SEPTEMBER 23, 2020

We recently took a trip (right down the street) to Candlefish on King Street. If you’re familiar with Candlefish in Charleston, you might remember them being located on Wentworth, but they’ve relocated, and you are NOT going to want to miss checking out their new store! Not only is it absolutely gorgeous, but the Candlefish experience is unlike any other. We were invited in to experience the scent selection process, learn some more about their workshop offerings, and specifically learn more about their wedding candles.

Our wonderful candle expert was McKenzie, and we asked her what she wanted our clients (and fellow vendors) to know about Candlefish. Here’s what she had to say (and we’ll fill you in on our awesome experience after):

“From custom wedding candles complete with your name and date to a mobile Candlefish library experience right there at your reception, Candlefish offers super unique wedding services that are sure to make any event unforgettable. Custom Wedding Candles are definitely the most popular choice, but you may be asking yourself ‘why candles?’ Well, fragrance is truly a force to be reckoned with and provides the perfect way to set the mood for guests, evoke emotion, and imprint the memory of this joyous occasion forever. Couples can relive their special day simply by burning their signature scent. Even 20 years later!

At Candlefish, the vision of the client always takes precedent. We want to know everything about your special day. From the kind of flowers you plan to carry, to the color of your bridesmaids dresses. This way, we can suggest the scent that is best suited for your dream wedding day. Our clients are always given the opportunity to come into the store and small all of their options in person with an expert chandler before settling on their desired fragrance.

Speaking of expert chandlers, the best way for your guests to experience your signature scent is with fragrance experts. Our mobile library provides a special experience for guests in particular and may be one of the most beautiful reception accessories we’ve ever seen! The mobile library will be stocked with the happy couple’s signature fragrance (or fragrances) and the chandlers will guide the wedding guests through the smelling experience. This service is especially useful for couples who have chosen more than one fragrance.

All of the Candlefish Library candles are poured fresh daily at our King Street location. If you’ve ever wondered how we make candles, come learn at one of our BYOB candle making workshops! Our workshops are especially fun for bachelorette parties to celebrate the bride-to-be with candles and wine! Could it get any better? Each participant will make 2 of our signature 9oz jars and learn the ins and outs of being a pro chandler!”

Upon arriving, we immediately noticed how safe the shop felt. They have the store entrance roped off so that there are never too many customers in the store at one time, and a line can form, if necessary. We were offered a private scent testing experience, so we didn’t have to be too close to other customers. Of course, everyone was in masks, and we were also offered gloves for the entire time we were in the store.

McKenzie, our expert chandler was so knowledgeable and sweet! She led us through a “blind” scent testing, where we were able to smell scents without being told what was in them. The Candlefish scents are all numbered, so there are no silly names like “magical rainbow sunset.” We were able to smell the different scents that she’d hand-picked for us based on a survey that we took online before our visit, and once we took a whiff, she let us in on what was in each one. Personally, before heading in, I was convinced that I liked woodsy scents the best and that I wouldn’t like any floral or sweet scents. And yet, the candle that I ended up going home with was No. 67, a soy candle with bergamot, lemon, and ylang.

We each took home our own candle (because how could you not; they smell FANTASTIC) and by the end of the scent testing, I was surprised to find that I didn’t have the headache that I usually have after stopping at Home Goods and smelling too many candles. Upon burning it at home that night, I was NOT disappointed; my whole house smelled amazing and the 9oz glass jar candle looks perfect with my decor!

The Candlefish store has it’s own workshop, run by Laura Schumacher, the workshop manager. The workshop classes are 1.5 – 2 hours and Candlefish provides all of the materials, equipment and aprons that you’ll need. The only thing you’ll need to bring is a bottle of whatever you and your friends / family / bridal party are drinking, and Candlefish will provide the glassware! With 13 classes throughout the week, scheduling is so flexible. You also get to shop the entire store at 15% off on the day of your workshop, which is great for buying candles, but the shop is also filled with amazing products from small business owners, in the Charleston area and beyond. From gorgeous jewelry to organic lip balms and tons of other fun items, it’ll be impossible to leave with only your candle!

So many of our brides come to town with their bridal party a few days before their wedding, and are looking for things to do. While massages and mani-pedis are great, sometimes a fun and creative girl’s day is exactly what you and your bridal party needs!

Overall, we can’t recommend Candlefish enough! We had such a great experience and we know that you will, too! Be sure to check out their Instagram for more great candle content and ideas!

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Photos Courtesy of Candlefish