Hi, loves! Emma here. Today we’re talking about how to give custom candles as wedding favors for your reception or bridal shower. These aren’t just any candles; these custom candles are the kind worthy of being displayed at your wedding and taken home with your favorite family and friends. I know you may be tempted to find the cheapest candle favors out there to cross it off your list, but wait — you’ll see that when giving candles as wedding favors, it pays to go with a higher quality. Today we’re talking about custom candles and showing an example from Etsy shop artist, FoxblossomCo. If you’re thinking of giving candle wedding favors, don’t miss this post. Enjoy!

There’s just something about a good candle that makes people happy. Obviously, scent is a big one — pick a bad smelling candle and you’ll never, ever use it. I have learned from past mistakes of candle-buying woes: those big, bulky candles that are cheap? Don’t bother! I once bought one with a horrible scent — something like ocean breeze? — and it barely smelled like anything. And when I did get a whiff of it, it wasn’t very memorable. Let’s just say that candle collected a lot of dust.

On the flip side, I bought a really small candle at a local art fair (yay, handmade!) and although it was smaller in size, the scent is incredible — and, you guessed it, memorable! It is a pumpkin spice scent that welcomes you into the home. I save it (and savor it) during the fall season, and burn it for just a little at a time.

See? Lesson learned: even though the huge bulky candle was cheap and contained more product, it brought me very little candle satisfaction. The small candle, however, is one of my most favorites!

Another reason people love candles, especially in the fall and winter: that cozy, sitting-by-the-fire feeling with just the flicker of a candle. A candle is an instant way to add coziness to your home.

Anyway, you didn’t come here to hear me review candle scents, so on with it already: here’s how to give custom candles as wedding favors. These are the top tips you’ll want to know if you’re giving candles to guests.

1. Go with quality!

Cheap custom candles are out there. Oh, they’re out there alright. But why do you think they’re so cheap? Because they’re mass-produced! They’re factory-made! They smell like a mix of fog and laundry, with a hint of “ocean breeze”. That doesn’t mean you have to seek out the most expensive candles, either. Just make sure you choose custom candles that boast high-quality, small-batch, hand-poured qualities.

Your guests will notice the difference.

Which leads us to our next point:

2. Make sure you add a custom touch.

Add personalization to your candles. If you’re making your own custom candles (and if you are, I hear this is a great kit to get started), make sure you print cute labels or design your own lids to make them pop. Since you’re giving candles as favors, you’ll want to dress them up a bit and a little customization goes a long way.

If you’re giving custom candles you buy online (the most popular choice, as hand-pouring 200 candles is quite the DIY feat), you’ll almost always find them with personalization included. A lid label here, a sticker there… it’s pretty standard (and makes your favors look polished and ready-to-give).

Before you buy them, you’ll want to…

3. Read reviews of your candle favors before you buy.

I love product reviews. I, like most people out there, almost never purchase something without first checking reviews online. When you’re shopping for wedding favors on Etsy or Amazon, always read reviews. And check the shipping rates, shipping timelines (to make sure you get your custom candles on time for the big day), and return policies / procedures.

Look especially for reviews that talk about the quality of the candles themselves. If someone mentions the candles don’t smell that great, or the packaging is poor, or the shipping took FOREVER — move on. There’s plenty of amazing candle favors out there worth your money.

4. Order enough candles for each guest to take home one.

Wedding favors are given as one per guest. You’ll want to order enough for each guest to take one home. Believe me, you won’t have even a single candle favor left over. And that’s money well-spent! Be sure to add one more for you to take home, too! :)

5. Order a variety of candle scents.

Mix it up: everyone has a different preference, so we recommend ordering a handful of different scents (we always recommend the same for soap favors, too). This way, each guest can pick a favorite scent to take home.

6. Don’t place the candles at your place settings.

You were probably thinking you would put the candles at your guest place settings, right? Don’t! Scented candles should not be placed at the dinner table, simply because they can ruin the taste of food. Some people are more sensitive to scents than others, and with a whole collaboration of scents (read #6, above) you’ll have a really odd combination of scents going on at dinner. (Don’t believe me? Read this!)

Instead, we recommend placing your custom candles at a side table (by the cake? by your seating chart? anywhere!) with a sign instructing guests to, “Please take one”. Guests will help themselves after dinner and take them home. Problem solved and crisis averted. :)

Now you know how to give custom candles as favors: here’s where to buy them!

Where to Buy Custom Candles / Favors

We found the candles above from FoxblossomCo They’re the prettiest we’ve found, have the best customization options (even custom candles with a totally upload-your-own design), and great pricing on bulk orders. I love the gold tins, too: very on-trend! P.S. Amanda is awesome to work with so we know you’re in great hands.

Happy Planning!

xo
Emma

P.S. Discuss: are you giving candle wedding favors to guests? Why or why not? Tell us in the comment box below!

P.S.S. Need more wedding favor inspiration? Read: 50 Best Wedding Favors (Under $5)