6 Beautiful Ways to Use Lanterns in your Wedding Decor & Why We Love Them

Lanterns have been used as a decorative element for centuries and continue to be popular in modern-day weddings. They offer a timeless and versatile way to incorporate a charming, rustic or dreamy aesthetic to your big day. With so many ways to use lanterns, they are a favorite decor item for many brides-to-be. In this blog post, we will explore six ways to use lanterns in your wedding decor and why we love them.

Centerpieces

Use lanterns as a centerpiece on your reception tables. Fill them with flowers, candles, or fairy lights for a magical effect.  They can be arranged in a variety of ways, from a single lantern to a group of them on the table. You can also mix and match different types of lanterns to create a unique centerpiece that matches your wedding theme. For example, if you're having a beach wedding, you can use lanterns that have a nautical or coastal theme.

Aisle Markers

Lanterns are also a great way to mark the aisle at your wedding ceremony. You can line the aisle with lanterns, either hung from shepherd hooks or placed on the ground. This creates a charming, rustic look that is perfect for an outdoor wedding. You can use lanterns that match your wedding color scheme or that have a particular design that matches your theme.

Pathways

Use lanterns to add presence guiding your guests through the flow of the events.  For example, if you're having an outdoor wedding, you can line the pathway from the ceremony to the reception with lanterns. This creates a romantic and intimate atmosphere that will make your wedding feel magical.

Hanging Lanterns

Hang lanterns from the ceiling or from tree branches to create a dreamy, outdoor atmosphere.  For example, if you're having a garden wedding, you can use lanterns that have a floral design.

Unity Ceremony

A unity ceremony is a symbolic act that represents the union of two people. Using a large lantern as part of your unity ceremony is a beautiful way to symbolize your union. You and your partner can light a candle together inside the lantern, representing the merging of your lives. 

Bar Decor

You can even use lanterns as a complement to your decor at the bar, either on the shelf, as a backdrop, or on the ground in front or off to the side. This creates a romantic and intimate atmosphere that will make your wedding feel magical. 

Why We Love Them

And there are so many reasons to love them!  Lanterns are easy to rent or source through local shops and markets.  They come in many colors, shapes, styles, and sizes.  A grouping that mixes a variety so shapes and sizes can add depth to your decor.  

We love that they are easy to repurpose, carrying cohesiveness throughout your event.  They can start off lining the aisle of the ceremony, transition to centerpieces and as the night comes to a close they offer a guiding light for your guests as they walk to their cars.

The beauty and versatility make lanterns the perfect accent piece adding a romantic and intimate atmosphere to your wedding day.  Whether you're having an outdoor garden wedding, a rustic barn wedding, or a glamorous ballroom wedding, lanterns can be used to enhance the atmosphere and create a magical ambiance for you and your guests. 

So, consider using lanterns in your wedding decor and add a touch of enchantment to your special day.  If you need help with your wedding decor or are looking for an event planner in the tri-state area, take a look at what I do and get in touch if you think I’m the right fit for you!