Anyone using paper lanterns?

Hi Emm

Yes were definately having chinese lanterns as they are so gorgeous and look stunning when released in groups take a look at these websites as this is where i get mine from normally

www.skycandle.co.uk

www.nightskylanterns.co.uk

Kx

Fantastic idea I love these. I don't think our venue will let us have any as they don't even allow confetti....

the lantern path thingy is also nice - you could make those yourself with some glass jars and paper bags, may do that for outside the venue as we have an evening wedding.

I lourve the chinese lanterns Kerryann!

Thanx 22T its a compromise as our venue wont allow fireworks in the middle of Dartmoor and will scare les animals unfortunatel my OH is a pyromaniac and his only request was fireworks but Lanterns is our only option......they are gorgeous when let off en mass and guests can write good luck messages on lanterns themselves which is nice we will be letting off 100!!! Wow brings tears to my eyes thinking of it ...

K x

I think they look really pretty, but please think about this:

https://www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/gloucester/headlines/Sky-lanterns-kill-farm-animals-Gloucestershire/article-1140169-detail/article.html

Of course, it depends on the location of the venue, and I really don't want to upset anyone but I don't think many people understand the issues associated with them.

Claire

Hi Claire

Recent articles have been in my local paper,however in all honesty alot of the ones you buy are completely biodegradeableas have no metal only balsa wood, however cheaper alternatives availible are made with metal and yes do cause cause problems. However i have regular let these off on mass as i live on Dartmoor and we have never had an issue ......

I think in certain places ie Glastonbury & Other festivals it is a problem as so many are released however if correct ones are chosen no harm will come to the environment as they do completely burn out prior to floating back down and degrading.

Nb i am a Health, Safety & Environmental Consultant for my sins!!!

K x

Hi ya

Yes, I've used them now for a lot of my weddings, and they are fantastic. Keep an eye out in the local paper for sightings of aliens! My last wedding had an article which is now framed!

You do need to be quite organised with them. If you have a 'quiet time' between the day and the evening and you don't have an OTD co-ordinator, this is the best time to get your ushers/bm's to open them all up. Check to see if the fuel cells need to be attached first and if so, get them to do it. Have a couple of long covered tables set up with pens for your guests to come and write on them (marker pens, not biros!)Get them to lay the lanterns out for your guests to sign and then when it's time for the release ask your ushers to arrange for your guests to take a lantern from the table to take outside. Make sure you have a few people going round lighting them using either those lighters you get to light the cooker with a long bit or the VERY long matches as they can take a while to light and lighters get hot. If you wanted them to go up together, then you need to make sure they are told to hold onto them, they will then have a count down for the release, or you can let your guests let go as soon as they are ready. They do need to make sure they are hot enough as I have seen a couple without enough heat skim the tops of peoples head as a slight breeze caught them!

If done well, they can look amazing but as I said, it does take come organising.

HTH

Ruth

x

Fair point Choc - maybe there is an eco version/solution?

HI KerryAnne,

Good to know that people are using biodegradable ones ? I've worked on dairy farms, so know what cattle can be like when it comes to eating things, lol. Hopefully more people will steer towards the balsa wood ones, and away from the metal ones.

I wish I could but my venue don't allow them ☹️

I really wanted paper lanterns but other half wasn't keen and the venue considered them a potential hazard! Boo.

I had them at my wedding in May and loved them although I do think they can be slightly dangerous and having a company in to organise it all would have been much easier!

I think they are great but am worried my venue may be too near an airport ☹️ will def check with them on my next visit!

HKJ

Most smaller airports don't have that many night flights, but speak to them and they will usually be fine with a call about 10 minutes before to their nights watchmen to give them some warning. Officially you should apply to the civil aviation authority for larger displays.

Ruth

x

I must admit I don't really get paper lanterns. I'd never even heard of them since hitched. From reading Ruth;s post they seem like an awful ot of hassle too.

Each to their own I guess!