Add some sparkle to your wedding with hanging paper lanterns.  Round paper lanterns from China come in every color of the rainbow and are inexpensive.  They can add color to an otherwise uninteresting reception space.

White is the most popular color for round paper lanterns, but other colors like light blue or pink can add a bit of subtle color without being overbearing.  A bright red paper lantern can add some pizzazz, if that’s what your occasion really needs.

Round lanterns come in many different sizes, from 6” all the way up to 36”.  As you might imagine, the best options are somewhere in the middle.  16” lanterns will fit almost every need.  They are large enough to make a statement, while still being manageable to ship and store until the big day.

Try mixing things up with a couple of sizes and or colors.  Variations like these can add a nice touch and avoid the problem of looking too uniform or too bland.

One thing to consider when deciding what lighting to use is the nature of the actual venue.  Indoors, paper lanterns are inexpensive and an easy choice.  For outdoor situations, paper lanterns may still work, but they will fall apart instantly in the rain.  Further, outdoor applications require waterproof electrical cords to really be safe. 

A good choice for outdoor applications, rather than paper versions, are nylon lanterns.  These are much more durable and will handle reuse better than their paper cousins.  They also have a cool way of diffracting the light into a shimmery sort of star-shaped glow.  On the down-side, they tend to cost a little more than paper lanterns.

Finally, you will need to figure out how to light your lanterns.  If electric is readily available and you are not hanging too many lights, you can use a separate lantern cord for each one.  More often, electricity will not be easily accessible, or the sheer number of lanterns will preclude a single cord strategy.

There are other options!  Triple socket cords give you ability to light three lanterns from a single receptacle, and they will also allow you to hang the lamps as a string or as a cluster.  Finally, for hard-to-reach places where electricity is not an option, consider battery powered lights.  Current LED technology allows for a bright light (not as light as a bulb, but almost) that will last from 6 to 12 hours depending on the model.

If you are stuck and need help with the decorations for your next big function, please give us a call at 888-408-0072, or drop us an email.  We’re here to help!