Crafting Wedding Table Lanterns: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding table lanterns can be made from wood, paper, or metal, and decorated with flowers, candles, or fairy lights. They can be hung from the ceiling, placed on tables, or used as part of a hanging stand. Lanterns can be matched to the colour scheme or theme of the wedding, or used to create a magical, romantic atmosphere. They are a simple DIY project that can be made well in advance of the wedding day and are a cheaper alternative to floral centrepieces.

Choosing the right materials for your lanterns

Type of Wood

The type of wood you choose will depend on the style and theme of your wedding. For a rustic or farmhouse wedding, consider using wooden dowels in varying thicknesses, such as 3/4" and 1" square dowels. You can finish the wood with stain, paint, or leave it natural to match your wedding décor. If you're aiming for a refined, rustic vibe, consider using multiple shades of wood for your lanterns to create a captivating display.

Lantern Size and Proportions

The size and proportions of your lanterns will depend on the size of your wedding table and the overall aesthetic you want to create. For a long, straight table, you can place multiple lanterns of the same size in a row. However, for a smaller or round table, consider scaling down the size of the lanterns or using varying sizes to create visual interest. Play with different shapes, such as rectangular or spherical lanterns, to add uniqueness to your tablescape.

Lighting Options

You can choose between real candles or battery-operated LED candles for your lanterns. Real candles create a romantic and elegant ambiance, while LED candles are a safer option, especially if you plan to hang your lanterns or use them in an outdoor setting. Select candles that complement the size of your lanterns. For example, a slim lantern would pair well with a taper candle, while a wider lantern could accommodate a pillar candle.

Decorative Elements

Enhance your lanterns with decorative elements that tie into your wedding theme and colour palette. For a natural, bohemian look, consider using eucalyptus or other greenery inside or around the lanterns. Flowers, such as roses or peonies, can add a romantic and colourful touch. You can also incorporate fairy lights or string lights inside the lanterns for a magical and dreamy atmosphere.

Hanging and Display Options

If you plan to hang your lanterns, consider using thick rope handles or wire inserted through pre-drilled holes for a secure hanging mechanism. For table displays, you can place the lanterns directly on the table or elevate them using garlands, eucalyptus branches, or wooden slabs as a base.

Selecting the appropriate size and shape for your lanterns

When selecting the appropriate size and shape for your wedding table lanterns, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, the size of your guest tables is important. If you have long, rectangular tables, you may opt for a row of three lanterns of varying sizes in the middle, while for smaller, round tables, consider scaling down the lantern sizes to avoid overcrowding. For a dramatic effect, you could hang lanterns above the tables instead.

The shape of your lantern can also be chosen to match your wedding theme. For a rustic wedding, wooden lanterns are a perfect choice, while iron lanterns suit a rustic soirée. For a modern celebration, black-rimmed rectangular lanterns or glass and metallic square lanterns will complement the contemporary vibe. Spherical wicker lanterns are ideal for a bohemian bash, while gold lanterns lend a glamorous touch.

If you're feeling creative, you can make your own wooden lanterns of varying sizes to add visual interest. You can finish the wood to match your wedding décor – stain, paint, or keep it natural. For a unified look, match the colour of your lanterns to the rest of your table accents, or opt for an all-white display for a chic, monochromatic feel.

Adding personal touches and decorations to your lanterns

• Choose the right material: Lanterns can be made from various materials such as wood, metal, glass, or paper. Select a material that aligns with your wedding theme and style. For example, wooden lanterns are perfect for a rustic wedding, while glass and metallic lanterns complement a modern celebration.
• Play with colour: Consider incorporating your wedding colours into your lanterns. You can paint the lanterns or add colourful accents such as ribbons or flowers. For a subtle approach, match the colour of your lanterns to other tabletop accents, such as napkins or table numbers.
• Get creative with lighting: While candles are a traditional choice, you can mix it up by using fairy lights or LED lights inside your lanterns. For a unique touch, opt for unusual candle shapes, such as taper candles, or choose candles in unexpected colours.
• Embellish with greenery: Add a touch of nature to your lanterns by incorporating greenery, such as eucalyptus or other types of foliage. This creates a natural and elegant look, especially when paired with white or neutral-toned lanterns.
• Personalise with flowers: Flowers are a classic way to decorate lanterns. You can place small bouquets or posies on top of the lanterns or open the doors and stuff the inside with flowers for a whimsical design. Choose flowers that complement your wedding colour palette.
• Hang decorations: If you want to suspend your lanterns, consider adding hanging decorations such as ribbons, fairy lights, or small decorative items that match your wedding theme. Just ensure that they don't obstruct your guests' view.
• Mix and match: Create visual interest by combining different sizes, shapes, and styles of lanterns. Play with various shades of wood or mix metallic lanterns with complementary tableware. You can also vary the height and width of the lanterns to add dimension to your tablescape.
• Incorporate personal touches: Include meaningful details that reflect your personality and interests. For example, if you love the beach, opt for a nautical-themed lantern with rope accents and striped linens. Or, if you're having a garden wedding, decorate your lanterns with bright-hued blooms.

Incorporating lighting and candles into your lanterns

When it comes to lighting, there are endless options for decorating a wedding table. Candles are a popular choice, and when framed with lanterns, they bring a romantic touch to the occasion.

There are a few things to consider when choosing the lighting for your lanterns. Firstly, the type of candle you use will impact the overall look and feel of your centrepiece. You can opt for traditional wax candles or go for battery-operated LED candles, which are a safer option. If you choose wax candles, ensure you select an appropriate size for your lantern. For example, a small, dainty votive candle can be a better choice for a geometric gold lantern with an unexpected design, as a large candle might overshadow it.

Another consideration is the colour of your candles. White candles are a classic choice and can complement a variety of lantern styles. However, don't be afraid to experiment with coloured candles to add a unique touch to your centrepiece. For instance, pale pink candles can add a romantic flair to a modern tablescape.

The placement of your candles within the lantern is also important. If you want the light to reflect off the surrounding surfaces, place the candle in the centre of the lantern. Alternatively, you can place the candle towards the back of the lantern to create a more subtle glow.

In addition to candles, you can also use fairy lights or string lights inside your lanterns to create a magical and romantic atmosphere. Battery-operated fairy lights are a safe and convenient option for this.

When incorporating lighting and candles into your lanterns, it's essential to consider the overall style and theme of your wedding. For example, if you're going for a rustic look, wooden lanterns with antique-style candles can be a perfect choice. On the other hand, modern weddings might favour sleek, black lanterns with simple, elegant candles.

Lastly, don't forget to consider the size and placement of your lanterns on the table. A single lantern can make a statement as a centrepiece, or you can group several lanterns together to create a stunning display. Play around with different heights and sizes to add visual interest to your tablescape.

Displaying and hanging your lanterns effectively

• Accumulation is essential for a great wedding setup. Decide on the density of lanterns you want, taking into account your budget and the overall vision for your venue. If you want to decorate the entire venue ceiling, consider using 9 paper lanterns or other decorations for every 18 square meters of space. For a more concentrated effect, use 3 paper lanterns of 35cm, 2 accordion paper lanterns of 30cm, 3 accordion paper lanterns of 20cm, 1 pompom of 40cm, and 2 pompoms of 20cm for every 1 square meter of ceiling space.
• Create a "paper lantern sky" by stringing fishing line or thread to form a "net" over your party venue, and hang your paper lanterns at varying heights. This will add a dreamy touch to your wedding décor.
• If you want to decorate specific areas of your venue, such as the dance floor or dessert table, use the same technique but on a smaller scale.
• To create a hanging lantern cluster, construct the cluster on the floor or at a comfortable height, using a common string loop. This way, you can easily hang the cluster once it's ready. You can even use tree branches if your celebration is outdoors!
• Utilize specific features of your venue, such as staircases or balconies, to hang paper lanterns and create a dramatic effect.
• For a pretty photo corner or dessert buffet backdrop, use paper fans, which are super decorative and easy to set up. You can also tape small-sized paper lanterns onto a large piece of cardboard for a modern and festive backdrop.
• If you're hanging lanterns individually, all paper lanterns and accordion paper lanterns have a small metallic insert or hook that you can use to hang them from fishing line or thread. Other products, like honeycomb balls and paper pompoms, usually have a small string attached that can be used for hanging.
• For a floating centerpiece that adds intimacy to a large room, consider suspending greenery and lanterns in silver and gold from the ceiling.
• To add a subtle pop of color to your lantern display, tie ribbons on top of the light fixtures.
• If you're using wooden lanterns, consider varying the height and width of the lanterns to create visual interest. Avoid placing three lanterns of the same size in the middle of the table, unless it's a long, straight table where you can arrange them in a row.

Frequently asked questions