Designing Custom Candle Labels

Importance of Custom Candle Labels

Custom candle labels serve multiple purposes beyond just branding. They provide important product information, enhance visual appeal, convey your brand's identity, and create a memorable impression on customers. A well-designed label not only attracts attention but also communicates the quality and uniqueness of your candles.

We consistently prioritize showcasing our clients' brands through our candles, with label design being our primary method of illumination.

Steps to Design Custom Candle Labels

Step 1: Define Your Brand Identity

Before diving into design, clarify your brand's identity and message. Consider elements such as:

• Brand Name and Logo: Ensure your brand name and logo are prominent and aligned with your brand's aesthetics.

• Color Scheme: Choose colors that reflect your brand's personality and resonate with your target audience.

• Typography: Select fonts that are legible and complement your brand's style—consider serif, sans-serif, or handwritten fonts depending on your brand's vibe.

Step 2: Include Essential Information

Your custom candle label should include essential information to inform and reassure customers:

• Product Name: Clearly state the name of the candle, which may include the scent or type (e.g., soy wax, aromatherapy).

• Ingredients: Understand the ingredients in your candles. Are the scents phthalate-free? If you're selling in California, you will need to see if the candles have prop 65 ingredients. Technically, ingredients do not need to be listed, but many customers look for this information when determining which candles to purchase.

• Burn Time: Provide an estimated burn time to help customers gauge the candle's longevity. This is also an optional element to the label, but if you're using a soy wax, like ROAM Homegrown private label candles do, then your candles will have an extra long burn time, which is something your customers will be drawn to.

• Volume: The main label is required to have the candle weight in ounces and grams at least 1/8" tall.

• Safety Instructions: Include candle care and safety tips, such as trimming the wick and keeping the candle away from flammable materials. All candles should have a safety label on the bottom of the candle. If you are using a third party to create your candles, the label should either say "Manufactured by..." or "Manufactured for..." which will comply with your candle manufacturer's liability coverage. 

Step 3: Choose Label Material and Shape

Select label materials that are durable and suitable for candle use:

• Label Material: Traditional paper labels are versatile and can be customized with different finishes (e.g., matte, glossy). At ROAM Homegrown we use a matte textured linen label that is custom made for us by a local paper manufacturer, giving the candles a high-end luxury aesthetic. To see the labels in person, you can start with a sample kit here.

Step 4: Design Elements and Graphics

Create a visually appealing label that aligns with your brand's aesthetic:

• Image or Artwork: Incorporate graphics, illustrations, or patterns that reflect the candle's scent or theme. We offer full-color printing and black background for a bespoke label design that is specific to your brand.

• Background: Use backgrounds that enhance the label's readability and appeal without overwhelming the design.

• Text Placement: Ensure text is clear and easy to read, with important information prominently displayed. We recommend all text be at least 8 point font.

Step 5: Review and Proofread

Before finalizing your custom candle labels, review the design for accuracy and coherence:

• Proofread: Double-check spelling, grammar, and accuracy of all information.

• Test Printing: Print a sample label to ensure colors, text, and images appear as intended. If you are working with a candle manufacturer, ask them for photo proof or visual before approving the final design.

Step 6: Print and Apply

Once satisfied with the design, proceed to print your custom candle labels:

• Printing Method: Depending on your budget and quantity, choose between in-house printing, professional printing services, or digital printing.

• Application: Apply labels carefully to clean, dry candle containers, ensuring they adhere smoothly and evenly.

Tips for Designing Custom Candle Labels

• Keep it Simple: A clutter-free design with essential information is more effective.

• Consider Brand Consistency: Maintain consistency across all your product labels for a cohesive brand identity.

• Legal Requirements: Familiarize yourself with labeling regulations and requirements specific to candles in your region.

Conclusion

Designing custom candle labels is an opportunity to showcase your creativity, enhance brand recognition, and provide valuable information to customers. Whether you're crafting candles for personal use or commercial distribution, thoughtful label design plays a crucial role in making your products stand out. 

Interested in receiving custom candle label mock-ups? Submit a design request and receive 4 complimentary label designs on us!