Archive note, September 2026: This article was written in October 2021, when Covid-era hygiene rules and venue practices were still shaping celebrations. References to London venues restricting candle blowing describe that period and should not be read as a statement of current venue policy.
Rethinking Birthday Candles: A (Slightly) More Hygienic Take
Whoa, what?! Who said that?? After the year+ we'd all had, could we not just leave birthday candles ALONE!? At the time, a number of venues and restaurants in London we delivered to were restricting or discouraging blowing candles on birthday cakes and such. In the context of 2021, it made sense, and frankly the hygiene question is interesting even without Covid in the mix.
Rethinking Birthday Traditions in a Post-Pandemic World
See, before the pandemic, I've always hated handshakes. Hugs are cool, because I'm only hugging people close to me anyway, not strangers I've just met. And hugs usually involve contact between FULLY CLOTHED bodies, duh. But handshakes? Eww, no. A graceful Namaste instead? Yes please. It's elegant and far less likely to leave me wondering whose public-transport–pub-loo bacteria I’ve just collected.
So really, no need to swap germs through direct hand contact. And definitely no need to mock my culture while doing a Namaste — that’ll get you cancelled faster than an underbaked sponge.
Candles and Hygiene: A Closer Look
What does this have to do with birthday candles? Why be such a killjoy? Because birthday candles are usually perched proudly on a cake before being blown out with great ceremony — and a generous spray of airborne enthusiasm. If you're celebrating solo or only slicing for those in your inner circle, then fine, puff away. But in enclosed public spaces like restaurants or pubs? Blowing directly onto a cake with gusto is… not the most hygienic choice.
Yes, blowing candles is fun, dramatic and photogenic. But you can get all the sparkle without the spit. Sparklers, popping balloons, or confetti cannons are great alternatives. Restaurants tend to prefer sparklers over confetti chaos — but it’s always best to check. And if you’re picking up something show-stopping, you can always browse our joyful children’s cakes or go classic with a towering Funfetti favourite.
So if it took a pandemic to get us washing our hands more and shaking them less… perhaps it was also worth questioning the tradition of blowing directly over a cake everyone else is about to eat. Personally, I prefer my cake without a side of spit.
If you’ve ever wondered why birthday cakes matter so much, you’ll enjoy this little read: Why Everyone Needs a Birthday Cake.
Love, Reshmi xoxo
Want to explore gorgeous celebration options delivered across the city? Browse our full range of cakes.
Couldn’t agree more. My heart always sinks when at a party and some well meaning adult allows a small germ ridden child blow out the candles on a stunning cake resulting in a hefty smattering of nursery lurgy all over the cake. It is a lovely celebratory gesture plus the whole “make a wish” tosh but it’s one I won’t lament losing!