Creating Magical Lamp Centerpieces For Your Wedding Day

Wedding centrepieces are a great way to enhance the ambiance of the wedding day while also reinforcing the overall wedding theme and aesthetic. Lantern centrepieces, in particular, are a popular choice, providing a dreamy, whimsical touch to the wedding decor. From elegant gold lanterns surrounded by flowers to rustic wooden lanterns filled with twinkly lights, there are endless ways to make lantern centrepieces that suit your wedding style.

Choosing the right lantern for your wedding theme

Lanterns are a great way to enhance the ambiance of your wedding day while also reinforcing your overall wedding theme and aesthetic. They are a statement decor piece that can be used to decorate not just the wedding reception tables but also any other tables and surfaces that will be present on the big day, such as a coffee table in a lounge seating area.

Elegant wedding theme: Soft candlelight creates a whimsical ambiance for an elegant wedding aesthetic. Gold lanterns surrounded by flowers or placed on a wood table with elegant flower arrangements can be a romantic choice. Mercury glass lanterns or modern gold wire lanterns are also great options for an elegant wedding.

Rustic wedding theme: If you're going for a rustic wedding aesthetic, consider using a mixture of materials like wood, metal, and botanicals in your lantern centerpiece design. A rustic wood lantern filled with flowers or surrounded by greenery and butterflies can be a whimsical choice. For a literary couple, a lantern placed on a stack of antique books can be a unique and rustic touch. Silver lanterns with moss and ferns or copper lanterns with flowers can also add a rustic feel to your wedding decor.

Fall wedding theme: Crisp leaves, warm candlelight, and cool weather pair perfectly with lanterns for a fall wedding. Vintage lanterns with a unique pattern or slight oxidization of the metal can create a homey, vintage feel. Copper lanterns with flowers or metal filigree lanterns with sprigs of greenery are also great choices for autumn nuptials.

Simple wedding theme: Lantern centerpieces don't have to be complicated. A simple concept can still be effective. Instead of candles, consider filling lanterns with twinkle lights or using them as vases for flowers. Copper or gold lanterns filled with flowers or surrounded by pink roses can be a beautiful and pared-down concept.

Wood wedding theme: Wood lanterns are a cozy choice and can be easily painted to match any shade from your wedding color palette. A wood lantern filled with flowers or surrounded by greenery can be a lovely addition to your wedding tablescape. If you're hosting an outdoor wedding, lanterns can also help protect candles from being extinguished by the wind.

Remember, these ideas are just a starting point. Lanterns are incredibly versatile and can be customized to fit any wedding style. Whether you're hosting a beach wedding or a rustic barn wedding, there's a lantern decor idea to suit your theme.

Using flowers and plants to decorate your lanterns

Flowers and plants are a great way to decorate your lanterns for a wedding. You can either place them inside the lanterns or have them surrounding the lanterns.

If you want to place flowers and plants inside the lanterns, you can use them in place of candles. This works particularly well with decorative lanterns that are meant to be filled with items. For example, you could use a terrarium object and place a candle and flowers inside to create a unique lantern. You could also fill the lanterns with fairy lights and flowers to create a firefly effect.

If you want the flowers and plants to surround the lanterns, you can create a halo of flowers and greenery around the lantern and place it on a wooden slice or use a combination of flowers and petals to mirror the light and colour of the lantern. You could also place the lantern on a bed of flowers or petals.

For a cohesive look, work with your wedding florist to come up with a plan for your wedding flowers and centrepieces.

How to select the best candle for your lantern

When it comes to selecting the best candle for your lantern wedding centrepiece, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, think about the overall style or theme of your wedding. Are you going for a rustic look, a bohemian vibe, or something more modern and elegant? The type of candle you choose can help reinforce the aesthetic you're going for.

For example, if you're having a rustic wedding, wooden lanterns are a great choice, and you can fill them with simple white candles. In contrast, black-rimmed lanterns with pink and white roses would be perfect for a modern wedding with a romantic twist.

Another thing to consider is the size of your lantern. If you have a large lantern, you might want to opt for a thicker candle, like a pillar candle, which can burn for a long time and doesn't need a container. On the other hand, if you have a small lantern, tea lights or votive candles might be a better fit, as they are smaller and won't overpower the lantern.

You could also try something a little different, like stuffing your lantern with flowers and adding a small candle in the middle, or even using fairy lights instead of a traditional candle.

• Play with height: Use candles of varying heights to add depth to your centrepiece.
• Mix and match: Combine different types of candles, such as taper candles and tea lights, for an eclectic look.
• Think outside the box: Try something unexpected, like putting candles under the table or suspending lanterns from the ceiling.
• Add a pop of colour: Tie ribbons around your lanterns to match your wedding colour palette.
• Keep it simple: Sometimes, a sleek gold lantern and a bit of greenery are all you need for a minimalist, elegant look.

Remember to keep candle safety in mind, especially if you're using open flames. Don't leave candles unattended, and make sure you use heat-resistant surfaces.

Happy wedding planning!

DIY tips for creating your own lantern centrepiece

Lantern centrepieces are a great way to enhance the ambiance of your wedding while reinforcing your overall theme and aesthetic. There are plenty of unique ways to incorporate lanterns into your wedding decor, and you can easily make them yourself. Here are some tips to create your own DIY lantern centrepieces:

• Choose the right lantern: Lanterns come in various shapes, sizes, textures, and colours. Select a lantern that fits your style and wedding aesthetic. For example, iron lanterns are ideal for rustic weddings, while glass and metallic lanterns complement modern celebrations.
• Play with colours and textures: If you're having a farm or barn wedding, play with different textures like burlap and lace. Set the scene with overlapping fabrics, and then station the setup with a vintage-inspired lantern. Add a splash of colour with a bed of blooms planted in a wooden box.
• Embellish with flowers: Flowers can add a romantic and elegant touch to your lantern centrepiece. Surround the lantern with fresh flowers and greenery, or fill the lantern with flowers instead of a candle for a unique overflowing design.
• Get creative with lighting: While candles are a typical choice, you can get creative and use fairy lights, string lights, or even twinkle lights inside your lantern for a magical and romantic glow.
• Suspend or hang lanterns: Instead of conventional table lanterns, create a hanging lantern centrepiece. You can also suspend greenery draped with different lanterns from the ceiling for a floating centerpiece that adds intrigue.
• Personalise with decorations: Embrace subtle pops of colour or embellishments to elevate your lantern centrepiece. Ribbons, disco balls, or small bouquets assembled by your florist can add a delicate and vibrant touch.
• Match your theme: Whether it's a bohemian, rustic, elegant, or nautical theme, ensure your lantern centrepiece ties into your wedding style. For instance, rattan or wicker lanterns for a bohemian wedding, or a striped blue linen for a nautical theme.
• Use lanterns as supplements: If you want another element to be the focal point of your table, use lanterns as supporting characters. Scatter them down the length of your tablescape to let them complement the overall design without detracting from the main decorations.
• DIY tips: If you're crafting your own lantern centrepieces, start by making a mood board to visualise your design. Then, head to your local craft or hardware store to gather the necessary materials.

With these tips, you can create beautiful and personalised lantern centrepieces for your wedding that will wow your guests and enhance the ambiance of your celebration.

Using alternative light sources in your lantern centrepiece

Lantern centrepieces are a great way to enhance the ambience of your wedding reception while reinforcing your overall wedding theme and aesthetic. The soft glow of candlelight is a popular choice for lantern centrepieces, but there are other light sources you can use to create a unique and memorable display. Here are some ideas for using alternative light sources in your lantern centrepiece:

• Electric candles: If you're concerned about the potential fire hazard of real candles, electric candles are a safe and convenient alternative. They eliminate the need for matches, lighters, and candle snuffers, and have come a long way in terms of design and realism.
• LED fairy lights: For a magical and whimsical effect, use LED fairy lights inside your lanterns. These lights can be easily hidden among flowers or other decorations and create a sparkling display.
• String lights: Fill your lanterns with string lights, such as fairy lights or twinkle lights, for a romantic and enchanting display. Gold painted rocks or other decorative elements can also be added for extra glamour.
• Battery-operated lights: For a simple and safe option, use battery-operated tea lights or votive candles in your lanterns. These can be easily turned on and off and are perfect for both indoor and outdoor weddings.
• Hanging lanterns with lights: Create a unique and eye-catching display by suspending lanterns filled with lights from the ceiling or a hanging installation. This adds a dramatic and intimate touch to your wedding reception.
• Colourful lights: Add a touch of colour to your lantern centrepiece by using lights in hues that complement your wedding colour palette. This could be in the form of coloured fairy lights, LED lights, or even light-up flowers or candles.
• Light-up flowers: Combine the beauty of flowers with the glow of lights by using light-up flowers in your lantern centrepiece. These can be found in various colours and styles and will create a unique and enchanting display.
• Flameless candles: For a modern and elegant alternative to traditional candles, opt for flameless candles. These candles use LED lights to create a warm and inviting glow without the risk of fire.
• Kerosene lanterns: For a nostalgic and rustic touch, use kerosene lanterns as your centrepiece. These old-school light fixtures are perfect for a vintage-inspired or outdoor wedding.
• Light-up candles: Combine the warmth of candlelight with the magic of lights by using light-up candles in your lantern centrepiece. These candles have a small LED light embedded in the wick, creating a subtle and enchanting glow.

Frequently asked questions