Paper lanterns make beautiful wedding decorations.
Paper lanterns made of wire and rice paper can add elegance and flair to almost any festive occasion. Because they come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes--and they are relatively inexpensive--many couples opt to use paper lanterns to decorate their wedding venues. It takes a little time and effort, but it is relatively easy to decorate with these beautiful and delicate light shades.
Instructions
1. Ask your wedding venue if you can decorate with paper lanterns. Some venues will allow it, but others will nix the idea because of liability concerns.
2. Purchase paper lanterns that coordinate with your wedding colors and theme. You may purchase lanterns that match your colors completely, or you may wish to purchase white lanterns. If you use colored lights inside a white lantern, the lantern will no longer look white, but will instead glow in your chosen shade.
Lanterns in solid colors may look best for a casual, boisterous wedding, while delicately patterned lanterns might complement a more formal affair. Use more than one size of lantern when decorating. This will provide visual depth.
3. Attach hooks to the overhead surfaces of the venue if it has none. Check with your venue to see what methods of attaching hooks are acceptable. If you're hanging lanterns over venue bulbs, you'll need to attach a hook beside each lighting fixture you plan to use. If you're hanging electrically wired lanterns, you'll need to attach your hooks not only to the ceiling but also along the walls near the electrical outlets you plan to use. It's important to keep the electrical cords out of the way of guests and event staff.
If you're hanging lanterns outside, attach hooks to the surfaces of trees, walls or other structures. When it is time to hang the lanterns, you can string them on cord and attach the cord to the hooks.
4. Assemble and hang the lanterns. If you are using electrically wired lanterns, this can be done days before the wedding. If you are using lanterns with LED lights, you should turn on the lights and hang the lanterns the day of the wedding but before guests arrive. Never hang outside lanterns before the day of the wedding, because bad weather may destroy them.
Be sure to hang the lanterns at different heights. Like using lanterns of different sizes, this technique makes the ceremony site more visually interesting.
Tags: hang lanterns, before wedding, decorate with, electrically wired, electrically wired lanterns