Creating Wedding Lanterns: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding lanterns can be a beautiful addition to your special day. Whether you're looking for a simple DIY project or something more elaborate, there are many ways to make your own wedding lanterns. From paper lanterns to wooden ones, the options are endless. You can choose to decorate your entire venue or just select parts, such as the dance floor or dessert table, with lanterns. Lanterns can also be illuminated with lights or candles, creating a magical atmosphere. So get creative and add a personal touch to your wedding with handmade lanterns!

Choosing colours for your wedding lanterns

Choosing the right colours for your wedding lanterns is a crucial part of creating a cohesive and memorable event. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect hues for your special day:

Choose a Colour Scheme

Start by deciding on a colour scheme for your wedding. This could be based on your favourite colours, the wedding theme or the atmosphere you want to create. For example, soft pastel colours like blush pink, mint green and light yellow can create a romantic and whimsical vibe, while bold colours like royal blue, deep purple or burgundy can make a dramatic statement. You can also opt for a neutral palette with shades of white, cream, beige and grey for a classic and elegant look.

Consider the Venue

The lighting and surroundings of your venue will impact the colour of your lanterns. If you're having an outdoor wedding, consider the natural colours of the landscape, such as green foliage or vibrant floral arrangements, and choose lantern colours that complement them. For indoor weddings, the lighting and decor of the space will affect the appearance of your lantern colours. Softer, warm lighting may make white lanterns appear cream or beige, for example.

Match Your Stationery or Floral Arrangements

If you've already chosen your wedding stationery, such as invitations and table place cards, consider matching the colour of your lanterns to the paper goods. This will create a cohesive look throughout your wedding. Similarly, if you've selected specific colours for your floral arrangements or centrepieces, choose lantern colours that complement the flowers to tie the whole event together.

Create a Mix of Colours and Sizes

Don't be afraid to mix and match different colours and sizes of lanterns to create a unique and dynamic display. You can vary the thickness and heights of the lanterns to add visual interest and disrupt the uniformity. Grouping lanterns together in clusters at different points of your venue can also create a magical effect. Remember, accumulation is essential for a great wedding setup, so don't be shy with the number of lanterns you use!

Don't Stress Over Exact Colour Matches

Finally, don't stress too much over finding the exact shade of lantern to match your colour scheme. The finish of the lantern will vary depending on the lighting and materials used. Paper lanterns, for example, are made of thin paper that will appear different from thicker paper accordion lanterns. The general feeling of the lantern display will align with your wedding colour palette, even if the shades aren't identical.

With these tips in mind, you can confidently choose the perfect colours for your wedding lanterns and create a stunning atmosphere for your big day.

Hanging lanterns in your wedding venue

Choose Your Lanterns

Select lanterns that fit your wedding theme and colour palette. Paper lanterns are a popular choice for weddings, as they are lightweight and easy to hang. You can find them in various colours and styles, such as eyelet and lace, to match your decor. If you're feeling crafty, you could even make your own wooden lanterns.

Decide on the Number of Lanterns

The number of lanterns you need will depend on the size of your venue and the look you want to achieve. For a subtle touch of colour, use around 9 lanterns for every 18 square metres of space. If you want a fuller look, use 9 lanterns for every 8 square metres. Alternatively, focus on decorating specific areas, such as the dance floor or dessert table, and group several lanterns together to create a dramatic effect.

Hanging Techniques

To hang your lanterns, you can create a "net" by stringing fishing line or thread across the ceiling of your venue. If you're using a wedding tent, you can also utilise the metallic structure for hanging. For smaller areas or specific features like a staircase, simply adjust the hanging technique to suit the space.

Illumination

If you want your lanterns to be illuminated, you can use bulbs or LED lights. For paper lanterns, a 40W bulb or LED light centred in the middle of the lantern will do the trick. For smaller lanterns, opt for mini battery-operated LED lights.

Mix and Match

Don't be afraid to mix and match different types of decorations along with your lanterns. Pom-poms, honeycomb balls, paper fans, and string lights can all add to the whimsical atmosphere you're creating. You can also incorporate florals and greenery to soften the look and provide a romantic, organic touch.

With a bit of creativity and planning, you can transform your wedding venue into a magical space that will leave a lasting impression on you and your guests!

Using flowers and other decorations

Flowers and other decorations are a great way to enhance the beauty of wedding lanterns. Here are some ideas to decorate your wedding lanterns using flowers and other decorative elements:

Flowers

Flowers can be used in a variety of ways to decorate your wedding lanterns. Fresh flowers such as roses and hydrangeas can be arranged around the lanterns to create a beautiful tablescape. If you're looking for a more rustic look, consider using a combination of flowers and greenery, such as a halo of roses and greenery arranged around a lantern and placed on a wooden slice. For a unique twist, you can even fill your lanterns with flowers instead of candles, creating a stunning floral display within the lantern.

Greenery

Similar to flowers, greenery can be used to decorate your wedding lanterns. Work with a professional florist to determine the best type of greenery for your vision. Greenery can be placed inside the lanterns or used to surround them, creating a natural and elegant look.

Paper Decorations

Paper decorations, such as paper pompoms, paper fans, and paper honeycombs, can be combined with paper lanterns to create a whimsical and dreamy atmosphere. Mix and match different colours and shapes to create a unique and memorable display. Paper decorations are easy to hang and can be reused for future events or home decor.

Lighting

Lighting is an important element of wedding decor. If you choose to illuminate your lanterns, consider using bulbs or LED lights inside them. For smaller lanterns, battery-operated LED lights are a great option. You can also place twinkle lights inside the lanterns to create a magical, firefly-like effect.

Hanging Decorations

Hanging decorations can be created by suspending paper lanterns, paper pompoms, and other decorative elements from the ceiling or tree branches. This adds a festive touch to your wedding venue, especially if you use fishing line or thread to create the illusion of a floating display.

Colour Schemes

When decorating your wedding lanterns, consider your colour scheme. Choose colours that match your wedding theme, floral arrangements, or stationary colour palette. White is always a classic and elegant choice, but you can also mix and match colours to create a unique and vibrant atmosphere.

By combining flowers, greenery, lighting, and other decorative elements, you can create stunning wedding lanterns that enhance the beauty and ambiance of your special day.

DIY wooden lanterns

To make your own wooden lanterns, you will need the following materials:

• Square dowels (both 3/4" and 1" thickness)
• 1 x 10 board
• Glass hurricanes
• Pillar candles
• Wood glue
• Finish nails (2")
• Sander
• Tape measure

The first step is to create the side panels by attaching two cross supports to two sides using wood glue and finish nails. Make two of these panels. Next, attach four cross supports to one of the side panels, and then attach the other side panel to complete the box shape. Finally, attach the base using wood glue and finish nails.

You can finish the wood as you like—stain, paint or leave natural—to match your décor and add an understated architectural element to the overall aesthetic.

For added visual interest, you can vary the thickness and heights of the lanterns, and consider using different sizes for different tables. You can also add some greenery, such as eucalyptus leaves, at the base of the lanterns for a soft and grounded look.

Illuminating paper lanterns

Paper lanterns can be illuminated in several ways, depending on the type of lantern and the desired effect.

For paper lanterns in sizes 35cm and 50cm, a bulb of 40W max can be used, centred in the middle of the lantern using the small "C" hook. LED bulbs of a maximum of 40W can also be used. For smaller lanterns of 15cm and accordion lanterns, only mini battery-operated LED lights should be used.

For a dramatic effect, a group release of sky lanterns by all guests is a popular choice. Alternatively, a single sky lantern can be released by the couple, or the couple and the bridal party, for a more intimate and subtle moment.

For a unique look, the lanterns can be decorated before the release. Guests can write well-wishes for the couple, or they can be adorned with paint, stickers, or markers.

For a whimsical, fairy-like effect, fairy lights and string lights can be used to illuminate hanging paper lanterns. For a rustic wedding, bistro lighting and Mason jars are a perfect fit.

For a safe and easy option, LED battery light kits are available for lanterns, and flameless LED candles can be used for a soft glow.

Frequently asked questions