How Many Candles Do You Need for a Wedding? A Simple Planning Guide

One of the most common questions we get asked at Candlelit Occasions is: how many taper candles do I actually need for my wedding? Whether you're styling 10 tables or 100, this simple guide will help you calculate exactly what you need — with no guesswork.

The quick answer
For most weddings, we recommend 3 to 5 taper candles per table as a starting point. However, the exact number depends on your table shape, styling vision, and how dramatic you want the effect to be. Read on for a full breakdown.

How many candles per table?
The number of candles per table comes down to the look you're going for:

• Minimal & modern: 3 candles per table — clean, understated, and elegant
• Romantic & layered: 5 candles per table — the most popular choice for weddings
• Dramatic & lush: 7+ candles per table — perfect for long banquet tables or maximalist styling

As a general rule, odd numbers always look more natural and visually balanced than even groupings.

Round tables vs long tables
Table shape makes a big difference:

• Round tables (60–72 inch): typically seat 8–10 guests. A cluster of 3–5 candles at the centre works beautifully, often grouped with florals or bud vases.
• Long banquet tables: these benefit from candles spaced at intervals down the length of the table. A good rule of thumb is one grouping of 3 candles every 60–80cm, which can mean 9–15 candles per table depending on length.

A simple calculation
Here's an easy formula to estimate your total:

Number of tables × candles per table = total candles needed

For example:
• 20 round tables × 5 candles = 100 candles = 17 packs (our packs contain 6 candles each)
• 10 long tables × 12 candles = 120 candles = 20 packs

We always recommend ordering 10–15% extra as a buffer for any breakages, styling changes on the day, or additional decorative areas like a top table, ceremony space, or welcome table.

Don't forget these areas
Guest tables are just the start. Many couples also use taper candles in these areas:

• Top table or sweetheart table — often styled more elaborately with 7–10 candles
• Ceremony aisle or altar — floor candelabras or window ledges look stunning
• Welcome table or gift table — 2–3 candles add an elegant touch
• Bar or cake table — a simple trio of candles frames these focal points beautifully

Adding these spaces could easily add another 20–30 candles to your total, so factor them in early.

How many packs do I need?
Our taper candles come in packs of 6. To convert your candle total into packs, simply divide by 6 and round up:

• 60 candles = 10 packs
• 90 candles = 15 packs
• 120 candles = 20 packs
• 150 candles = 25 packs

Remember, ordering 5 or more packs saves you 15%, and ordering 10 or more packs saves you 20% — so it's always worth rounding up to hit those thresholds.

Burn time: will they last the whole reception?
Our taper candles burn for up to 10 hours, so for most weddings — even those running from ceremony through to late-night dancing — a single candle will last the entire event without needing to be replaced. No mid-reception candle changes required.

Our recommendation
If you're unsure, always order a little more than you think you need. Leftover candles are far less stressful than running short on the morning of your wedding. And with our bundle discounts, ordering extra actually saves you money.

Need help working out your exact order? Get in touch with our team — we're happy to help you plan the perfect candle order for your day. Or if you're ready to go, shop our full range of wedding taper candles and take advantage of our bulk discounts.