxes, reusable containers, and sustainable sourcing. DIY offers more control, while some luxury brands already meet these standards.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Candle Style for Your Big Day
At the end of the day, the decision between luxury designer candles and DIY candles comes down to your priorities as a couple. If you dream of a flawlessly styled, high-end wedding where every detail exudes refinement, luxury candles may be the best choice. If you value creativity, personalization, and adding a handmade touch to your décor, DIY candles will feel more meaningful.
From my perspective as a wedding decorator, I’ve seen both approaches succeed beautifully. What matters most is choosing candles that reflect your love story and enhance the atmosphere you want to create. Whether you’re lighting the path to your ceremony with designer pillars or filling your reception tables with homemade creations, the glow of candlelight will always add romance to your celebration.