How Many Candles Do I Need for a Wedding?

April 19, 2026

One of the most common questions we get from DIY brides is simple: how many candles do I actually need? The right number depends on your table count, the areas you want to style, and whether you want a light touch or a fuller candlelit look. The good news is you do not need to guess.

This guide will help you estimate your candle count in a practical way so you can plan with more confidence, stay within budget, and avoid either under-ordering or going overboard.

Planning your own setup? You can check your date and estimate the right candle count here.

Start with your tables

For most weddings, guest tables make up the biggest part of the candle count. A good starting point is to think about how full you want each table to feel.

Round guest tables often look best with small groupings rather than evenly spacing every candle apart. Long tables can usually take more candles because the styling runs along the full length.

Do not forget your extra styling areas

After guest tables, most couples add candles to a few feature spots. These areas usually make a big difference visually, even if they only need a handful of extra candles.

Common extra styling areas include:

• Sweetheart table or bridal table
• Cake table
• Welcome sign or entry table
• Gift table or wishing well area
• Bar or drinks station
• Ceremony signing table
• Aisle ends or ceremony focal points

A simple way to plan these is to allow:

• 4 to 8 candles for a sweetheart table
• 2 to 4 candles for a cake table
• 2 to 4 candles for a welcome sign or entry table
• 3 to 6 candles for a bar or feature station

Quick quantity ranges

If you want a fast planning shortcut, these ranges can help you work out roughly where your wedding may sit.

15 to 30 candles

A good range for a smaller wedding, elopement dinner, sweetheart table, or a lighter styling approach across a few tables and one or two extra areas.

30 to 50 candles

Usually suits weddings with several guest tables plus a couple of feature areas. This is often a comfortable middle ground for couples who want the candlelight to feel obvious without going all-in.

50 to 80 candles

Ideal for fuller reception styling, especially if you want a stronger glow across guest tables, a sweetheart table, and multiple extra styling areas.

80 to 120 candles

Best for a more immersive candlelit look across a larger wedding, long tables, multiple styling zones, or a statement reception setup.

Factors that affect how many candles you need

Two weddings with the same guest count can end up needing very different candle quantities. The main factors are:

Table shape: Long tables often need more candles overall than round tables.

Table size: Larger round tables can take bigger groupings.

Floral styling: If you have large centrepieces, you may need fewer candles per table.

Venue mood: Darker spaces often look great with a fuller candle count.

Other decor: If candles are your main styling feature, you will usually want more of them.

Budget: Your ideal quantity should still sit comfortably within the overall styling budget.

A simple worked example

Let’s say you have:

• 8 guest tables
• 5 candles per table
• 6 candles for the sweetheart table
• 3 candles for the cake table
• 3 candles for the welcome sign

Your total would be:

8 guest tables × 5 candles = 40 candles
Sweetheart table = 6 candles
Cake table = 3 candles
Welcome sign = 3 candles

Total: 52 candles

That would put you in a solid mid-range setup with enough candles to style the main tables and still add glow to a few special areas.

Current Lustre Hire pricing logic

Lustre Hire has a minimum order of 15 candles, and pricing scales as your candle count increases:

• 15 to 44 candles: $10 each
• Candles 45 to 89: $9 each for the additional candles beyond 44
• Candles 90 and above: $8 each for the additional candles beyond 89

Using the worked example above, 52 candles would be priced like this:

44 candles at $10 each = $440
8 additional candles at $9 each = $72
Total candle hire = $512

If you are unsure whether you need more or less, it is often smarter to start with a balanced plan and build from there.

Keep the return side simple too

When planning your quantity, it also helps to think about pack-down and transport. If you want a quick overview of what happens after the event, you can read our How to Return guide.

Need help choosing the right number?

If you already know your table count and the areas you want to style, you are ready for the next step. Check your date, get a quote, and book online when you are ready.

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