42.5in gold candelabra centerpieces (set of 10) review

Five graduated heights, acrylic shades, and the listing says LED candles only.

Specifications

Specifications above come from The manufacturer's published product specifications. Treat pricing as approximate, since Amazon pricing moves.

What it does well

• Ten pieces covers ten tables, which is a typical 80 to 100 guest wedding, so one purchase does the room.
• Graduated heights from roughly 27 to 42 inches let you vary the room rather than repeating the same silhouette on every table.
• The acrylic cylinder shades are what lift these above a bare metal frame, and they diffuse LED candlelight convincingly.
• Threaded assembly rather than push-fit means they go up quickly and come apart flat for storage or resale.
• Metal with an anti-rust treatment, so an outdoor or marquee reception does not mark them overnight.

Where it falls short

• LED candles only, stated twice in the listing, and the candles are not included. Budget for 50 LED tapers at 0.9 inches, and check the diameter before ordering because most cheap LED candles are wider.
• If you use real candles you must remove the acrylic shades, which removes the feature that makes them look expensive.
• At 42 inches the tallest pieces sit well above eye level across a round table, which is the intent, and it also means guests are talking around a metal frame.
• The heights vary within the set. If you wanted ten identical centrepieces you are not getting them, and mixing heights across ten tables needs planning rather than unpacking.
• The base is 8.6 inches across on a table that also needs plates, glasses, a favour and a menu. Measure your table before assuming five arms of candelabra fits.

What owners report

Owners consistently report that they look considerably more expensive than they cost, which is the main reason people buy them, and consistently report the LED candle sizing as the thing that caught them out. Reports of straightforward assembly are common. The recurring practical complaint is stability on a lightweight table, particularly the tallest pieces, and several owners weight the bases.

The related decision is real flame against LED, and LED candles vs real candles covers the safety and venue rules side of that, which many venues decide for you. If you are still allocating the decor budget, the wedding budget calculator and the wedding budget breakdown show what centrepieces usually take.

Who it suits

• Formal receptions of roughly ten tables.
• Venues that prohibit open flame, which is a large and growing number.
• Couples who want height on the tables without a florist's bill.
• Anyone planning to resell the set after the wedding, which is easy with metal.

Who should skip it

• Couples set on real burning candles, since the shades come off.
• Small or crowded tables, given the 8.6 inch base.
• Anyone wanting ten identical centrepieces, since the heights vary.

Alternatives worth considering

Common questions

Can you use real candles in these candelabra?

The listing states they fit 0.9 inch LED candles only, and notes that the acrylic lampshade must be removed if you use real burning candles. Since the shades are a large part of the look, real flame changes the appearance substantially as well as raising a safety question.

Are tall centerpieces a good idea?

They work when they are tall enough for guests to see under, which is roughly the intent at 27 to 42 inches, and they fail when they sit at eye level. Their advantage is that they add height to a room without taking up table space at plate level. Their cost is that they can block a photographer's line across the table.

Do many venues ban open flame?

A great many do, particularly hotels, historic buildings and marquees, and some allow it only in enclosed holders. Ask the venue before you buy anything candle related, because it is a rule that is never negotiable and it decides the entire centrepiece question.

What size LED candles do these need?

The candle opening is 0.9 inches, which is narrower than many common LED tapers. Measure or check the diameter of the candles you intend to buy before ordering, since this is the single most reported mismatch with this style of candelabra.

Keep reading

• LED candles vs real candles
• Acrylic vs wooden table numbers
• Wedding seating calculator
• Gold column vases review
• HOLDLAMP rechargeable par lights review
• White round tablecloths review

This review draws on published specifications, manufacturer figures and the consensus of verified owner reviews. We have not tested this product ourselves, and we say so rather than implying otherwise. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.