How To: Simple Candle Centerpiece

Not all table decorations need to be the traditional floral arrangements. Candle centerpieces can not only add romantic soft lighting, but can also be a cost effective alternative for budget conscious brides. This easy to make centerpiece uses inexpensive bricks (yes bricks!) and coordinating fabric to create a surprising candleholder. The amount of materials will vary depending on how many candleholders you decide to create.


Materials:

-Taper candles. Use unscented candles if centerpieces will be used where people will consume food.

-Fabric-to coordinate with your wedding theme, nothing sheer or delicate.

-Bricks- the rectangular kind that has holes through it, the holes will serve as the candleholders.

-Felt squares.

-Florist's Tape- (if required) available at most better craft stores.

-Optional-ribbon, artificial daisies, small shells, fringe, dried flowers, feathers, little mirrors, lace, sequins, etc.


Tools:

-X-acto Knife (or scalpel).

-Scissors.

-Hot Glue Gun/ Glue sticks.


Method:

1. Once you locate bricks with holes in them, you will need to find taper candles that fit the holes. Not all tapers are the same diameter. If you find candles that are just a bit too small, wrap the base of the candle with florist tape. This will help make a snug fit. Note: Remember when using candles to take into account how long they will burn for. Tapers can burn from 3 to 8 hours depending on candle quality and environment in which they are placed. Fans, draughts and air conditioning can all affect the burning time. Having the candles lit during the meal to set the mood and then extinguishing them for the post dinner dancing is one way to plan your lighting for the evening.

2. Cut enough fabric to completely cover the brick. (think of wrapping a Christmas present) Glue fabric into place, only using glue on the bottom (one of the sides with holes in it) of the brick. Using glue on the sides or top could create lumps under fabric.

3. Cut and glue a piece of felt to bottom of now fabric covered brick. The felt will give the candleholder a more finished look and protect surfaces from any exposed brick.

4. Working on the opposite side to where you just glued the felt on, feel through the fabric to where the holes are in the brick. Using an X-acto knife cut an "X" through the fabric to open up each hole. By waiting until the fabric is on the brick before you cut you can decide how many holes you wish to use. By opening up only two holes you will get a much different look than if you open up all of the holes.

5. Insert candles into the holes and you are ready to go!


But why stop there? For a spring look try hot gluing artificial daisies around the sides, or if you are having a beach theme use small shells instead. A wide ribbon wrapped around the edge and glued into place and create a very elegant look. Feathers, small mirrors, dried flowers, fringe, or lace could each create a unique feel. Grouping or stacking the candleholders can create very dramatic lighting effects. Try using two or three side by side on a round table or lining them up end to end for a banquet table.

Lastly, remember that bricks can get heavy, so only create as many as you want to carry to your reception hall. No need to strain your back the night before your wedding.