I love anything that brings light to a wedding- fairy lights, candles and lanterns. Lanterns add a special magic to a wedding reception or party. There are so many cost effective and simply beautiful, lanterns and they can be such a stunning feature at your wedding.

Photo by NK Photography

Photo by Millie Holloman from Salt Harbor Designs

Photo by Mi Belle Inc

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Photo by Michael Norwood

Many paper lantern ‘balls’ hung from the ceiling in differing sizes, disguise a less than attractive ceiling and add a glow to even large venues. Try having an electrician connect them to dimmer switches so that some can be brightly lit and some glow softly. Try finding paper lanterns made from flame retardant paper for extra safety. String paper lanterns from tree to tree or around an outdoor area.

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Photo by Leigh Miller

Photo by Elizabeth Messina via Kiss The Groom

Moroccan lanterns with their patterned metal and coloured glass will look great with a bright and rich palette. The cut metal will throw beautifully patterned shadows onto surfaces.

Photo by Jonas Peterson

Photo by Natalie Moser Photography

Photo by Jennifer Skog

Homemade lanterns made from sand weighted paper bags and tea lights, or from old glass jars, can be hung from trees, gates, line pathways or edge a pool. Silk covered Chinese lanterns, or small metal lanterns on stands could be added to your table décor.

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Photo by Grazier Photography via Style Me Pretty

Photo by Angela Higgins Photography

Photo from Fete NY

Lanterns are especially beautiful on or near water where their reflections will be magnified. Chinese float lit water lanterns on ponds. A handy person could fix stands in a lily pond each topped with a lantern – the candle glow they cast will be magical.