Tplex paper lanterns?

entropicbeauty

Okay, so I would really like to use paper lanterns to light/add some decoration to the Tplex and I am wondering if anyone else has done this already or is planning to do this with the venue?

If you did/are, how many paper lanterns and at what size did/will you use?

The space is pretty big, I was thinking 50-75 paper lanterns varying in size from 8" to 18"? Thoughts?

StephLove12

The first wedding I went to 'creep' on had used paper laterns over the dance floor. They only had about five or six of the larger ones (probably 18inch) and I loved the way it looked. I'm planning on using them, varying sizes, and probably only around 20. 

I have found Orientaltrading.com, evfavormart.com and paperlaternstore.com to have the best prices.

indieglam

We've decided not to do paper lanterns at the T-Plex since we're doing globe string lights, several large DIY chandeliers, and hanging glass balls throughout the space.

That said, paper lanterns would look great there! If you're putting them throughout the largest bay, I think the more lanterns you use, the more impact they'll have on the overall feeling of the room and on your guests when they first walk in.

I think closer to 75 would be enough to give you a somewhat clustered and impactful look, especially if you hang them at slightly varying heights for some depth and dimension (like this photo). Maybe stick to 3 different sizes by doing a combination of 10", 14", and 18" lanterns or a combination of 14", 16", and 18" lanterns?

As for lighting them, I came across these posts on Weddingbee that might be helpful:

Post 1

Post 2

Post 3

And unrelated to the lanterns... are you still doing a 1920s theme?

entropicbeauty

I am indeed still doing a 1920's theme. Turns out Chinese paper lanterns were actually sort of era appropriate and very trendy in the 20's...plus I love the way they look (would probably use them even if they weren't "appropriate")

Thanks for the input! I'll definitely get more than 50 but less than 75. I guess worse case scenario I'll have too many and can still sell them after it's all said and done. Just thought I'd see if anyone else had already tackled this issue

indieglam

Depending on when and where you buy them, you might be able to return the unused ones to the store/online vendor if you end up with too many and are within their return policy timeframe.

The lanterns will look great with your theme! The reason I asked about your theme is because we made a giant paper moon photobooth for a Christmas party several years ago that might fit really well with your 1920s theme since paper moon photos were more commonly taken during the early 20th century and earlier. The glowing paper lanterns and the paper moon feel like they'd be a romantic and whimsical 1920s fit. Here's the photobooth we made: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.992864294853.2694819.2241966&type=3 (hopefully you can see that!). Let me know if you're interested in it!

entropicbeauty

hey indieglam - I can't check that link while I'm at work, but I will get back to you later this evening when I return home