Two guests you’ll frequently find at weddings are taper and pillar candles. These candles are both classy, attractive and capable of lighting up every room they’re in, which is why they’re both seen so regularly at events. Yet they also have some major differences. If you’re hosting a wedding, dinner party, gala or another distinguished event and you’re trying to decide between pillars and tapers, Hall of Flame can help make the task easier.
If you love the elegant look of taper candles but need a flame-free option — whether for venue restrictions, safety around kids and pets, or simply convenience — our ULTRABRIGHT™ LED taper candles recreate that same classic silhouette and warm flicker without any real flame.
Pillars vs. taper candles: the similarities and differences
Pillar candles are known for their short, wide, cylindrical shape and their ability to stand without holders. This makes them perfect for placing on flat surfaces such as mantles and tables, and the large amount of wax they pack gives them a generous burn time. Pillar candles are perfect for both special occasions and daily usage around your home.
Tapers are tall, slender, cylindrical candles that narrow slightly towards the top. With a classic and timeless look, these versatile candles appear everywhere from formal dinners to religious ceremonies. The main differences between the two styles include:
The design
While pillars are sturdy and wide, taper candles are tall and slender.
Holders
While pillars can stand up on their own, tapers require holders to support them.
Burn time
While you can find both pillars and tapers with long burn times, pillar candles typically burn for longer periods.
Versatility
While both pillars and tapers can be used in a range of settings, pillar candles are a touch more versatile and able to be incorporated into a few more settings. While tapers shine (literally) in more formal settings and as stand-alone candles, pillars look good sharing space with other candle types like floating, votive and soy. Mixing and matching candle types creates a dynamic and interesting layered look.
Which one should you choose?
Got a special occasion coming up and wondering whether to set the mood with tapers or pillar candles? Here are some suggestions:
Pillar candles:
Creating intimacy
While tapers reach up, pillars pull focus down and in. Their lower, softer light naturally draws the eye downward, creating a cosier glow that encourages guests to lean in and linger over conversation — perfect for long dinner tables or relaxed lounge-style seating.
Value beyond the event
Pillar candles use considerably more wax than tapers, which can mean a slightly higher upfront cost — but that extra wax means extra life after the big day too. Many of our clients send guests home with pillars as a thoughtful favour, or simply keep them to enjoy at home long after the event has ended, so the investment keeps giving.
Long events
If you have an event that stretches long into the night, the extended burn times of pillar candles can keep the fire burning.
Everyday use
From getting through a power outage to creating a romantic mood, pillar candles can serve all kinds of purposes in your own home. You don’t even need a holder to pull out these candles anytime.
Taper candles:
Where height matters:
Height is where taper candles truly shine. Our XXL Taper range reaches up to 100cm, creating a striking architectural silhouette that draws the eye upward. If you're working with soaring ceilings, a grand marquee, or simply want your tablescape to feel dramatic and memorable, nothing achieves that vertical impact quite like a tall taper.
Formal settings
Taper candles are always a reliable choice if you need to create a classy and elevated atmosphere, such as a wedding ceremony or fancy dinner party.
Mantles and altar arrangements
Tapers have that classic traditional candle look that makes them such a popular and enduring option for religious and cultural ceremonies.
Of course, you might decide your event calls for a mix of pillar and taper candles, sometimes with other candle types. Mixing and matching allows you to create eye-catching layered centrepieces.
Hall of Flame’s taper and pillar candles
Choosing candles for your next event is easier with Hall of Flame. Since launching in 2020, Hall of Flame has been providing all kinds of exceptional-quality candles in Australia to stylists, florists, wedding planners, exceptional retailers and individuals with taste. Our team has over 15 years’ combined experience working in the events industry. We know how to create an enchanting atmosphere at a wedding, party or other special occasion.
Our candles for hire and sales include our XXL pillar candles, available in simple yet striking designs, classic shades and tones and an extensive colour selection including dusty rose, ivory pillar and nectar peach. We’re also the exclusive seller of Australia’s tallest taper candles: our staggering XXL range. If you love the distinctive look of tapers but you’re craving a candle with a longer burn time, rest assured these super-long candles can burn for up to 36 hours.
If you love the elegant look of taper candles but need a flame-free option — whether for venue restrictions, safety around kids and pets, or simply convenience — our ULTRABRIGHT™ LED taper candles recreate that same classic silhouette and warm flicker without any real flame.
Hall of Flame is dedicated to providing luxury candles in Australia beyond what the events industry has seen before. Whether you need pillars, candles, votives, tea lights or a mix of several styles, our candles for hire are available in several unique styles for a stunning, personalised event that looks fantastic in both your memories and your photographs.
If you need more information about the various types of candles that can light up your home, wedding or party, here’s the Hall of Flame guide to two of the most popular types on the market: taper and pillar candles.
For help finding the right kind of candles, call our team on 1800 573 888 or e-mail as much information as possible to hello@hallofflame.store.
