How to Decorate with Lanterns at Your Wedding

From lanterns along the ceremony aisle to lantern centerpieces, see these ideas!

How to Decorate with Lanterns at Your Wedding

wedding-ceremony-and-reception-lantern-decoration-ideas
Photo: Sheri Whitko

In the world of weddings – and more specifically, wedding photography – lighting is everything. If you had any thoughts about your nuptials as a child, you likely thought about your ensemble, color scheme, and where you’d host your event. Details such as lighting aren’t often considered in advance, but they play an important role in the overall concept of your big day. From chandeliers to votives, lighting designs have to work expertly in terms of both form and function. These features must add to the décor of the wedding while also providing adequate light for the guests, photographer, and videographer.

One of our favorite ways to go about adding a little brightness to your ceremony or reception is through the use of lanterns. While some maybe believe this element is strictly appropriate for vintage or rustic weddings, lanterns can come in many shapes and styles. To see ideas on how to include lanterns in your vows, browse the pictures below from real weddings. Click on each photo to get further inspiration!

Flower embellish chuppah with lanterns lining aisle runner

Photo by Sheri Whitko; Consulting by Paulette Wolf Events; Floral Design by HMR Designs

Lanterns with candles at outdoor wedding ceremony

Photo by KLK Photography; Consulting by Bluebell Events; Rentals by Revelry Event Designers

Nick Carter wedding ceremony lantern decor on aisle

Photo by Kris Kan

Greenery, rose hydrangea pink flower arch wedding ceremony lanterns at base

Photo by Ryan Phillips Photography; Consulting by Sterling Engagements; Floral Design by The Hidden Garden

Beach wedding with chrome oversized lantern at aisle entrance

Photo by Yvette Roman Photography; Floral Design by The Hidden Garden

Lantern decor next to wedding ceremony chairs

Photo by Love and Water Photography

Rustic shabby chic lantern decor at outdoor wedding ceremony aisle

Photo by Elizabeth Messina

Black large lantern next to ceremony chairs at wedding ceremony

Photo by Embrace Life Photography; Consulting by Bluebell Events

Rustic wood lantern at cocktail hour with rope handle

Photo by KingenSmith

Rustic distressed lantern centerpiece at outdoor rehearsal dinner

Photo by Elizabeth Messina; Consulting by Bob Gail Special Events

Moroccan lanterns above wedding reception table Montage Laguna Beach

Photo by Troy Grover Photographers; Event Design by White Lilac Inc.; Venue: Montage Laguna Beach

Lantern centerpiece at Dallas wedding reception

Photo by Photography by Edmonson Weddings; Floral Design by Bella Flora of Dallas

Large flower lantern sculpture with Moroccan lanterns

Photo by Lauren Ross Photography & Nancy Cohn Photography; Consulting by Posh Parties; Venue: The Breakers

Read all about the hottest wedding trends of 2016 from a professional wedding planner and find out how to include anemone flowers and tree stumps into your décor.