2014 Wedding Decoration Ideas Using Lanterns Blog21.

The Lantern Obsession of 2014 Weddings

• What made lanterns so popular: Wedding styles in 2014 leaned toward nature-inspired, rustic, and vintage aesthetics. Lanterns fit perfectly because they were simple, visually appealing, and easy to adapt to any setting.
• How couples used them: Whether filled with candles, fairy lights, or flowers, lanterns appeared in every part of the wedding—from the aisle and altar to the reception and send-off. Their affordability and versatility made them a favorite among brides and grooms who wanted style without stress.

Types of Lanterns That Ruled the Wedding Scene

Metal-framed vintage lanterns

These were a go-to for vintage or shabby chic weddings. With glass panes, distressed finishes, and soft white, gold, or black colors, they added a romantic touch.

Rustic wooden lanterns

Wooden frames brought that country, down-to-earth feel—especially popular in barn or outdoor weddings. Their open-air design made them great for displaying candles or flowers.

Moroccan lanterns

With their intricate cutouts and colorful stained glass, Moroccan-style lanterns offered a bold and boho flair. Perfect for destination weddings or eclectic themes.

Floating paper lanterns

Couples loved using sky or water-floating lanterns for night ceremonies. These soft, glowing lights created dreamy scenes that felt magical.

How Couples Used Lanterns at the Ceremony

• Lining the aisle: Lanterns placed on either side of the aisle added a peaceful and romantic pathway. Many couples paired them with flower petals or greenery to tie in their color scheme.
• Hanging lanterns from shepherd hooks: For outdoor ceremonies, using hooks allowed lanterns to hang just above the aisle, giving a suspended, enchanted look.
• Framing the altar: Lanterns of varying heights placed around the altar made it the focal point. Adding candles or floral arrangements inside helped bring texture and warmth.

Creative Lantern Ideas for Wedding Receptions

• Lantern centerpieces: Instead of big floral arrangements, many couples used lanterns filled with candles or fairy lights as the table centerpiece. Some added moss, succulents, or seasonal flowers around the base.
• Overhead lantern installations: Hanging lanterns above the reception space—from tent ceilings, trees, or beams—brought a soft overhead glow. It helped define the space without feeling heavy.
• Lighting walkways: Lanterns lined walkways between different reception zones. Whether it was the bar, the lounge, or the dance floor, these glowing paths helped guests find their way and added a cozy vibe.

DIY Tips to Make Lanterns Your Own

• Add florals: Wrapping the tops or handles with fresh blooms or greenery helped tie the lanterns into the wedding’s floral design.
• Paint to match your theme: Couples often spray-painted lanterns to match their wedding palette. Soft pastels, metallic gold, and matte black were all popular choices.
• Decorate with ribbons and lace: Adding materials like burlap, lace, or satin ribbons gave each lantern a custom look. Mixing textures made even the simplest lanterns look layered and intentional.
• Swap open flames for safe lights: Many used LED candles or fairy lights inside their lanterns. These options glowed all night without the worry of wind, fire, or wax mess.

Lanterns at Night: Creating a Soft Glow

• Garden ceremonies with hanging lanterns: Stringing lanterns from tree branches or across ceremony arches created a magical space after sunset. It gave guests the feeling of stepping into a fairy tale.
• Floating lantern send-offs: As an alternative to sparklers, couples handed guests lanterns to release into the sky or float on water. These send-offs were symbolic, peaceful, and visually stunning.
• Lounge and photo areas: Lanterns were great for adding ambiance to relaxed seating zones or photo booths. Whether grouped on the floor or hung behind a backdrop, they created cozy corners perfect for candid pictures.

Keeping It Safe and Practical

• Use enclosed lanterns for open flames: If real candles were used, glass-paneled lanterns kept the flame safe and contained.
• Plan for wind and weather: Outdoor weddings had to account for gusts. Couples used lanterns with sturdy bases or secured them to prevent tipping.
• Avoid crowding busy areas: Lanterns were kept out of walkways and away from dance floors. Hanging them up high or tucking them into corners helped maintain flow without sacrificing style.

Conclusion

Lanterns played a big role in shaping the look and feel of 2014 weddings. They were more than just decorations—they added atmosphere, personality, and charm to every moment. Whether they were hanging from trees, lighting a garden path, or sitting on reception tables, lanterns helped couples create warm and meaningful settings. And even though years have passed, the creative ways lanterns were used in 2014 still inspire couples today.

Key Takeaway: They were beautiful, affordable, and easy to personalize. No matter the wedding style—rustic, elegant, boho, or classic—lanterns made everything feel more magical and inviting.

FAQs

What kind of candles work best for lanterns at weddings?

LED candles or battery-operated lights are the best options for safety and convenience. If using real candles, choose slow-burning pillars and make sure they’re protected inside a glass-paneled lantern.

How many lanterns should I plan for a medium-sized wedding?

For a wedding with around 100 guests, you might use 20 to 30 lanterns for centerpieces and another 10 to 15 to line the aisle or decorate corners of the venue.

Are lanterns reusable after the event?

Yes! Many couples repurpose them as home décor, use them for future parties or anniversaries, or even give them away as keepsakes to close friends or family.

Can lanterns work with modern wedding themes?

Definitely. Sleek metal lanterns with minimalist shapes pair well with modern aesthetics. It’s all about choosing clean designs and matching them with your color scheme.

Where’s the best place to get budget-friendly lanterns?

You can find affordable lanterns at online bulk retailers, craft stores, secondhand shops, or even through wedding décor rental companies.