Congratulations, you're planning your wedding day! Now it's time to come up with some affordable, make-ahead wedding decorations and favors to create a romantic atmosphere on your big day. Candles are always a wonderfully romantic addition to any wedding dcor that help set the mood for romance. You'll want your wedding and reception tables to sparkle and look their best, so here are some beautiful (and affordable) accent ideas using candles:

Personalized votives. Personalized wedding decor has always been a traditional way for the bride and groom to make their wedding day special. This can be done by monogramming the bride and groom's initials on everything from wedding stationary to candle votives. For an even nicer touch, try adding some meaningful graphics such as double hearts, rings or doves to these items as well.

Gel candles. There are a large variety of candle wedding favors you can find for your special day. Gel candles, which come in all colors, scents and sizes, make wonderful wedding favors. Gel candles are known for giving off a much better scent when lit. You can even find some that have little things inside like flowers, seashells or gems to make your wedding day sparkle.

Heart shaped candles. Give your wedding day an air of romance with heart shaped candles placed around at tables and in displays. You can group several together in varying heights on candle plates or mirrors to create interesting centerpieces or set them individually at place settings or on the wedding party or guest tables. Tie or wrap them in white ribbons with your names and wedding date written on them in gold or silver for that personal touch.

Floating candle tea lights. One of the best ways to use hearts in your wedding theme is by floating special heart shaped tea lights in bowls or vases filled with colored water. This is a lovely and inexpensive way to create interesting centerpieces and lots of candlelight without the worry of starting a fire.

Sand candles. Remember when you were a child and you spent hours playing in the sand and building sandcastles at the beach? Well, you can bring some of those happy memories to your wedding decor by using sand candles in your decor. These are wonderful for a tropical or beach wedding of course, but don't forget that they also look wonderful with a Moroccan or other exotic themed wedding as well. Sand candles burn longer and they make wonderful wedding favors for your guests to take home.

Candle favors are easy and fun to create. Your guests will be amazed at your creativity.