Decorating Lanterns For Bridesmaids: Creative Ways To Illuminate

Decorating lanterns for bridesmaids is a fun and creative way to add a personal touch to your wedding. Whether you're looking for something elegant, whimsical, or unique, there are many ways to style lanterns to fit your wedding theme. From rustic to bohemian, lanterns can be a beautiful and inexpensive addition to your special day. In this article, we will explore different ideas and inspiration for decorating lanterns for bridesmaids, offering a range of options to suit any style and budget. So, get ready to light up your wedding with some creative lantern decorations!

Using paper lanterns

Paper lanterns are a versatile and timeless decor item that can add a touch of elegance, warmth, and charm to any space. Here are some ideas for using paper lanterns to decorate for bridesmaids:

Choose a Colour Scheme

Select a colour palette that matches your wedding theme. You can choose from various colours, such as pastel, neutral, or all white. If you're having a beach wedding, you might opt for blue and white paper lanterns to evoke a seaside vibe. Or, if you're having a rustic wedding, you could choose earth tones like brown, green, and cream.

Mix and Match

Don't be afraid to mix and match different colours and styles of paper lanterns. Combining various shapes, such as traditional paper lanterns, accordion paper lanterns, and pompoms, will create a unique and whimsical display. You can also add other decorative elements like honeycomb balls or star lanterns for added interest.

Hang Them in Clusters

Create a stunning visual impact by hanging paper lanterns in clusters at different points in the venue. You can use fishing line or thread to create a "net" over your party venue and hang the lanterns at varying heights. For an outdoor wedding, take advantage of nature and hang the lanterns from tree branches.

Illuminate with Lights

Add some sparkle to your paper lanterns by illuminating them with lights. For paper lanterns in sizes 35cm and 50cm, you can use a bulb of up to 40W, centred inside the lantern with an electrical cord. You can also use LED bulbs or fairy lights for a softer glow. Battery-operated LED lights are a safe and convenient option if you don't have access to an electrical outlet.

Personalise with Ribbons and Beads

Personalise your paper lanterns by wrapping them with ribbons or strings of beads. Measure the circumference of the lantern and cut the ribbon or string to size. Use double-sided tape or glue to attach it to the top rim of the lantern, then wrap it tightly, securing it with more tape or glue. You can use satin or grosgrain ribbons, or even string natural beads for a rustic touch.

Combine with Flowers

Combine paper lanterns with flowers to create a romantic and elegant display. You can use real or artificial flowers, depending on your preference and budget. Small blooms like baby's breath or daisies will fit nicely inside the lantern, and you can use floral wire to attach them securely to the lantern frame.

With these ideas, you can create a beautiful and memorable decoration for your bridesmaids using paper lanterns.

Incorporating flowers and candles

Decorating lanterns with flowers and candles can create a dreamy and romantic ambiance for your wedding. Here are some ideas to incorporate flowers and candles when decorating lanterns for bridesmaids:

Using Flowers

Flowers can be used in a variety of ways to decorate lanterns. If you are using glass lanterns, try opening the doors and arranging flowers so that they spill out, creating a lush and elegant look. You can also place lanterns on wooden slices and surround them with floral wreaths or vases of flowers. For a cohesive look, match the flowers used in the lanterns to the floral arrangements on the tables or your chosen colour palette. If you want to add a touch of whimsy, consider hanging lanterns from shepherd's hooks and using floral wire to add flowers and greenery to the hook. This will create a beautiful display as the bridesmaids walk down the aisle.

Using Candles

Candles can add a soft and romantic glow to your lantern decorations. Place simple white, lighted pillar candles inside the lanterns, or opt for battery-operated candles if you prefer. For a unique twist, instead of using plain candles, try using pillar candles in gold terrarium-style lanterns. You can also fill the lanterns with fairy lights for a magical touch. Surround the lanterns with votive candles to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Combining Flowers and Candles

Combining flowers and candles within the same display can be a stunning way to decorate lanterns for bridesmaids. Surround gold lanterns with fresh pink roses and add a candle inside for a simple yet elegant look. For a rustic touch, place a lantern on a wooden slice and fill it with fairy lights, then encircle it with a wreath made of roses and greenery. If you're looking for something more luxurious, try arranging fresh roses and hydrangeas around modern gold lanterns. This will create a beautiful centrepiece that can be enjoyed by everyone.

Choosing a colour palette

Consider the Wedding Theme

Think about the overall theme or colour scheme of the wedding. Are there specific colours that the couple has requested guests to wear or that feature prominently in the wedding decor? Try to choose colours that complement these shades to ensure that the bridesmaid lanterns are cohesive with the rest of the wedding.

Choose a Favourite Colour Palette

If the wedding has a specific colour palette, such as pastel or neutral tones, you can use this as a starting point for your lantern decorations. Select colours that fall within this palette to create a stylish and coordinated look.

Match with Other Details

You can also consider matching the lantern colours with other details of the wedding, such as the floral arrangements on the tables or the stationary colour palette. This will help to tie the entire event together and create a visually appealing atmosphere.

Be Creative and Unique

Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different colours. You can mix and match various shades to create a unique and personalised look for the bridesmaid lanterns. Remember, you can always ask the bridesmaids for their input and colour preferences to make them feel involved in the process.

Keep it Simple

If you're unsure about which colours to choose, sometimes keeping it simple is the best option. White is always a classic and elegant choice for wedding decor. You can create a sophisticated look by using different shades of white and combining plain or eyelet lanterns with accordion lanterns and pompoms.

Consider the Venue Lighting

Finally, remember that the lighting at the venue can affect the appearance of your chosen colours. The finish of the lanterns and the luminosity of the room will impact how the colours are perceived. So, don't stress too much about finding the exact shade, as the overall effect will come together beautifully on the day.

Adding ribbons and bows

Firstly, consider the type of ribbon you want to use. You could opt for a thin, delicate ribbon that will create a subtle effect, or go for something wider and more substantial, which will make more of a statement. The colour of the ribbon is also important – you could match it to the colour scheme of the wedding, or choose a contrasting colour for a bolder look.

Once you have chosen your ribbon, there are several ways you can attach it to the lantern. One idea is to tie a bow at the top of the lantern, securing it to the handle or hanging loop. You could also wrap the ribbon around the lantern, tying it in a bow at the front, or use glue or sticky tape to attach the ribbon to the lantern, especially if you want to cover a larger area. If you are happy with a temporary decoration, you could simply tie the ribbon around the lantern, but if you want something more permanent, you may want to use a stronger adhesive.

If you are feeling creative, you could experiment with different types of bows. A classic bow tied at the top of the lantern will create a traditional look, while a more unusual bow, such as a figure-of-eight bow, could add interest and be a talking point. You could also try a multi-looped bow for a more extravagant finish.

Finally, don't be afraid to mix and match ribbons and bows with other decorations. Combining ribbons with flowers or greenery, for example, can create a beautiful, natural look.

Using lanterns instead of bouquets

Choose the Right Lantern Style

Select a lantern style that complements your wedding theme and colour palette. Metal or paper lanterns are popular choices, but you can also explore other options like wire lanterns or even oversized lanterns for a bold statement.

Add Personal Touches

Incorporate personal touches to the lanterns, such as photos of your loved ones or bridesmaids, meaningful quotes, or even their names. You can use calligraphy or stencil techniques to write on the lanterns directly or create hanging tags with table numbers or other decorations.

Get Creative with Lighting

Instead of traditional bouquets, lanterns can provide a soft glow and create a dreamy atmosphere. Opt for simple white candles or add fairy lights for a whimsical touch. For an extra special effect, use coloured lights or battery-operated string lights in different shapes and sizes.

Embellish with Nature

Enhance the lanterns with natural elements such as flowers, leaves, or greenery. You can place small floral arrangements inside the lanterns or create floral wreaths to surround them. For a rustic touch, sprinkle flower petals around the lanterns or add a sprig of greenery to each one.

Experiment with Colour

Add a pop of colour to your bridesmaids' lanterns by painting them with acrylic paint in swirling patterns or complementary shades. You can also fill the lanterns with coloured sand or small decorative items in your wedding colours. Another idea is to wrap the candles inside with twine for added texture and interest.

Hang with Style

If you choose to hang the lanterns, consider using ribbons or beads in matching colours. You can also attach them to hooks or hang them from ribbons, creating a stylish display. For an extra touch, incorporate some floral wire or fishing line to add flowers, greenery, or even crystal beads for a sparkling effect.

Frequently asked questions