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With a late ceremony and reception a likelihood, I have decided to embrace it and find things more suitable to a candlelit evening. The first is to carry lanterns instead of bouquets. I have already started sourcing reasonable and sturdy lanterns with handles, but nothing has been quite right yet. In particular, I am looking for silver metal and glass. I have decided I will carry lanterns, and so will the groomsmen and bridesmaids. Each will place a lantern on either side of the imaginary aisle at the center of the restaurant. In my head, it seems to be a good idea, as there will be no aisle unless I make one after guests are seated. There are 9 people in our wedding party—5 girls and 4 guys. I will carry the 10th lantern and place it behind me to complete the aisle (subject to this all going to plan).
However, I have realised that by having both the girls and the guys carry lanterns, the girls will be left empty handed at the altar while the guys still have their boutonnieres. I have always been a fan of old fashioned wrist corsages, and I think this is the best solution. The girls can then carry the lanterns in the same hands that are adorned by corsages.
It’s a slightly more innovative solution for a number of wedding traditions. What do you think? What are some creative alternatives to bouquets that you’ve seen?
that’s a really cute idea! I love the ones at ikea which are about $6, but that’s probably not an option for you, huh?
Do you want them to all look uniform? You might be able to find some second hand so they’re all a little unique.
Can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Can I just say…
I LOVE THE DRESS that gal is wearing????
The lantern idea is totally gorg too, of course!
ohhhh, what a cool idea for an evening wedding. so creative.
I think its a great idea. Very different. And Im with Marj Jane… gorgeous dress.
That is such an awesome, original idea! I got chills just thinking about your bridal party lighting your path to the altar! Maybe some lanterns can be pre-placed at the altar, too, to cast a romantic light while you are saying your vows.
For some reason I picture you riding in on a horse, and your wedding is in a village in the 1700s! (I know you’re not going for that, so just ignore my weird imagination.)
What a great idea, how does the venue feel about this? I know that some venues are open to candles but some can be sticky about you carrying them around (where they might get kicked or broken). I’d get the idea OK’d by the venue before you start buying! What a beautiful idea though 
Wow, that’s a beautiful dress! The lantern idea sounds like a wonderful tradition. It’s different.
Very nice idea - get the Ikea ones & paint them whatever color you’d like. However, I would consider placing LED’s maybe inside real candles to avoid any dresses catching on fire, etc ( just to be safe!) really cute!
Such a cool idea! I think a corsage will be beautiful as well.
I LOVE this lantern idea! It sounds beautiful Normally I would say no to wrist corsages b/c I think the ladies need something to hold while they are up there, but in your case it TOTALLY makes sense. I think it would look lovely if the ladies had wrist corsages on the wrist of the hand they carried the lantern
Lovely idea. I think the lanterns will add a really romantic and soft ambiance. We had lanters and candlelight all over for our wedding and I think it turned out wonderfully.
I totally shouldn’t be saying this, but I did have nightmares for weeks before the wedding of catching myself on fire at the reception. How horrible is that?! I was terrified of those damn lanterns and I stayed far far from them at the wedding!
What a neat idea! I’ve never seen or heard of anything like this being done before - it’s so romantic! Not to mention, the lanterns can be keepsakes once the day is over.
great idea! craft stores ten to carry lanterns like what you are looking for. if there is an ikea in cape town check there… but by the looks of their website there isnt yet.
also if the restaurant doesnt want you to use real candles on the floor (for fear of fire) there are amazingly bright led candles you can get that are run on batteries. supper cheap too…. i’ve found packages at dollar stores before that contain 12!
Wow, that is a great idea! That will look beautiful during an evening wedding, with dim lighting…so romantic! And flattering!
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Mrs. Lightning, Cape Town Age and Occupation: 22, Journalist and Graphic Designer Fiance's Age and Occupation: 23, Computer Scientist Engagement Date: December 27, 2008 Wedding Date: September 2009 Venue: Hout Bay Manor About Me: I'm a young American living abroad in the beautiful city of Cape Town with a wonderful South African fiance and our crazy kitty Zeus. We're young, driven and madly in love. Together we're pursuing our wildest dreams including our biggest undertaking yet, a vintage retrospective wedding filled to the brim with DIY madness. I have an unnatural attraction to cake, a passion for blogging and a love of good design. While I might be an overly obsessive creative with too many ideas and nowhere to put them, Mr Lightning is my biggest fan and I can't wait to make my true love mine.
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