From elaborate weddings to romantic dinners, there are so many events both grand and intimate that benefit from the glow of candlelight. Yet nothing ruins a carefully arranged candle display like a candle that can’t stay straight. A wonky candle is like a tipsy party guest that can’t stop swaying to and fro: distracting at best, but will really cause a scene if it tips over. Knowing how to keep a leaning candle straight makes it easier to simply relax and enjoy the moment.
As leading providers of candles in Australia, Hall of Flame has more than a few ideas about how to keep a leaning candle standing strong. Offering nation-wide candle hire for events of all kinds, we’re the exclusive provider of the tallest taper candles in Australia: the staggering XXL range, as featured in Vogue magazine. After all these years in the candle biz, we know a lot about controlling your candles and keeping them burning long and strong. Here’s the Hall of Flame guide to how to keep a candle straight.
Why your candle may be wonky
Wonky candles can strike any social event, but taller candles like pillars and tapers are more likely to lean, drip or burn unevenly. Tall candles are also more susceptible to drafts, which can cause flickering flames and wax that melts unevenly. Generally, there are three main reasons why your candle can’t stay upright:
The candle holder is the wrong fit
Candles come in all kinds of sizes and sometimes the base of a candle holder doesn’t match the width of a candle. This leads to a loose fit, making the candle wobbly and more prone to toppling. The first step to a straighter candle is obviously to choose the right holder, one with a tight enough grip.
The base of the candle holder is crooked
If the candle holder is poorly designed and / or the base isn’t perfectly flat, your candle is going to be crooked. If the candle holder is metal, you can try bending the base to straighten it up. If it’s too sturdy for that, you can try levelling it with a folded piece of paper or foil.
The candle itself is crooked
A candle that isn’t melting or burning evenly can awkwardly bend or lean, even if there’s nothing wrong with the holder. Trying to straighten a bent candle by force can easily snap it. Before you try to bend it back into its original position, run it under hot water first to soften the wax.
How to keep a wonky candle straight
Taking action to prevent wonky candles will reduce the chance of mishaps and help keep your event or party running smoothly. Here are some tips for keeping a candle straight:
Choose the right candle holder
The easiest and most effective way to keep a candle straight is to start with the right-sized candle holder. Ensure that the holder is designed for your candle and has enough grip to keep it in place. Make sure it’s not too wide!
Use candle adhesive
Also called candlestick or wax dots, candle adhesive helps keep candles in place. Just place a small amount on the base of the candle and place it into the holder.
Wrap the base in foil
Wrapping a small piece of foil around the candle’s base can help it fit more snugly into its holder.
Prevent uneven burning
An uneven burn can eventually cause a candle to start to topple. Trim the wick regularly to about 1/4 of an inch and avoid placing the candle in drafty locations like open windows.
Introducing Hall of Flame’s candle straights
Hall of Flame has an easy yet elegant solution for keeping a candle straight: a candle straight! Discreet, affordable and ever-so-effective, Hall of Flame’s candle straights are all you need to keep your candles perfectly poised. Simply add one or two dots to the base, press the candle gently into place and enjoy perfect symmetry each and every time. These candle straights come with our guarantee of quality and are perfectly paired with our candle holders and other accessories. Designed with versatility in mind, our candle holders can support even the tallest candles including our XXL range.
Since 2020, Hall of Flame has been providing candles in Australia to event stylists, wedding planners, exceptional retail sites and individuals. A team with 15 years’ of combined experience, we understand what makes events outstanding. That means not only providing exceptional candle hire but solutions for keeping your candles upright and fully functioning too. All of our products, from the complex to the very simple, are designed with durability, functionality and reliability in mind.
To find out more, call our team on 1800 573 888 or e-mail as much information as possible to hello@hallofflame.store
