There are many things to remember when planning your wedding. But a big one for me is not to forget your guests! And I don’t mean that you must remember the favours. Most guests would probably not even notice if they didn’t have a little gift beside their plate as they sat down to eat. But what they will remember is if they were bored!
So entertaining your guests is a must. Wedding receptions can be long events and sometimes (along with the meal, drinking and dancing) something for the guests to participate in is a nice touch.
Sky lighting
Sky lanterns are one of those mini events that can add that touch of unique (not to mention pretty) to your wedding. The lanterns that Skycandle (based in North Yorkshire) sell are like miniature hot air balloons at just over a metre tall that, when lit, float up into the air and burn for about 12 minutes reaching about a mile high. When they burn out the sky lantern will fall to the ground and as the material is biodegradable they won’t damage the environment.
If you read my I like lights post then you may know I’m a big fan of lights and therefore sky lanterns would be a pretty perfect addition to my wedding. I, and I’m sure many of your guests, would be quite content to watch these beautiful balloons of light hover up into the sky.
Wishes & worries
You could even get everyone involved by having people write on the lanterns before releasing them. In Northern Thailand sky lanterns (or Khoom Loy to the natives) are used year around in festivals and for special occasions as the lanterns are believed to be symbolic of your problems and worries floating away. So get your guests to write their worries on the lanterns before letting them go.
Alternatively, they could write down their hopes for the newly married couple.
The newlyweds could similarly write down their hopes for the marriage or send messages to lost loved ones, unable to share their special day, as some believe these lanterns symbolise messages being sent to heaven.
The lanterns can be used day or night but personally I think they make much more of an impact at night. And any venue where you can go outdoors to release them is suitable. Lanterns would complement a beach event particularly well. Add some fires on the beach for guests to sit round whilst watching the lanterns float away and you have one memorable moment! Whatever venue you choose it perhaps is best to check you are allowed to incorporate this idea into your day before buying.
Lights & lighters
These floating lights look breathtaking in huge amounts and wedding packs are available including enough lighters to go around:
- 20 sky candles & 10 lighters = £45
- 40 sky candles & 20 lighters = £79.60
- 60 sky candles & 30 lighters = £99
- 100 sky candles & 50 lighters = £146
You can save yourself some money if you’re not too concerned about having a lighter per 2 guests though. For example without the lighters a pack of 100 sky candles is £127. Obviously a downside is them taking longer to get lit if there are less lighters to go around so bear this in mind if you go for large numbers and want a shot such as those featured in this post!
Also don’t worry if you can’t afford a lantern for everyone. If you like the idea but you can’t fit these into your budget then just buy enough for the wedding party or even just the bride and groom. It will still be a welcome feature for your wedding.
Skycandle provides all the info you need to light up your event with these lovely lanterns, including those important safety precautions.
Low down lighting
And they also sell stunning floor lanterns. Add a simple tealight (huge bags are so cheap, try IKEA or a pound shop) and dot them around your venue. Inside or out would work and then there you have it… lovely lighting to create that wedding-perfect romantic atmosphere.
Debs
Vendor Details:
Skycandle website
Contact Skycandle
Phone: 01423 884039
