If you’re planning a rustic wedding, and lanterns are on your radar, we definitely just found your centerpieces! This wood lantern centerpiece makes an incredible accent for your wedding tables. In addition to being completely 100% handcrafted (we love that!), these decorative lanterns can easily incorporate succulents like these or flowers and candles into your decor.
Get to know these charming wood lanterns, handmade with love by GFTWoodcraft, and see how they can transform your space in an instant. Plus, you’ll find out pretty quickly how they make a cost-effective centerpiece alternative to flowers. Enjoy!
How to Use Wood Lanterns for Wedding Centerpieces
A wood lantern like this offers views of romantic candlelight from all four sides, unlike other lanterns that have doors that block the sides.
Unlike flower centerpieces that wilt, require water and care, and need to be ordered in masse to make a large statement, wood lanterns make centerpieces so much easier.
You don’t have to rent the vases or containers, as you would with flowers, either; at the end of the night, you can give your lanterns away to family members as a keepsake from your wedding. That is, if they can get any of the extras from you — I know you’ll probably want to use these at home or on your patio as I would! ;)
Let’s talk more about how this lantern is made and why they are the best wood lanterns for weddings you can buy.
1. This lantern is made of reclaimed wood.
These are made from two hands from reclaimed wood; they’re nature-inspired and made FROM nature. It’s a great way to incorporate the outdoors into your wedding and emphasize a rustic style or theme. Wood lanterns are especially popular couples planning a barn themed wedding.
2. Decorative lanterns add a romantic light to your reception tables.
Candles make any area instantly warm, cozy, inviting… and romantic. Long-burning candles are a must-have at every wedding, so incorporating them into your overall table design coupled with lanterns is an easy way to do it.
3. They cost the same or less than traditional flower centerpieces.
You’ll save money and have a wonderful price point compared to fresh or even faux flowers; plus, they don’t look “budget” at all. They’re not cheaply made, and they’re not overpriced either.
PRO TIP: We recommend choosing the larger size to fill up the center of your table nicely.
How Much Do Lanterns Cost?
Each wood lantern centerpiece costs about $20-$25 each, which is the same or LESS THAN you’ll pay for flowers and vases.
We love flowers as much as the next couple, but wood lanterns make a great alternative for couples who want something different — and sustainable. These lanterns can be reused for years to come!
As you’ll see in these photo examples, feel free to add flowers or succulents where you see fit, if you like the look. The lanterns are beautiful as-is, but I can see how adding a bit of floral or deep green succulents can add texture to your overall design. I really love the way these succulents look paired with this wood lantern.
Where to Buy Candles for Lanterns
The pillar candles and/or votive candles are not included with your lantern, so you’ll need to source those yourself. You can buy cheap pillar candles from here. When buying candles for wood lanterns — especially when using for weddings — follow these three rules.
– LONG burn time
Your candles should burn for a long time so you do not have to relight them mid-reception. These pillar candles boast an incredible 45 hour burn time.
– Burn clean
Making sure your candles burn clean is a helpful tip most couples don’t realize. When candles are made from a cotton wick and made with smoke-free eco-blend wax, you’ll have a clean smokeless burn and your candles will burn evenly. This makes the candles safer and smoke-free. Win-win.
– Unscented
Never use scented candles at weddings. Scented candles can cause allergies for some guests, as well as change the way the food tastes. Can you imagine ruining your reception meal with a scented candle? It happens. Instead, choose unscented / fragrance free candles inside your wood lanterns.
Wedding Table Lanterns
These wood wedding lanterns are made from reclaimed wood and may have knots, grooves, or imperfections unique to the wood being used. This simple, rustic design is completely handmade from start to finish. No two are exactly the same! Your lantern can hold pillar candles, 3-wick candles, or mason jars (get them in bulk here). These centerpieces fit into rustic chic, shabby chic, or farmhouse themed wedding decor. Lanterns are available in light wood, dark wood, or painted white.
Use the lantern individually, or place in a trio as shown below.
You can use pillar or votive candles in your design.
You can even place a candle on top — and inside — your lantern.
Here are the sizes available:
Want to buy rustic lanterns? Buy them here! You’ll find plenty of other reclaimed wood products in the shop. I’m already eyeing many of them for my own home decor!
DISCUSS: What do you think of this centerpiece idea? Are you going to use lanterns in your wedding decor? Tell us in the comment box below.
Happy Planning!
xo
Emma
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Emma Arendoski
Emma is the CEO of Emmaline Bride, The Handmade Wedding Blog, published author, leading wedding expert, and wedding planner. Read her latest book: The Inspired Wedding. Wife, mother, coffee lover. Follow on Instagram and at Emmaline Baby for baby + kids inspiration.
