How to Order Custom Candle Boxes: Step-by-Step Guide

Candles are loved by many. Yet, they are delicate and sensitive. Thus, beautiful scents are no longer enough to stand out. 

Without proper packaging, candles can melt and break easily. Your packaging must grab attention instantly. Custom packaging not only protects your candle but also tells your brand story and elevates perceived value.

But again, ordering custom candle boxes can feel overwhelming for startup brands. To make it easier, read this step-by-step guide for ordering the right boxes for your candles. 

Step-by-Step Guide for Ordering Custom Candle Boxes

A well-designed box cannot be created overnight. Ordering custom candle boxes requires time and effort. Have a look at the steps to ordering the ideal boxes that protect, present, and sell your candles better. 

Measure Your Candle

Accurate measurements prevent damaged products and sloppy presentations. A box that is too big lets your candle rattle. A box that is too small will crush or rip.

Use a ruler or caliper to measure your candle jar. 

Find the length, width, and height: 

• Length & Width: Calculate the diameter of the thickest part of your candle base.
• Height: Measure from the absolute bottom to the wick tip.
• Account for extras: Add roughly 0.0625 to 0.125  for the lid, labels, or wax protectors in your final measurements.

With exact measurements, you can then decide the right candle box size you need. 

Choose a Box Style

The way you design a candle box matters. Accordingly, your box shape is what sets the unboxing experience. And, of course, different candle types require different box styles.

Let’s take a look at the unique candle box styles available. 

• Tuck-Top Candle Boxes

Classic, affordable, and easy to assemble. They feature top and bottom flaps that tuck into place. These boxes are ideal for standard glass jars, travel tins, and everyday retail candles.

• Two-Piece Candle Boxes

These boxes consist of a separate lid and base. They offer a high-end retail feel. Choose these for luxury candles, gift sets, and premium poured wax.

• Magnetic Closure Boxes

These premium boxes use built-in, hidden magnets for a satisfying click when closing. They feel incredibly high-end. They are perfect for high-ticket, luxury, or limited-edition candles.

• Candle Subscription Boxes

Built highly strong with extra front flaps to survive the postal system. They create an exciting presentation upon opening; ideal for monthly candle clubs and multi-scent sample packs.

• Candle Shipping Boxes

Simple, heavy-duty boxes designed strictly for transit. They protect your products during long shipping journeys. Use these durable boxes to ship bulk online candle orders safely.

Select Your Material

Your choice of candle box material affects the box’s strength, texture, and print quality. This means that you should choose it based on your candle’s weight and aesthetic.

What are the material options?

• Paperboard: Lightweight, smooth, and highly printable. It handles vibrant colors beautifully; ideal for lightweight candle tins or small votive candle boxes.
• Cardboard: Thicker than paperboard, offering a solid retail structure. Cardboard candle boxes hold their shape well on shelves. Choose cardboard material for standard 7oz to 10oz glass candle jars.
• Kraft Paper: Eco-friendly, brown, and rustic. Kraft candle boxes are biodegradable and made from recycled content; perfect for all-natural, soy, or wax melt boxes with an earthy vibe.
• Corrugated: Features a fluted inner layer sandwiched between paper layers. Corrugated candle boxes absorb shocks incredibly well during transit; best for heavy ceramic jars and multi-candle packs.
• Rigid Stock: Thick, dense, and non-bendable core wrapped in premium paper. Rigid candle boxes feel heavy and expensive; the ultimate choice for luxury candle boxes.

Decide on the Printing and Finishes

Printing and finishing turn a blank box into a marketing masterpiece. Speaking of candle boxes, there are two main printing methods to choose from: digital and offset. 

Digital Printing

Pros:

• No setup fees
• Fast turnaround times
• Affordable for small orders
• Perfect for testing new seasonal scents

Cons:

• Higher cost per individual unit on large runs
• Colors may vary slightly between batches

Offset Printing

Pros:

• Razor-sharp imagery
• Exact color matching
• Highly cost-effective for large bulk runs

Cons: 

• Expensive initial setup plates
• Longer production turnaround times

Premium Finishes

To achieve candle packaging designs that sell, premium finishes are non-negotiable. 

Depending on your needs, you can choose from excellent finishing options, such as:

• Gloss Lamination: Adds a shiny, reflective coating that makes colors pop vibrant and resists fingerprints.
• Matte Lamination: Provides a smooth, non-reflective satin finish that looks modern and elegant.
• Spot UV: Applies a glossy, raised layer to specific areas, such as your logo or artwork. It creates a stunning contrast against a matte background.
• Foil Stamping: Uses heat to press metallic foil (gold, silver, rose gold) into paper, instantly signaling luxury.
• Embossing: Embossed candle boxes deliver a tactile, 3D effect on your logo or artwork.
• Debossing: This technique depresses your design into the paper of debossed candle boxes, creating an elegant, sunken look.

Complete the Add-Ons

Add-ons can enhance the unboxing experience and the visual appeal of your candle.

What add-ons can level up your candle packaging boxes? 

• Consider window cutouts to showcase your candle’s color and texture.
• Custom inserts for protective pillar candle boxes.
• Don’t forget to add candle labels to ensure safe shipping.
• Ribbons to make your box gift-ready. 

Request a Dieline and Prototype

Once you have finalized your box design, consider checking a sample first.

First, request a dieline from your manufacturer. A dieline is a flat digital template showing the exact cut and fold lines of your candle box. Your artwork will be perfectly placed within these lines.

Next, order a physical prototype. Test the prototype immediately. 

• Drop your candle inside to find out:
• Does the box fit snugly? 
• Is the material thick enough? 
• Are the colors accurate to your digital screen? 

Correcting a mistake on one sample saves thousands of dollars later.

Approve and Order

Once the prototype looks perfect, give your formal approval. Submit your high-resolution artwork file (usually AI, PDF, or EPS formats).

Then, choose your final order volume. Remember that ordering higher quantities significantly drops your cost per box. You must also review the production timeline, pay the invoice, and track your shipment.

In Summary

Alright, ordering custom candle boxes is, indeed, quite challenging. Start with precise candle measurements to protect your product. Choose the box styles and materials that suit your specific candle type. Use striking print finishes and smart add-ons to build a luxury feel. Ultimately, remember to test a physical sample before bulk purchasing. 

Done right, you’ll get ideal boxes that protect your candles, delight your customers, and grow your brand sales.

FAQs

How to order custom candle boxes? 

To order custom candle boxes, you must measure your candle, choose a box style, select your material, decide on the printing and finishes, complete the add-ons, request a dieline & prototype, then approve and order. 

How to measure a candle? 

To measure a candle, you must find the length & width (calculate the diameter of the thickest part of your candle base) and height (measure from the absolute bottom to the tip of the wick). 

Which candle box style should I order? 

Depending on your candle type, you can choose from tuck-end, two-piece, magnetic closure, subscription, or candle shipping boxes.

Why should I request a dieline and prototype for a candle box order? 

A dieline is a flat digital template showing the exact cut and fold lines of your box. And testing a physical prototype ensures that your box fits your candle snugly.