How to Plan a Candlelight Vigil: Ideas, Tips, and What to Say

A candlelight vigil is a meaningful way to honor someone who has passed away or to show support for a person or cause. Whether you’re planning a quiet gathering to mark a loved one’s death anniversary or a larger event to raise awareness, a vigil provides a space for reflection, unity, and healing.

This guide walks you through how to plan a candlelight vigil, including thoughtful ideas, what guests should bring, and what to say at a candlelight vigil.

Step 1: Why Are You Having a Candlelight Vigil?

Before anything else, determine the purpose of your vigil.

• Are you marking the anniversary of someone’s death?
• Do you want to support someone facing illness or hardship?
• Are you gathering in response to a local or global event?

Being clear on your purpose will help shape the tone, location, and structure of the vigil. Candlelight vigils can be quiet and intimate, religious or secular. Both can be powerful.

Step 2: Choose a Meaningful and Accessible Location

The setting helps set the tone for your event. Select a location that’s:

• Easy to reach (especially at night)
• Emotionally or symbolically significant
• Safe and well-lit, if using real candles
• Compliant with local laws (check fire bans or open flame restrictions)

Some locations don’t allow open flames. In those places, use flameless LED candles, small flashlights, or glow sticks.

Popular locations for candlelight vigils include:

• Local parks or beaches
• Church grounds or courtyards
• Private backyards
• Community centers or indoor auditoriums
• Cemetery memorial areas

Step 3: Let People Know About the Vigil

You don’t need a large crowd or an expensive setup to have a meaningful vigil. Even a few people gathered for 30 quiet minutes can bring comfort. Don’t stress perfection — focus on creating a space of remembrance and connection.

You can host a private gathering for a few close people or open it up to a broader community. To help your guests feel prepared:

• Send electronic or printed invitations with date, time, location, and parking info
• Let them know if they can bring others
• Share weather updates, dress code, or backup plans

Create a group text, email thread, or Facebook event to keep guests updated.

Step 4: Plan What to Say at a Candlelight Vigil

What you say can shape the emotional impact of the evening. You don’t have to write a formal speech, but preparing a few words or readings helps create structure and meaning. 

Here are a few popular candlelight vigil message ideas:

• A brief welcome or introduction
• A moment of silence
• A favorite poem, quote, or scripture
• A personal memory or story about the person being honored
• An open mic for guests to share

Step 5: Gather Supplies

Make a checklist so you're not scrambling at the last minute. Your candlelight vigil supply list may include:

• Candles or flameless LED lights (bring extras)
• Lighters or matches
• Paper plates or wax catchers (for taper candles)
• Trash bags and a small bin
• Blankets, folding chairs, or cushions
• Flashlights or lanterns for added light
• Fire extinguisher (if using real candles)

If the budget allows, consider offering drinks or snacks to help guests feel at ease. In some cases, people bring photos, flowers, and stuffed animals to create a memorial space where the vigil will take place. Ensure that the rules for your chosen vigil space permit this before making a memorial there.

Candlelight Vigil Ideas to Make It Unique

Personalize your vigil with creative, symbolic touches. Depending on the venue and amenities, you could: 

• Dress in white or the loved one’s favorite color
• Hand out glow sticks or light-up bracelets
• Release paper lanterns or biodegradable balloons
• Play their favorite music or a custom playlist
• Display photos or a short video tribute
• Invite guests to write messages on cards or small stones
• Take a short group walk through a meaningful location

Create a Special “Lighting” Moment 

Make the candle-lighting moment meaningful: it can symbolize unity, remembrance, or hope, depending on the purpose of your vigil. You can choose a structured approach or a more spontaneous moment of lighting, such as: 

• Everyone lights their candles at the same time
• One person lights a candle and passes the flame along
• Light candles as names are read aloud
• Combine lighting with a moment of silence or music

You can also orchestrate the moment when candles are extinguished. 

Tips for Success: Prepare for the Unexpected 

Even the best-planned candlelight vigils can run into unexpected hurdles. For a smoother event:

• Have a backup indoor location in case of rain
• Scout parking areas and create clear directions
• Bring extra supplies for guests who forget something
• Consider sound equipment if outdoors or if people will speak
• Avoid overlapping with other public events in the same space

After the Candlelight Vigil, Ideas to Remember

Whether it’s the anniversary of a loved one’s death or a recent loss of someone dear, planning a candlelight vigil is a powerful way to honor their life and bring people together in healing. Here are other ways to remember someone special: 

• Plan a life celebration 
• Plant a memorial tree
• Coordinate an ash scattering after cremation
• Select cremation jewelry if several family members want a tangible memorial
• Donate or volunteer to your loved one’s favorite charity 
• Would you want your loved ones to remember you with a candlelight vigil, or would you prefer another type of memorial? Making your funeral plans far in advance helps ensure you’re remembered exactly as you wish. Get our free planning guide and ease the uncertainty for your loved ones.

Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter for practical guidance on end-of-life matters. Click here.