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Igal Sapir of 100 Candles

Break it Down: LED vs. Wax Candles for Special Events

Igal SapirThere’s no doubt that candles are one of the most used decor pieces across all types of events. From tapers to pillars to votives, candles are a great tool for adding some mood lighting to any space.

The question is: What kind is the best fit for your event?

When it boils down, there are two types of candles to choose from – your trusty wax candles and the more modern battery-operated LED alternatives. These are both great options for events and come with their own qualities, so it’s best to figure out which suits the event before placing an order.

Traditional wax candles have their roots in ancient lighting, but are still a popular favorite for homes around the world. They’ve also made their way into the event world as easy additions to bring an inviting and cozy atmosphere--perfect for most events!

Eco-friendly candles are available for environmentally conscious events. “Going green” has become a norm and, as a result, soy and beeswax candles are popular choices for everyone. In fact, beeswax candles release negative ions when burned, which actively cleans the air--how can you say no to that? You may also want to look at the wick options available, as wood and cotton give the cleanest burn.

With that said, battery-operated LEDs are a solid choice for green events, as they don’t involve burning anything. They’re also quite versatile and can be reused for multiple events, making them a great investment. As they carry no fire risk, they are also the optimal choice for indoor events where venues may have certain flame restrictions. Need not worry, though--LED candles come in all shapes, sizes, and colors and can even bring the same soft flicker of a traditional wax candle.

If you can’t bear to choose one or the other, it may make sense to incorporate both into your event design. Wax candles might be the best option for centerpieces, votive cups and other decor out in the open, while LEDs can shine in hanging lanterns, overhead teacups, or other spots where a flame isn’t permitted.

No matter what your lighting plans are, be sure to consult with the venue to make sure it all falls in line with their regulations, whether they’re regional guidelines or venue-specific.

If it holds strict rules about open flames indoors, LED lights will surely be the better bet--plus you get the added bonus of no melted wax on rented linens!

Think it through and be sure to get opinions from the client ahead of time. Together, you can come up with the best lighting design for the event space at hand!

Igal Sapir is the chief technology officer for 100 Candles, a wholesale market for candles and LED lights. Since 2002, thousands of wedding and event professionals have turned to 100 Candles for their wholesale candle accounts.

 

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