Post # 1

Member
49 posts
Newbee
I know a lot of you have used paper lanterns to decorate your receptions but I was wondering how you went about lighting them?
The whole thing confuses me and stresses me out! We’re having a tented reception and our colors are lilac and brown. Since the tables will have ivory tablecloths with brown accents and lilac flowers, I thought having lilac and brown paper lanterns would be a good way to bring out our colors more.
I’m on a budget, and while I’ve found lanterns for cheap, the light kits send me over budget. I also spoke with my planner and he said the tent we’re getting will already have lighting. So now I"m wondering, if I get the lanterns anyways but don’t light them, would it look terrible? Has anyone done this before and if so, do you have pictures you can share?
Thanks!
Post # 3

Member
508 posts
Busy bee
led lights are super cheap and fairly easy to rig up. if you google "throwies" there are instructions on how to do magnetic lights. others have also attached these lights with string or rubber bands. there are also led lights that come with batteries included – twist them to turn on and then twist the other way to turn them off. we’re using this kind to light our wine glass lamps.
Post # 4

Member
8 posts
Newbee
To add some qestions to this thread – I know that lanterns are hung by fishing wire, but how labor-intensive is that, especially if you have a high-pitch tent? Do tent companies usually hang them for people when they set up the tent? Finally, can you turn on your throwie lights as the lanterns are being hung the day before and feel confident that they will last through the next night? If not, how do you turn them on after they’ve been hung? Get up and down a ladder for every lantern?
I’d like to have the logistics figured out before I buy any lanterns or throwie supplies, and my tent representative and I have been playing phone tag for weeks…please HELP before it’s too late to order my lanterns!
Post # 5

Member
508 posts
Busy bee
LED lights do last a very long time, but not sure if they last multiple days. the ones that screw will certainly go 10+ hours.
Post # 6

Member
735 posts
Busy bee
Ekk! I just love passing along my FMIL’s find
The Dollar Tree has white laterns that come with the hanger and lightbulb in it already (and hello they’re a dollar!) I just bought the batteries there as well because its only for one night!