With the summer season upon us, we are seeing another impact of today’s global pandemic on our lives:  the cancellation, postponement or redesigning of major celebratory events, such as graduations, anniversaries and weddings. 

Lockdown restrictions have begun to ease, but large group gatherings are still not possible, forcing folks to get creative or wait it out.  Many brides and grooms have decided to move ahead as planned, but pivoting as needed – changing to an outdoor setting, relocating to a smaller venue or even turning to an at-home virtual ceremony for friends and family to join from around the world.

Wherever a wedding takes place – on Zoom or in your backyard — creating a space of beauty, peace and magic can be done with the simple, yet elegant décor created by candles.  Day or night, candlelight adds to the romantic atmosphere of most any occasion and creates a sense of festivity, even if it’s just a few gathered for this important day.  From garden candles to wedding stairway drama, there are myriad ways candles can create the perfect ambiance for your ceremony or celebration.  A few suggestions include:

• Hanging candle lanterns in trees or on strung lines to add light or provide a visual boarder
• Creating easy to assemble candle campfires with smaller intimate seating areas
• Making a candle light path into the event site or as a romantic walk into the woods or towards the beach
• For more ideas, visit The World Candle Month Pinterest Page at https://www.pinterest.com/candlemonth/

Candles have always equaled romance and, now more than ever, as couples may need to get creative for their nuptials, candles can offer a simple, yet stunning décor option.  Another common tradition are Unity Candles, whereby two outside candles are lit by the parents, representing their lives at the moment. The couple then lights a center candle together, symbolizing the union of their lives.  

There’s a special beauty and tranquility to candles, but a lighted candle is also an open flame, and a potential fire hazard if not carefully monitored. Never leave a burning candle unattended. Never burn a candle on or near anything that might catch fire. And make sure to keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.