Chinese Lanterns: The Perfect Wedding Lanterns

By Author: Lucy Carter
Total Articles: 102
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Chinese lanterns can add elegance and style to almost any celebration. Since they come in many different colors, sizes and shapes and are fairly inexpensive, they're a great choice for decorating wedding venues. You, too, can turn your wedding ceremony and reception into a magical event by following these easy wedding lantern decorating tips.

First, you'll need to make sure your wedding venue allows decoration with paper lanterns. Then you should buy paper lanterns that match your wedding theme and colors. Pure white lanterns are especially elegant. You could also use colored lights inside white lanterns. Solid color lanterns lend themselves best to casual weddings while Chinese lanterns with delicate patterns are lovely complements to formal weddings. Use lanterns of various sizes to provide visual depth.

To hang the lanterns you'll need to attach hooks to the ceiling or other overhead surfaces. Check with the venue to see what methods they allow. If you plan to hang lanterns over existing light bulbs, you should attach a hook next to each one. If you'll be hanging wedding lanterns with electric wiring, ...
... you will have to attach hooks to the walls, as well, leading to the electrical outlets. Keeping electrical cords out of the way is important for safety and aesthetic reasons. If your event will be held outdoors you could attach the hooks to trees, walls or other structures. String the lanterns on a cord then attach the cord to the hooks in order to hang the lanterns. If you're having a daytime outdoor wedding you'll find that lighting the lanterns will be completely superfluous. On the other hand, lit Chinese lanterns provide a beautiful romantic glow to evening weddings held outdoors.

The final step is to decide when to hang the wedding lanterns. Electrically wired lanterns can be hung indoors days in advance of the wedding. Lanterns with LED lights will need to be hung shortly before the wedding. If your wedding will be held outdoors then the lanterns should be hung only the day of the event since they are vulnerable to damage during bad weather. Also, when hanging the lights don't place them all at the same height. Stagger them to make the venue more visually appealing.
Rob Payne is the founder of Hanging Lanterns, suppliers of Wedding lanterns.