Tea lights in reception decor

That's exactly why I did votives, and they were OK from about 6pm to midnight.

I'd probably just get the battery ones if you're worried about real ones dying anyway. Who would turn light them in the beginning? Would you really want your mom or bridesmaids to be worrying about dead candles or celebrating? what about going for the slightly larger candle size if you want real flame light - like the votive size http://www.amazon.com/Darice-Hour-Votive-Candles-30PK-Ivory/dp/B001689KNS/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1324164265&sr=8-5

I bought extended burn tealights on ebay. They are a little taller than a regular tea light and they are supposed to burn for seven hours. If you search for extended burn tea lights, they should pop up. FH and I experimented with one when we got it and 7 hours was about right.

Ask a good friend, who does not have other wedding duties, to take over candle relighting duties and give him/her a bbq lighter - no pressure, just as they see them go out, ask them to relight.

I'd also recommend doing the extended burn votives or tealights. And beware dollar store candles....sometimes you get what you pay for .

Thanks for the information and suggestions ladies!

I am using the battery operated ones as part of my centerpieces and I'm hoping to use some votives to add as well. I still have to talk to our hall if they allow open flame candles. But if you're doing tealights, I say go for the battery operated ones for sure!

I would go with Bed Bath and Beyonds votive candles. They have cotton wicks and last for about 8 hours or more. They burn nicely and can be purchased inexpensively if you collect a bunch of their 20% off coupons.

I did the battery ones in a frosted votive and they looked great. Everyone thought they were real, including the management of the venue and tried to get us in trouble until they saw my coz flipping switches. Yes, they are not as bright, but if you get the frosted glass votive holders, all you see is the light and the slight flicker. Then you dont have the fire or spilled wax issue to worry about.

I did battery ones as well. I don't think a lot of venues allow open flames, and I didn't want to hassle it. Especially since we had children. And it turned out to be better when our 3 yr old grandson decided he was on a mission to blow out all of the candles! The pics of him blowing and blowing and blowing on those battery tealights are priceless!! And then, when he realized he could pick them up by the "flame?" Just too too funny!!