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C&E2014
Devoted August 2014

What's the safest way to do candles for an outdoor wedding with children?

C&E2014, on March 17, 2014 at 11:38 PM Posted in Etiquette and Advice 0 11

So I had this idea, that I would make decor-matching citronella floating candles for the (outdoor) wedding and float them in bowls. The water would be there to put out any fires if someone bumped a candle. (Ooh, I hope that doesn't happen). We have a small amphitheater for seating at the ceremony, and I figured I'd have a bowl with candles on the ends of each row (so one on the aisle side and one on the outside). This seemed like a safe idea to me, but I'm really concerned about safety because there will be a lot of children at the wedding. Most of our friends' and relatives' kids are under 5. How have you approached this? I'd still like to have it look pretty if possible, but safety is my biggest concern. Thanks for the help in advance! Oh, and here's a picture of the ceremony space:


11 Comments

Latest activity by Celia Milton, on March 18, 2014 at 5:26 PM
  • Katrina
    Devoted April 2014
    Katrina ·
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    Your space is so pretty!

    Even at their most well-behaved, children 5 and under are fidgety and like to move around a lot. They also do not have complete motor control yet. It is very likely that one of these children, or their parents while focusing on the child, will bump into one of your candles.

    Also, most young kids are really into playing with water, so they might find the bowls really entertaining, but not in the way that you intend.

    The flameless candles and/or using lanterns that JC mentioned are both really good ideas!

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  • C&E2014
    Devoted August 2014
    C&E2014 ·
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    Thanks so much for the help! I think I am going to run with your suggestions - I'm looking into lanterns now as well as less-fake-looking flameless candles.

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  • Anisea
    Master July 2014
    Anisea ·
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    Keep fire extinguishers on hand, or put the candles up in high surfaces

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  • C&E2014
    Devoted August 2014
    C&E2014 ·
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    My FH and I (he's at home today with a cold) talked about this. We're planning on going with little waterproof led lights that match our color scheme in the bottom of clear bowls that are filled with water, and then floating flowers on top. Thanks so much for steering me in the right direction!

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  • mrs. joyceee
    Super September 2014
    mrs. joyceee ·
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    Yes flameless/batter operated candles!

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  • TheOGJesse's Girl
    Master March 2014
    TheOGJesse's Girl ·
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    I had them in vases. No one messed with them.

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  • Becky
    Super September 2014
    Becky ·
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    This is why I'm not having candlesSmiley smile My space is similar and is in a state park & I don't want to be responsible for a forest fire!

    Otherwise, I think if they're not in wobbly containers, you really will be fine. Or maybe have a few table options that don't have candles if a parent would rather make that choice.

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  • SupermanBride
    Master October 2014
    SupermanBride ·
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    LED/flameless

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  • Kimberly N
    Super May 2014
    Kimberly N ·
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    What about floating candles? Don't fill the water all the way to the top so the wick of the candle isn't sticking out and it may be semi kid-safe? I'm getting married at a museum and they require candles be floating.

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  • FutureMrsIsa
    Super September 2014
    FutureMrsIsa ·
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    Let the parents do their job and you make your wedding beautiful however you want!

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  • Celia Milton
    Celia Milton ·
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    Go flameless. Your museum will love you.

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