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Candles at Weddings: Real vs. LED – Which is Best for Your Big Day?

Writer's picture: Jess WilliamsJess Williams

Real Candles - Amber Mae Photography
Real Candles - Amber Mae Photography

Few details can transform a wedding venue quite like the warm glow of candles. They add romance, intimacy, and a timeless elegance to your celebration. At Avonlea Farms, we adore the beauty candles bring to our space, but with great beauty comes great responsibility—especially when real flames are involved. Whether you’re considering the charm of real candles or the practicality of LED alternatives, this guide will walk you through the pros and cons of each to help you make the best choice for your big day.


Avonlea Farms’ Candle Rules

Before we dive into the benefits and drawbacks of real vs. LED candles, let’s start with Avonlea Farms’ specific rules for using candles at our venue. Our policies ensure the safety of everyone while protecting the natural beauty and decor of our farm.


Real Candle Guidelines

  1. Votives, Hurricane Vases, Candelabras, and Chimneys Required

    • If you plan to use real candles, you must bring your own containers to safely house the flames. These include votives, hurricane vases, candelabras, or chimneys.

    • You may not use items from our decor library to hold real candles.

  2. Lit Taper Candles

    • Taper candles must have a chimney around them and a base to catch dripping wax.

    • If you prefer not to use chimneys, you may have unlit taper candles or light them briefly for photos or video. Once your photographer captures the look, the flames must be extinguished.


LED Candle Guidelines

If you opt for LED candles and wish to use our decor library items (hurricane vases, votives, candelabras, or lanterns), you’re welcome to do so. We also offer the following LED options for rent:

  • Battery-Operated Votives: Free (stock not guaranteed)

  • Battery-Operated Pillar Candles (for lanterns): Free (stock not guaranteed)

  • LED Floating Candles (for hurricane vases in water): $50 per 50 candles

  • LED Plastic Taper Candles (white): $50 per 50 candles

  • LED Waxy Taper Candles (various colors): $75 per 50 candles


These options make it easy to create the ambiance you desire while adhering to our safety guidelines.


Amber Mae Photography
Amber Mae Photography

The Pros of Real Candles

There’s no denying the timeless allure of real candles. Their warm flicker creates an atmosphere that’s hard to replicate. Here are some reasons why couples often choose real flames for their weddings:


1. Unparalleled Romance

The soft, natural glow of real candles adds a magical quality to any setting. Whether you’re planning a cozy greenhouse wedding, an elegant ceremony under a canopy of bistro lights, or a rustic celebration in the Virginia countryside, real flames elevate the ambiance to something truly enchanting.

2. Photographic Perfection

Real candles create stunning light for photos and videos. Their dynamic glow brings depth and dimension to your images, making your wedding album a true work of art.

3. Timeless Elegance

There’s a reason real candles have been a staple of weddings for centuries. They exude a certain je n'ai ce quoi that instantly transforms any venue into a romantic haven.

4. Versatility in Style

From candelabras dripping with wax to minimalist votives lining an aisle, real candles fit seamlessly into any wedding style—boho, classic, rustic, or modern.


Sandy Swagger Jones Photography
Sandy Swagger Jones Photography

The Cons of Real Candles

While undeniably beautiful, real candles come with their own set of challenges. Here’s what you need to consider:


1. Higher Costs

Real candles can be pricey, especially if you need a large quantity for your wedding. They’re a temporary luxury that, unlike LED candles, can’t be reused or resold.

2. Safety Concerns

Open flames come with inherent risks. Wax drips, heat, and the potential for tipping can damage decor or pose a hazard to guests. At Avonlea Farms, we’re committed to safety, which is why we require chimneys and other protective measures.

3. Cleanup Challenges

Dripping wax can leave a mess on tables, linens, and even the venue’s surfaces. This could lead to deductions from your security deposit if excessive cleanup is required.

4. Wind and Weather Vulnerability

For outdoor weddings, a light breeze can quickly extinguish real candles, making them impractical in certain settings.


LED Taper and real floating candles pictured. Savannah Tilghman Film + Photo
LED Taper and real floating candles pictured. Savannah Tilghman Film + Photo

The Pros of LED Candles

LED candles have come a long way in recent years, offering a realistic alternative to real flames. Here are some of the benefits:


1. Safety First

LED candles eliminate the risk of fire, making them ideal for venues with strict policies or for couples prioritizing safety. There’s no need to worry about wax drips, open flames, or accidental tipping.

2. Mess-Free

With no wax to clean up, LED candles keep your tables, linens, and decor spotless. This is especially beneficial for couples using delicate or intricate setups.

3. Long-Lasting

Unlike real candles, which burn out after a few hours, LED candles will last all night. This makes them a practical choice for extended celebrations.

4. Reusable and Resellable

LED candles can be reused for future events or resold to other couples, making them a more sustainable and budget-friendly option in the long run.

5. Customizable Options

With a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors available, LED candles can be tailored to fit any wedding style. At Avonlea Farms, we even offer LED floating candles and LED taper candles to match your vision.

6. Easy Setup with Remotes

Many LED candles come with remote controls, allowing you to adjust brightness, set timers, and turn them on or off effortlessly. This makes setup quick and stress-free, especially for larger displays. At Avonlea Farms, we even offer LED floating candles and LED taper candles to match your vision.


Twinkle lights can make a pretty alternative as well!
Twinkle lights can make a pretty alternative as well!

The Cons of LED Candles

While LED candles are practical and versatile, they may not be for everyone. Here are some potential drawbacks:


1. Less Authentic

Even the most realistic LED candles can’t fully replicate the magic of a real flame. For couples seeking that classic candlelit glow, LED may feel like a compromise.

2. Higher Upfront Costs

High-quality LED candles that mimic the look of real wax and flames can be expensive. However, their reusability often offsets this initial investment.

3. Potentially Too Modern

For couples planning a vintage or traditional wedding, the clean, modern look of LED candles may not align with their aesthetic.



Making the Choice: Real vs. LED Candles

When deciding between real and LED candles for your wedding, consider the following factors:


  1. Your Venue’s Policies

    • Avonlea Farms allows both real and LED candles, but with specific guidelines for real flames. If you’re set on using real candles, ensure you can meet the safety requirements.

  2. Your Budget

    • If you’re looking to save money in the long run, LED candles offer reusability and resale potential. For a one-time splurge on timeless elegance, real candles may be worth the investment.

  3. Your Wedding Style

    • Consider how the look and feel of each option aligns with your wedding theme. LED candles offer a polished, modern look, while real candles bring a more organic, vintage charm.

  4. Logistics

    • Real candles require careful setup and monitoring, while LED candles are hassle-free. If you’re working with a short timeline or want a stress-free setup, LED might be the better choice.



Final Thoughts


Candles are an essential part of creating a romantic and inviting atmosphere for your wedding. Whether you choose the authentic glow of real flames or the practicality of LED alternatives, Avonlea Farms offers the flexibility to bring your vision to life. With our thoughtful policies and wide selection of decor options, we’re here to help you create the perfect ambiance for your special day.


No matter your choice, the key is to balance beauty, safety, and practicality. At Avonlea Farms, we’re committed to making your Virginia wedding unforgettable. Ready to start planning? Schedule a tour today and let us help you bring your candlelit dreams to life.


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(804) 245-6720

10440 Jefferson Hwy, Mineral VA 23117

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