Votive candles typically evoke solemnity and seriousness, whenever they are present and are typically used for religious purposes. Which is why the battery operated votive candles are the perfect lighting to be used on occasions such as weddings, dining, accent lighting, fund raising or any other formal or romantic gatherings.
A typical votive candle is ordinarily a small 2 inch by 1.5 inches made from beeswax and burns for about four to five hours. There is, of course, the inevitable mess of the wax drippings as well as the constant danger of causing fire. Because of this, the waxen votive candles are placed in specific locations or on special holders. On the other hand, battery operated votive candles are of the same size, made of plastic, a small, replaceable lithium battery, normally a CR2032, an on-off switch and a flicker-type LED or light emitting diode to provide the light. The plastic exterior is shaped like a true candle with variations for effect like some having simulated wax drippings or others looking partially melted or a neat and unspent candle. The LED can be encased in a tear shaped glass to provide the illusion of a naked flame and the flicker completes it. Some models stand alone while others are placed in clear or smoked glass or in metal bases. And for others who think that these faux votive candles do not smell the same, there are scented votive candles available and still powered by batteries. And the LED lasts a very long time, about a hundred thousand hours before it needs replacement.
The battery operated votive candles are popular because of their low price, with a set of 8 typically costing around $12, and their attractive designs. Ordinarily, the battery powered candles come with the classic votive candle shape and appearance but other styles are also available. There are those that are placed in smoked glasses of various sizes that make them hard to be distinguished from the real candles, especially with the flickering lights.
The melted type votive candle gives it another level of authenticity and its small size allows it to be placed on votive glasses.
For weddings or valentines, specially crafted votive candles are available. With decorative decals and colors that show the classic valentine or wedding theme, these candles are great for table tops or centerpieces. Christmas themed candles are also available with colors specific to the season, like blue, white and red.
For those looking for more than what a battery operated votive offers, there are scented votive candles that not only look like the real wax candles but smell like the scented ones, too.
Personalized votive candles are also available with styles that can match any occasion, from graduations to anniversaries and birthdays. These marked candles are great for centerpieces, tables as well as other decorations that would normally cause chills with real candles for fear of spilling the wax or the candles falling over.
For a really radical approach to lighting, there is even battery operated votive candles with multicolored lighting that has up to seven different settings from single lights to a switching Technicolor effect that is sure to fun to any table.