Stephensons supplies a varied selection of professional altar and pillar candles, including products from Bolsius alongside unbranded alternatives. This gives hospitality operators a choice of candle sizes, styles, colours and price points for restaurants, hotels, private dining, weddings, banqueting and events.

Ivory altar candles provide a versatile and traditional appearance, while selected metallic finishes can create a stronger decorative feature for functions and seasonal settings. Individual specifications vary across the range, so check each product for its dimensions, burn time, colour, finish and brand.

Bolsius & Unbranded Altar Candles

The range includes selected Bolsius altar candles alongside other professional and unbranded candle options. Bolsius is a recognised name in professional candle products, while the wider selection allows venues to compare alternative sizes, finishes and formats according to their individual requirements and budget.

As the range is not exclusively Bolsius, always check the individual product information where a specific candle brand is required.

How to Choose an Altar Candle

• Consider candle height: Smaller altar candles can work on tables, while taller designs are better suited to displays, mantels, buffet areas and larger centrepieces.
• Check the diameter: Wider candles create greater visual presence and require an appropriately sized holder, plate or display surface.
• Think about guest sightlines: Tall candles placed directly between diners can obstruct views, so larger formats may be better positioned away from individual place settings.
• Choose the right colour: Ivory is versatile for everyday hospitality, while metallic colours can support seasonal, wedding and event styling.
• Consider single or multi-wick: Larger multi-wick candles create a broader decorative feature suited to substantial displays and larger spaces.
• Check the brand: The category contains both Bolsius and unbranded candle options, so refer to the individual product details if a particular brand is required.
• Plan around service duration: Where burn time is specified, compare it with the length and frequency of your services or events.

Choosing the Right Altar Candle Size

Ivory Altar Candles

Ivory altar candles provide a neutral, traditional appearance that works across a wide range of hospitality interiors. They are particularly versatile for hotels, restaurants, wedding venues and event spaces because the understated colour can complement both classic and contemporary settings.

Choosing different heights and widths also allows venues to create either a consistent arrangement or a layered display using several coordinated candle sizes.

Metallic Altar Candles

Metallic altar candles provide a stronger visual accent and can work particularly well for weddings, Christmas dining, celebrations and themed hospitality events. Gold, silver and richer colour finishes can be coordinated with tableware, decorations and other front-of-house accessories.

Burn times and specifications vary between individual products, so check the product information when candle duration is an important buying consideration.

Large Pillar & Multi-Wick Candles

Larger pillar candles can create a stronger decorative focal point than smaller table candles. They are useful for hotel entrances, mantelpieces, buffets, fireplaces, reception areas and larger event arrangements where the candle is intended to form part of the overall room styling.

Multi-wick candles provide an even broader visual feature and are particularly suited to substantial display areas rather than compact individual table settings.

Altar Candles for Restaurant Tables

Smaller altar candles can work well on restaurant tables where there is sufficient space, particularly for larger tables or private dining. Consider candle height carefully so guests can see comfortably across the table and staff can serve dishes without obstruction.

Altar Candles for Weddings & Events

Altar candles are well suited to weddings, banquets and functions because different heights can be combined to create layered centrepieces and decorative displays. Neutral shades provide a versatile base, while metallic finishes can be used to coordinate with specific event themes.

Altar Candles vs Tapered Candles

Altar candles are typically broader and more substantial, allowing them to create a strong freestanding visual feature. Tapered candles are narrower and taller, creating a more traditional candlestick-style presentation. The best choice depends on the available space and desired table style.

Altar Candles vs Tealights & Lowboy Candles

Tealights and lowboy candles provide compact, low-profile table lighting, while altar candles are generally selected when a stronger decorative presence is required. Restaurants may use compact candles on individual tables while reserving larger altar candles for entrances, buffets, displays or event centrepieces.

Suitable for Hospitality & Events

• Restaurants and fine dining venues
• Hotels and reception areas
• Wedding venues
• Banqueting and private dining
• Pubs and gastropubs
• Event and function venues
• Buffet and food presentation areas
• Seasonal hospitality displays

Related Hospitality Candles

Browse the wider hospitality candles and candle holders collection for tealights, lowboy candles, jar candles, candle refill systems and other professional front-of-house lighting options.

Altar & Pillar Candle FAQs

Are all the altar candles in this range made by Bolsius?

No. The range includes selected Bolsius candles alongside unbranded and other professional candle options. Check the individual product details if you require a specific brand.

What is an altar candle?

An altar candle is a broad, substantial candle commonly used for decorative lighting and display. They are available in multiple heights and widths and may also be described as pillar-style candles.

What is the difference between an altar candle and a pillar candle?

The terms overlap considerably. Both generally describe broad freestanding candles with substantial wax bodies. Individual product dimensions and designs are more useful when choosing the right candle than the naming convention alone.

Are altar candles suitable for restaurants?

Yes. Smaller altar candles can be used on restaurant tables, while larger formats work particularly well in entrances, displays, buffets, fireplaces and other front-of-house areas.

Which altar candle size should I choose?

Choose according to where the candle will be positioned. Smaller candles suit tables and compact displays, while taller and wider candles create more impact in larger decorative arrangements.

Are altar candles suitable for weddings?

Yes. Neutral altar candles are particularly versatile for weddings, while metallic colours can be used to coordinate with specific table and event themes.

What colours of altar candles are available?

The range includes classic neutral candles alongside selected metallic and decorative colours. Individual colours, finishes and brands vary according to the current range.

How long do altar candles burn?

Burn time varies according to the size and construction of the individual candle. Check the product specification when a particular burn duration is required.

What is a multi-wick pillar candle?

A multi-wick candle is a larger candle fitted with more than one wick. It creates a broader decorative lighting effect and is well suited to larger displays and hospitality spaces.

Are altar candles better than tealights?

They serve different purposes. Tealights are compact and discreet, while altar candles provide a larger decorative feature. Many hospitality venues use both formats in different areas.

Can different altar candle sizes be displayed together?

Yes. Combining candles of different heights can create a layered centrepiece or decorative display, provided each candle is positioned appropriately and used according to its instructions.