Tealights without holders - does this seem risky?

I would personally get the holders.

I'm getting holders from thrift stores and IKEA - super cheap.

Where are your linens from? My caterer provides the linens and made a comment about not getting wax on his linens. So even if your venue will allow it, whoever provides your linens may not.

I'd get the holders. The tea lights look really cute that way, but i'd be afraid someone could get burned or depending on your linens, it could get hot enough to melt or burn something through the bottom.

Thanks for the quick responses. At 50 days out, items like this seem so trivial! Why am I even worrying about this? Ha - being a bride is sure interesting.

@Ashley, I'm using the venue's linens but I'm putting a 2x2 foot square of navy fabric on top in the middle to add color and set everything on. Good pointer!

I got a great packaged deal at http://www.yummicandles.com/ for 72 votive candles and 72 candle holders for $20. The shipping was high, but it was because they are so heavy. These are 8-10 hour candles.

Othere great deals on there and the one I got is still available.

I am using holders and there is actually a requirement at my venue per fire code for the city that the flame does not go above the glass holder.

Check with your venue if you can have an open flame like that. Mine cannot and the actual flame cannot go above the glass candle holders. I personally wouldn't for safety.

My friend didn't have holders and the flame was fine but every time the table gets bumped there will be burning wax going everywhere

First all your venue if that is showed. Some places require any upturn light to be so far away from anything or inside of something.