George Boyle
Paper lanterns are a popular choice for wedding decorations, adding a touch of magic and elegance to your special day. They are lightweight, easy to assemble, and come in a variety of colours, shapes, and sizes. The number of paper lanterns you need for your wedding will depend on the size of your venue, the height of your ceiling, and the desired density of the display. You can hang them from the ceiling, creating a beautiful canopy, or use smaller lanterns as centrepieces on tables. Consider using LED paper lanterns for a dramatic effect and safety, especially for outdoor weddings.
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What You'll Learn
Paper lantern colours and matching decorations
Paper lanterns come in a variety of colours and sizes, and can be used in many ways to decorate your wedding venue. You can hang them from the ceiling, use them as centrepieces on tables, or float them on water for a magical touch. They can also be used to line the pathway to your wedding venue, or to create a beautiful canopy above the dining area or dance floor.
When choosing the colour of your paper lanterns, you can match them to other details of the wedding, such as the floral arrangements on the tables or your stationery colour palette. You can also mix and match colours to create a unique look that fits your wedding theme and venue. If you're looking to create a more dramatic effect, consider using LED paper lanterns that can change colours and create a magical and enchanting atmosphere.
For a specific and limited space, such as a tent, you may want to concentrate the lanterns to create a dense effect. For every 1 square meter of ceiling, you can use approximately 3 paper lanterns (35 cm each), 2 accordion paper lanterns (30 cm each), 3 accordion paper lanterns (20 cm each), 1 pompom (40 cm), and 2 pompoms (20 cm each). Alternatively, you can string a fine twine along the centre of your tent and hang a group of 6-7 lanterns and other decorations together.
If you're decorating a larger space, the general recommendation is to use 9 paper lanterns or other decorations for every 18 square meters (190 square feet) of space. However, you can adjust this based on your budget and personal preference.
Remember that the lighting and materials of the venue can also affect the final look of your paper lantern colours, so don't stress too much about finding an exact match. With the right combination of colours and decorations, your paper lanterns will surely add a dreamy and whimsical touch to your wedding.
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Hanging lanterns from trees or floating them in the air
Hanging paper lanterns from trees or floating them in the air can be a beautiful addition to your wedding. The number of lanterns you will need depends on the coverage you want and the size of the lanterns. If you want full coverage, you can calculate the square footage of the area and decide how thick you want the coverage to be. For example, if you have a large area with high ceilings, you may want to use larger lanterns, such as 20-inch ones, to create a full and impactful display.
To hang the lanterns from trees, consider using clear fishing line or string. The lanterns are lightweight, so ribbon or even thin string will be able to hold them up. You can drape the lanterns over tree branches to create a floating effect. Play around with the heights, having some lanterns higher and some lower to create a whimsical look. If you are hanging lanterns in a tent or indoor space, you can string them from each corner up to the center, creating a beautiful focal point.
When hanging lanterns, it's important to consider the height so that they are out of reach. A general guideline is to have the bottom of the lantern a minimum of 9 feet off the floor. This will ensure that guests cannot accidentally knock into them. Additionally, if you are hanging lanterns with lights, it is best to install the lights the day of your wedding to ensure they are at their brightest.
To create a cohesive look, mix different sizes and colours of lanterns. You can use varying sizes of lanterns to create the illusion of having more lanterns than you actually do. For example, interspersing large and medium-sized lanterns can make the display look fuller. You can also add lighting to the lanterns, such as LED lights or fairy lights, to create a magical atmosphere.
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Using LED lights or fairy lights with paper lanterns
The number of paper lanterns you need for your wedding depends on the size of the venue, the height of the ceiling, and the desired density of the display. For example, if you have a large venue with high ceilings, you will likely need more lanterns to fill the space. On the other hand, if you are hanging the lanterns in a cluster over a specific area, such as the dance floor, you may not need as many.
When it comes to using LED lights or fairy lights with paper lanterns, there are several options to consider:
LED String Lights
LED string lights can be wrapped around the frame of the lantern or draped inside to create a twinkling effect. This option provides versatility, as the lights can be set to different colours, modes (steady, flashing, or colour-changing), or brightness levels to match your wedding's theme and ambiance.
Fairy Lights
Fairy lights are tiny, delicate lights that create a soft, magical glow inside smaller lanterns. They are perfect for adding a whimsical touch to your decor, especially in outdoor settings.
LED Bulbs
Battery-operated LED bulbs can be placed inside the lanterns, providing a steady and bright light source. This option is ideal for table centrepieces, as the bulbs provide illumination without producing heat, making them safe for enclosed spaces.
Colour-Changing LEDs
For a dynamic and vibrant look, use colour-changing LED lights that can cycle through different hues or be set to a specific colour. This option allows for endless creative possibilities and can be tailored to match your wedding's theme and colour palette.
When hanging paper lanterns with LED lights, it is important to consider the height of the ceiling and the length of the string or wire used for suspension. Additionally, it is recommended to install the lanterns and lights on the day of your wedding, as LED lights tend to dim over time.
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Paper lantern sizes and how many you'll need
Paper lanterns come in a variety of sizes, and the number you'll need for your wedding depends on various factors, including the size of the venue, the height of the ceiling, and the desired density of the display. Here are some guidelines and tips to help you determine the appropriate number and size of paper lanterns for your special day:
Determining the Number of Paper Lanterns:
- Consider the size of your venue and the ceiling height: The higher the ceiling, the more lanterns you may need to create the desired effect. For a tented reception, you might want to hang lanterns from each corner to the centre or create clusters over focal points like the dance floor or tables.
- Decide on the density of the display: If you want a dense and dramatic effect, you should plan on using more lanterns. For a specific and limited space, consider concentrating the lanterns to achieve a denser final effect.
- Mix and match sizes: Using a combination of large, medium, and small lanterns can create the illusion of having more lanterns. Varying sizes can also add visual interest and texture to your decor.
- Calculate based on square footage: As a rule of thumb, for every 1 square meter of ceiling, you can use approximately 3 paper lanterns (35 cm each), 2 accordion paper lanterns (30 cm each), 3 smaller accordion lanterns (20 cm each), and a mix of pompoms (20-40 cm).
- Consider your budget: Paper lanterns are generally affordable, but the cost can add up if you need a large number. Consider your budget when deciding on the number and size of lanterns to ensure you don't exceed your allocated expenses.
Popular Paper Lantern Sizes:
- 16", 20", 30", and 42" (plain rounds): These sizes offer a good range for creating varied and visually appealing displays.
- 35 cm, 30 cm, and 20 cm: These sizes are suitable for creating a dense display, especially when combined with pompoms and other paper decorations.
- 12": This size is commonly used for hanging lanterns and can be easily mixed and matched with other sizes.
- 8": Smaller lanterns can be used as centrepieces on tables, surrounded by flowers or candles, adding a romantic touch to your decor.
Remember, the number and size of paper lanterns you'll need may vary depending on the unique characteristics of your venue. It's always a good idea to measure the space and plan accordingly. Additionally, consider the colour and lighting options available for paper lanterns to further enhance the atmosphere of your wedding.
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Renting paper lanterns and other equipment
Paper lanterns are a great way to add a soft, romantic glow to your wedding. They are an affordable way to customise your event, with a variety of shapes, sizes, and over 35 colours to choose from. They are also easy to put together and hang, with a lightweight metal frame and paper body.
When planning how many paper lanterns to rent, you should consider the size of your venue and the density of lanterns you want. For example, if you have a large venue with high ceilings, you may want to intersperse big lanterns with medium-sized ones to create the illusion of greater coverage. You can also use lines of lanterns, rather than randomised placements, to know exactly how many you need.
If you are renting paper lanterns, you may also want to consider renting other equipment. For example, you may want to rent lighting equipment to illuminate the lanterns. LED lights are a popular choice, but they can be expensive, with some lanterns going from $1 to $20 per piece once lighting fixtures are added. You can also rent uplights to wash the walls in colour.
Universal Light and Sound offers lighting and sound equipment for rent, as well as paper lanterns. MDM Entertainment also provides paper lantern rentals, and Abbott Party Rental offers paper lantern installation services, as well as tent rentals.
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Frequently asked questions
The number of paper lanterns you need depends on the size of your venue, the height of your ceiling, and the density of lanterns you want. For a tented reception, consider hanging lanterns from each corner up to the centre of the tent. For a more limited space, you should concentrate the lanterns more so that the final effect is quite dense. For 1 square meter of ceiling, use approximately 3 paper lanterns 35cm, 2 accordion paper lanterns 30cm, 3 accordion paper lanterns 20cm, 1 pompom 40cm, and 2 pompoms 20cm.
Paper lanterns are easy to hang and can be hung using ribbon, string, or fishing wire. If you want to hang them from a tree, consider using command hooks.
Paper lanterns come in a variety of sizes, including 16”, 20”, 30”, and 42”. Choose a size that is appropriate for the size of your venue and the height of your ceiling.
Paper lanterns come in a variety of colours, including white, pink, soft yellow, red, and orange. Choose a colour that matches your wedding theme and other decorations. You can also mix and match colours to create a unique look.
