How to Use Wax Lanterns for a Glowing Wedding

What is more romantic than the soft glow of candlelight? But candles can be messy and, let’s face it, boring looking. 

Try a wax lantern, which is basically a decorated hollow candle which can be used multiple times by using placing a votive candle inside.  Most wax lanterns have leaves, flowers, or other items within the layers of wax, providing some interest and decoration to the look.

Here are some ways to incorporate wax lanterns into your wedding.

DIY Wax Paper Lanterns – A Practical Wedding shows how to create luminaria style lanterns using simple items including wax paper, craft tape, and selected greenery or flowers. 

These lanterns would be great to use indoors; they are very light and look like they could blow over very easily with a wind gust.

Keepsake Wax Lantern – Keepsake lanterns come in a variety of styles, such as a fall motif or holly berry, so you are sure to find one that will compliment your wedding colors. Keepsake Wax Lanterns can be personalized with your names, the wedding date, or even a message up to 4 lines long. 

Place one at the head table, on the cake table, or by the guest book for an inviting look. These wax lanterns also make great gifts for your bridesmaids.

Wax Bowl Centerpiece – Isn’t this wax bowl centerpiece stunning? This decorated wax bowl is filled with water and then floating candles are added. It is a great project for hardcore DIY brides, but the effort to create these bowls sure looks like it would be worth it.

Here Martha Stewart shows small pinecones, greenery and berries for a winter look, but you certainly could use this concept with other fillers.

Dripped Wax Decorated Mason Jars – Not technically a wax lantern, here is an easier way to get the look of the incandescent light with less work. Wax from colored candles is dripped onto paper to create a pattern, and then wrapped around a mason jar with a candle in it.

This project would be great if you have a modern or colorful wedding theme. It would also make a fun wedding shower or bridesmaids’ evening project.

  

Wax lanterns provide a dreamy atmosphere to your wedding reception. You are sure to find one or be able to make one which complements your wedding style perfectly. 

Which wax lantern is your favorite?