How many bud vases and candles do you actually need for your wedding tables?
Morgan Lee Photography
It's one of the questions we get asked most: "How many bud vases do I actually need?" It's a fair question! Too few and your tables look bare, too many and you've blown the budget on florals nobody will remember. Here's our breakdown by style, so you can plan (and order) with confidence.
Minimal: less is more
If you're after a clean, understated look, or your venue already has a lot of natural charm, you don't need much to make an impact.
Per table: 2–3 bud vases and 3 candles
Per guest (for scaling): roughly 1 vase per 3 guests, 0.3–0.5 candles per guest
Group your vases together in the centre of the table rather than spacing them out. A small cluster of 3 in varying heights looks far more intentional than a single vase floating alone. Pair with simple taper candles for warmth without the fuss.
Medium: the sweet spot
This is the most popular choice for good reason. It's full and styled without being overwhelming, and it works for almost any venue or season.
Per table: 5–7 bud vases and 5–8 candles
Per guest (for scaling): about 1 vase per 1–2 guests, 0.5–1 candle per guest
Instead of clustering everything in the middle, spread your vases and candles along the length of the table. This creates that relaxed, garden-table feel that photographs beautifully and gives guests something pretty to look at from every seat.
Capture The Wild Photography
Full luxe: go all out
For couples who want that lush, floor-to-ceiling tablescape moment, the kind that stops guests in their tracks when they walk into the reception.
Per table: 10–15 bud vases and 12–20 candles
Per guest (for scaling): 1–1.5 vases per guest, 1.5–2 candles per guest
The trick here is layering: weave your candles in between the vases rather than grouping them separately. This blurs the line between the florals and the candlelight, so the whole table glows rather than looking like two separate elements placed side by side.
A quick example: 100 guests
Numbers are easier to plan around when you can see them at scale. For a wedding of 100 guests, here's roughly what each style works out to:
Minimal: around 30 vases, 40 candles
Medium: around 60 vases, 80 candles
Luxe: around 120 vases, 180 candles
Michael Briggs Photography
A few things to keep in mind
Before you place your order, double check your venue's candle policy. Some require enclosed flames or LED only, particularly for marquees and heritage buildings. It's also worth considering hire over buying, especially for the luxe look; renting your vases and candle holders keeps costs down and saves you from storing dozens of glass vessels after the big day.
Not sure which look is right for your venue or guest count? Get in touch and we'll help you put together a tablescape that fits your style and budget.