Votive vs Pillar vs 7-Day Candles: What's the Difference?

Published on 2026-10-31 · 7 min read · PrayKits Editorial

From small votives to tall 7-day candles — each type serves a different devotional purpose and sells to a different buyer.

Walk into any religious goods store, church gift shop or botánica, and you will see candles in every shape and size. But three types stand out as the top sellers: votive candles, pillar candles, and 7-day glass jar candles.

What is the difference between them? Which one should you stock? And which type of customer buys each? In this guide, we break down the key differences, use cases, and buying tips for religious goods retailers and church buyers.

Quick Comparison Table

Votive Candles: The Church Workhorse

Votive candles are small, usually short and wide, designed to be placed in a glass or metal holder. They are the classic “prayer candle” you see in racks near the entrance of Catholic and Orthodox churches.

Key characteristics of votive candles

• Short burn time (8–15 hours) — perfect for a single visit or prayer session
• Inexpensive unit price — low barrier for impulse purchase
• Sold individually or in boxes of 6, 12 or 24
• Often unscented or lightly scented with beeswax or frankincense
• Available in white (most common for churches) and assorted colors

Who buys votive candles?

• Churches and parishes — the largest volume buyer, used in votive stands
• Cemetery and funeral homes — for memorial visits
• Religious goods stores — multi-packs for home altar use

Retailer tip: Votive candles sell best in multi-packs. Offer a 12-pack value option alongside single votive holders with a prayer card — both formats sell well at different price points.

Pillar Candles: The Versatile Middle Ground

Pillar candles are freestanding candles that stand on their own base, usually cylindrical and wider than tapers. They range from short and stubby to tall and slender.

Key characteristics of pillar candles

• Medium burn time (30–80 hours depending on size)
• No container needed — just a flat, heat-resistant surface or pillar plate
• Available in many colors, sizes and scents
• Can be displayed alone or in groups of varying heights
• Higher perceived value than votives — good for gifting

Who buys pillar candles?

• Home decor and gift shops — scented pillars sell year-round
• Church gift shops — white and ivory pillars for altar and home use
• Wedding and event planners — bulk orders for centerpieces
• SPA and wellness centers — scented pillars for ambiance

7-Day Candles: The Devotional Bestseller

7-day candles (also called novena candles or vigil candles) are tall, glass-jarred candles designed to burn continuously for several days. They are the single highest-volume devotional candle type in many Latin American, Caribbean and US Hispanic markets.

We have written a complete guide to 7-day candles if you want to go deeper — but here are the basics.

Key characteristics of 7-day candles

• Long burn time (100–120 hours, or about 7 days of evening use)
• Glass jar container — safe, clean, and ready to label
• Available with saint imagery, plain colors, or custom private label
• High repeat purchase rate — customers buy again every week
• Perfect for novenas, memorials and ongoing prayer intentions

Who buys 7-day candles?

• Botánicas and spiritual shops — the #1 retail channel in many markets
• Churches and cathedrals — for sanctuary lights and memorial candles
• Religious goods retailers — saint-themed and plain white varieties
• Cemetery gift shops — for graveside remembrance

How to Choose: Which Candle Type Should You Stock?

If your customers are mostly churches...

Start with votive candles (for votive racks) and 7-day candles (for sanctuary and memorial use). Both move in reliable volume and reorder frequently. Add pillar candles in white for altar display and special feast days.

If you run a botánica or spiritual store...

7-day candles in every color and saint image are your bread and butter. Add votives in color assortments for customers who want shorter-burn options. Consider our prayer candle gift box sets for holiday and gifting seasons.

If you sell gifts and home decor...

Pillar candles in scented varieties perform best. Pair them with candle holders and decor accents. Add candle + incense gift kits for higher average order value.

If you are a church buyer or wholesale distributor...

You will probably carry all three types — but prioritize based on your customers. If unsure, start with a mixed pallet: 40% 7-day candles (fastest turnover), 35% votives (highest volume per order), and 25% pillars (higher margin per unit).

Wholesale Buying Tips

No matter which type you order, here is what to look for in a supplier:

• Consistent burn time — ask for tested burn hours, not marketing claims
• Wax quality — clean-burning paraffin or soy blend, no excessive soot
• Custom label options — private label lets you build your own brand
• Flexible MOQ — can you start small and scale as demand grows?
• Packaging for export — especially important for glass jar candles

At PrayKits, we offer all three candle types with full OEM private label, flexible MOQs starting at 300 pcs, and consistent quality control on every batch. Contact us on WhatsApp for a quote tailored to your store or ministry.