Japanese Lanterns

JaneAustensGhost

I'm getting married in October 2013 on a terrace.   Because it can be cold, there will definitely be heaters and pashimas for the ladies.   I'm planning on covering all the beams with flowers - I'm going for a kind of English garden look (it is in the garden of an English inn).  I'm also going nuts with flowers everywhere else; there will be two huge planters near the steps leading up to the terrace, a large arrangement on the table where we sign our wedding license (this is taking place in England, where the license is signed as part of the ceremony), floral centerpieces, and possibly even flowers in my hair (I'm still deciding on that).   I also want Japanese lanterns hanging from the ceiling.  My question is: do the Japanese lanterns sound like too much with all these flowers?  I know it is hard to tell without seeing it, but I'd like your gut instincts.

Thank you! 

Sassenach1743

Japanese lanterns in an English garden? 

That doesn't really sound right. If you're at an English Inn and having your ceremony on their terrace, which will be adorned with a surplus of flowers... why would you be considering Japanese lanterns? I wouldn't think they were formal enough for English style.

If you want lanterns then choose some lovely brass or metal lanterns with glass doors, etc. Or paint them white or gray or black... whatever color you like. Check these out:

http://www.pier1.com/Black-Metal-Jeweled-Lantern/2584892,default,pd.html

http://www.pier1.com/Black-Mini-Metal-Jeweled-Lantern/2584880,default,pd.html

You'd only need a few, maybe a mix of both the large and small sizes. With a glowing tea light inside and all the flowers around, your English garden will be gorgeous. 

Just my thoughts.

JaneAustensGhost

I guess I thought the Japanese lanterns had a sort of Gatsby feel that I liked.   I'll check out the links.

Thanks much!

Sassenach1743

Wait a minute... I just saw this picture

If this is more what you meant then I think it could be pretty. But it depends on how big the terrace is. If it's not a big space then this could close it in too much. If it's a very large space then it could help to make it feel smaller and more intimate. 

Still less formal than the other lanterns, but very pretty. I'm sorry I pooh-poohed them first, but for some reason my brain heard; Japanese lanterns, Urban Outfitters. Lol! 

JaneAustensGhost

Oh gosh no, not like Urban Outfitters!  Ha!  :  )  

I was thinking of something like this:   

Or:

I just like the sumptousness of it, and with the flowers I think they could be really striking, but I don't know if they are overkill.

Sassenach1743

Again, I think it depends on the size of your space.

Small space will feel closed in and be overkill, not good.

Medium to Large space will feel intimate and sumptuous, very good.

Jen4948

By way of blending the two ideas, is it possible to find lanterns with floral designs painted on them?  That way you might limit other floral decorations to centerpieces or something.

I love lanterns, BTW.  I also love flowers.

Peledreamsofrain

I don't think you have to necessarily be confined by the 'English Garden" traditional theme.  Modern England is a cultural blend that is very much in love with oriental themes.

Perhaps there are lanterns that have flowers painted on them to carry the theme of your centerpeices?  That could be very lovely!

LondonLisa

That sounds really pretty- however, I live in England and the one thing you can guarantee in October is rain! Just make sure you have a covered area/ rain plan  for the terrace before you spend all that money on flowers and paper lanterns. I would hate to see it all washed away by a downpour!  It says you live in the DC area, but just realise that the weather changes here very fast and from mid September-April you are pretty much guaranteed rain at some point during the day.

It all sounds lovely, though!

JaneAustensGhost

LondonLisa, yes I thought of the liklihood of rain.  We have an indoor alternative too and  I am sure I can use the floors indoors... the paper lanterns I'm less sure.

Incidentally I am actually kind of excited by the thought of the rain because it will make the photos pop.  :  ) 

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone.  

LondonLisa

Jane,
Fantastic- I knew you would have but just thought I would give you the heads up just in case. I, too, love the rain pictures. Make sure you get a great pair of Hunter wellies and a cute white brolly for you and your fi

L

Peledreamsofrain

On the note of rain, it was forecasted 6 days before my wedding and sent me into a panicked internet search.  I found THE cutest umbrella, though you might want to see it (I didn't end up needing it, but took a couple of parasol shots.  It was too cute to give up!)

reppunzel

Depending on the size of your space, I think the paper lanterns could be lovely, indoors or out (most are lit by LED lights--no flame).  To keep it from getting overwhelming, I'd suggest using just one color of lantern (white or one of your wedding colors) so that it won't be "too much" visually.

Pele, that umbrella is charming!!!  Do you mind sharing where you found it?