So, back when the Pilot and I were trying to figure out what we were going to do for our centerpieces (see: no flowers), we couldn’t agree on a design.
I had this brilliant idea to use lanterns. He agreed (score). Now, the question was, how do we use these lanterns? Do we hang them, connect them to dowels? What?
So, we agreed to hang them. But after much thought, we still felt that our tables were going to be bleh (technical term) and plain. So, we were back to square one. Then, I found this great photo as inspiration.
Image courtesy of studio3z photography
I loved the idea of semi-hanging them from dowel rods, so they had the appearance of a true centerpiece, but were still hanging. And, we would still be able to light them up. So, all excited, I share it with the Pilot. Boom. Shot down like a bad pick-up line. His feedback? It looked too much like traditional Chinese lanterns. Yeah, I somewhat saw his point, but I was a bit disappointed (side note – I 100% appreciate that he wants to be involved – no complaints there). Oh, and if we had gone this route, the centerpieces would not be that tall if placed on our tables.
So, what do you think? Do they look like traditional Chinese lanterns if they were hung from dowels?
8:57 am on February 2nd, 2010
I don’t think this looks like the traditional Chinese lantern. I like the organic and natural feel of this style. Instead of plain ugly dowels, scout out some wooded areas for a few fallen trees. Collect the branches and use them instead. Winter is the best time to look…no poison ivy. And, if you don’t feel comfortable using lit votives, go with the safer LED candle alternative.
9:42 am on February 2nd, 2010
First, I LOVE paper lanterns of all kinds so I think you need to talk the Pilot into liking those (or I can). Also, those aren’t traditional Chinese lanterns. Remind the Pilot that I would know. The big round ones are VERY modern, also not that you would necessarily go with white, but that’s a mourning color in Chinese culture so they would never be used for a traditional Chinese celebration or wedding.
12:04 pm on February 2nd, 2010
Could be pretty, how long are the dowels? SMP has lanterns going horizontally today on a wire: http://www.stylemepretty.com/2010/02/02/palm-springs-wedding-with-style-ii/ Perhaps there is an idea there…
12:27 pm on February 2nd, 2010
I haven’t commented before on your blog but a) I am a big lurker and love all your posts! and b) I like this idea. I hope you keep us posted. My venue has really high ceilings and I’m currently trying to figure out ways to bring in a lot of light lower-down so I don’t have to bring in huge ladders to string things from way up. I like lanterns but I can’t have them hanging from the too-high ceiling so the picture you shared is helpful to get me brainstorming on other ways they could hang from a more ground-level perspective.
1:22 pm on February 2nd, 2010
I couldn’t disagree more with the Pilot. If you had Asian inspired decor, then it might look like Chinese lanterns, but not with a sort of modern/minimalist decor.