Candlelight, that is. Ever since I started planning my own wedding I have known that I wanted lace-covered tealight holders as part of the reception decorations because pictures like these had me totally in love:
While my ideas for other reception decorations have wavered and evolved over the months, I never stopped wanting to create my own version of this gorgeous detail. So the other day, armed with various adhesives and scraps of lace, Mr E and I sat down on the living room floor to give it a go.
After a bit of trial and error we found out that the most effective adhesive to stick the lace to the tealight holder was double-sided tape. We also tried fabric glue, school glue, and a hot glue gun, but the tape was the easiest to use and was less messy. We did end up using the glue gun for sticking pearl trim on a few of the holders though, and that worked well. Here are the results of our efforts:
We ordered “seconds” (tealight holders with flaws that the manufacturer just wants to get rid of) which saved us quite a lot for this project. Excuse the clutter in these pics, we were in the middle of sorting decorations into piles for each picnic table (obviously we won’t put the candles on the picnic rugs though!). Here is one last shot of the holders along with the other decorations that will go on the tables, not including flowers:
There’s the lavender heart sachets I made again, and the doily runners that hopefully wont look as crumpled as that on the day!
It feels like all the decorations are coming together now. 
Anyone else a fan of lace-covered tealight holders?
*Unless otherwise stated all photos are personal
I did this too! I used “Mod podge” as my adhesive, just painted it on with a sponge brush and stuck the lace to it. Then i glued some vintage mother of pearl buttons on them, 2 or 3 (depending on size) going vertically up the lace. So cute! I think the candlelight through the lace will look fantastic!
I wanted to do this for our wedding, but with all the projects I already had there was no way it was happening. I do have a ton of cut wine bottles though that are waiting to be laced!
So pretty. I want to do something like this, but dye the lace purple to tie in one of my wedding colors!
I wrapped my votives with lace too! I used garment tape or something to stick it on because apparently my double stick tape wasn’t as sticky as yours! lol. I put them inside mason jars on our tables.
I love this! It turned out great. I think you inspired me to take on another project!
Yes, I love this look. I’m actually combining the lace with burlap table runners. I am also covering a few large, recycled aluminum cans with lace as well. Nice Look with the purple!
I’m doing this as well! Only we are using jelly jars instead of votive holders.
When FI proposed, he knew I was going to use blue Ball jars as vases (I had already started a collection) and he used the jelly jars and my MOH helped him decorate them to use as vases to set up the proposal space.
This sort of started the theme of the jars, and I am currently in the process of decorating more!
I am! I just bought ones from WB Hostess Bakerella on Monday. I love them!
I LOVE this idea. May I ask what your source is for the “seconds” votive holders?
Oooh, I’m planning on doing this too but with gold lace instead of white. Can I also second the request for the source of your seconds 
@Brooke: and @plantains: I got them from a seller on http://www.trademe.co.nz…..but that wont help you much if you are not in nz! I would assume though that most candle holder manufacturers in the states would have seconds as well, you probably just have to let them know that you want them. Sorry I cant help more!
Great job Earrings! I actually did lace wrapped candles as my first wedding related DIY project but used spray adhesive on the lace.
One thing about the double sided tape. The heat of the candle may cause the tape to become unstuck so if you haven’t tested this I would. I may just be worrying too much
You *could* put the electric tealights on the rugs. If they tip over, no harm no foul!
Love these!!! I just saw something similar on etsy and was debating but i think you just won me over!
I’m also making lace candles in various sizes for my centerpieces. I used a hot glue gun for the adhesive, though. I didn’t think of trying double-sided tape, but I havent had much luck with it on projects in the past…and it’s expensive!
Anyways, yours look great!
Mrs. Earrings, Fresno, CA/ Nelson, New Zealand Age and Occupation: 20, Student, Wannabe Writer Fiance's Age and Occupation: 19, Photography Student Engagement Date: February 14, 2010 Wedding Date: January 2011 Venue: Gardens of the World About Me: I'm a girl from down under who grew up in Indonesia and I'm marrying a California boy. I'm addicted to all things sweet, have never met a chocolate silk pie than can get the better of me, and have dreams of one day being a fulltime novelist. I go weak in the knees for lace, tea cups, and a beautifully crafted sentence. When I get excited about something (whether it is historical linguistics or the Beatles) I tend to go overboard in research, and planning this wedding is no different. Mr. Earrings is my high school sweetheart, my best friend, and somehow we combine all our quirks into one big happy mess.
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