What do you think of my bridesmaids walking down the aisle with candles instead of bouquets?

Question

I'm having a winter wedding, in the evening. I'm really trying to pull off a lovely wedding on a budget. Flowers are expensive, and so I was thinking we could dim the lighting in the church sitting area (the front would be lit up for the guests to see us well) and have them walk with candles (big ones, so they won't drip on their dresses) and then they can set them down in the front of the church when they get up there as added decoration. What do you think? Good or no? Also, my fiance's family is pretty judgemental, and they are all in the wedding, so I'm not sure if they will go for the idea or not. Also, maybe we could decorate the candles with fake flowers with a hot glue gun or something (ideas for that would be great too.) Thanks!

It's a Catholic church and they burn candles for every service. I don't see why we wouldn't be able to because of that. And we could use the sheilds.

Answer 1

I think this is such a great idea! It reminds me of midnight mass on Christms Eve when I was a child. The church I went to was huge and we'd all be outside of the church, around the block even, with candles (with the shields). I remember it looking very pretty. I think it would be something different but beautiful. My first response is to keep the candles white and plain. This way, it keeps with the tradition of the church and doesn't look like you are trying to do it as a cheap alternative. Talk to the church first to see if they will allow it and whats involved. Break the news to the girls later and stick to your guns. It will be beautiful!!

Answer 2

I think it would look lovely. I would use LED candles instead of real ones though. Burnt fingers, dripping wax, candles blowing out, hair caught on fire...I've seen all of the above and I would hate for that to be an issue with you.

Another idea for "decorating the church" is to hand out cheapo tapers (dollar tree) to all the guests. At the beginning of the ceremony dim all the lights and light the candles of your parents. Have them pass the light along until everybody has their's lit as a symbolic gesture of how they have each touched your lives. The good part about it is the church is candlelit so it's hard to tell you didn't decorate it up.

Answer 3

you do the taper candles, ask the pastor there they should have the little things that go around the bottom of the candles, that hold the melted wax, youo can get the flowers attached to the candles at this place by order. You could also do a handtied bouquet for about 6.00 and up if you change your mind. But the candles will look lovely with a evening wedding.

Answer 4

I think it would be very pretty and different. How about candles in a candle holder of some sort with a handle and maybe some flowers around the base of the candle holder. I would not worry about drips on the dresses, I would be very, very worried that the candles would catch someones dress on fire. An enclosed candle would be much safer. I also would not worry about my fiance's family and their being judgmental. This is your day and you do it the way you want.

Answer 5

Candles are a great idea even with the fake flowers around them. But also just carrying fake flowers down the isle is a cheap version of the real ones that are major expensive. You can make whatever you want because it's the day for the two of you anyway, not anyone else. Good luck.

Answer 6

I actually love this idea. Its different and beautiful. Perfect for an evening candlelight wedding. I think decorating the candles will look tacky. Just do the candle idea and be confident in it. If you still want the idea of flowers the bridesmaids could each wear a flower in their hair.

Answer 7

I think that is a lovely idea, but you definitely need to check with the church because of the fire laws many churches do not allow candles inside any more. Most churches now have the fake candles that flicker.

Another idea, if you want elegant and money saving is to have them each carry 1 long stemmed rose, either real or silk with a decorative bow. I have seen that done and it looks very elegant.

Good luck!

Answer 8

The church probably won't allow you to walk with open flames. Plus the flames won't stay lit while walking. Also, big candles are heavy and sometimes slippery due to oil in the wax. Not a good idea. The maids don't have to carry huge bouquets of roses. Try pricing small bouquets of alstroemerias, they're usually really inexpensive and come in a ton of colors. A good florist will work with you.

Answer 9

I LOVE LOVE LOVE that idea! The only thing I would change is that I would make them thin candles, but put those rings on them to catch the wax dripping, and maybe good-looking fake flowers under that.... Big candles will look like they picked them up from a side table somewhere and decided to carry them down the aisle with them. Thin tapers will look romantic.

Oooooooh, I'll bet your wedding will be beautiful.

Answer 10

I was going to walk down the aisle carrying a candle (and perhaps a single pink rose tied with a ribbon wrapped around) for my winter wedding.

I hate flowers and bouquets. Who wants to lug that around?

My bridesmaids will carry wreaths, and the groomsmen will have berries pinned to their lapels.

I think this could work, but there are a few concerns, which is why I am not 100% sure yet if this is a go.

-Fire hazzard. Your church may not allow this. Wax can spill, hairsprayed loose hair can catch fire, 'maids could trip in their long gowns and heels....

-Your maids won't have anything to hold in your pictures (not sure if this matters to you or not).

Congrats and I am sure you will work something out!