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Planning your wedding decor is one of the best parts of the planning process. It’s a chance to really let your creative juices flow as you brainstorm ways to bring your Pinterest vision board to life. From florals and paper goods to centerpieces and ceremony structures—each decorative element is an opportunity to bring all of your details together in a cohesive way to showcase your personal style.

While flowers are always a fan favorite, how you illuminate your reception space is an equally important element when it comes to creating a festive ambiance to set the scene for an unforgettable evening. Not only do lanterns provide a fashionable showcase for soft lighting, but they also create memorable decor moments without breaking the bank—making them a true decor staple when it comes to designing your big day.

Here, our favorite wedding lanterns.

These geometric lanterns come in sets of two and include the glass candle holder in the center. We recommend buying a few sets—fill some with candles, and some with flowers—and hang them at various heights using colorful ribbon to create a gorgeous ceremony or photo booth backdrop.

Perfect for a boho beachside celebration—the sleek, oblong design of these lanterns crafted from natural rattan makes us feel like we're beachside in Tulum. Two different sizes allow for a trio of candles or a single pillar. If you're outdoors, we recommend using battery-powered candles so these beauties will retain their glow throughout the evening.

These outdoor/indoor lanterns are made from punched fabric, making them durable enough to endure the elements and last well beyond your wedding day. If you have outdoor access to power, these would look amazing hung from a tree. You could also hang a cluster over your dance floor for a creative take on a disco ball display.

Sustainability is another big trend in weddings these days, finding creative ways to repurpose decor is a great way to save materials and maximize your budget. Tie your escort cards to the handle of these mini lanterns, which come in a set of twelve, and have guests place them in the center of their table to create a glowing centerpiece display. At the end of the night, guests can keep their lantern as a favor.

These modern floral lanterns come in three different sizes and a copper or gold brass finish. Perfect for lining a ceremony aisle, or hanging from a tree, these shiny metallic accents are a great item to use on your wedding display and then keep forever in your home.

 Courtesy of Bed Bath & Beyond

At a fantastic price point, these colorful lanterns can be used in a myriad of ways, whether indoors or outdoors. Flank your ceremony aisle or buy trios of different color sets (they come in pink, glue, orange, and grey) to create bright, twinkling centerpieces.

Mirrored glass is a great material to look for in lanterns and votives—the finish reflects the flickering candlelight and adds soft dimension to your decor. The minimalist design of these lanterns allows that mirrored effect to take center stage, making these perfect for an upscale, contemporary-style bash.

We love the idea of using these rechargeable lanterns as reception lighting for a rustic-chic outdoor reception. Create a hip centerpiece that's perfect for picnic tables by tying some eucalyptus greenery to the handle and displaying them on top of linen, burlap or even a tartan print runner.

Move over metallic—black metal is emerging as a fresh modern neutral. This unique geometric design would look great as a centerpiece with the table number attached to the handle. Surround this lantern with bud vases filled with vibrant colored flowers and some low mirrored votives for a stylish centerpiece vignette.

These cute, casual paper lanterns come in a set of three and are a great option for inexpensive decor at an engagement party or wedding shower. We love the preppy navy stripes and modern typeface that says “Happily Ever After”—they’re an all-around win!

Jamali Garden is a great resource for sourcing stylish and affordable wedding decor in bulk. There are so many options to choose from— one of our favorites are these contemporary gold lanterns. Their unique shapes are simple but retain an upscale and timeless aesthetic.

The open format of these wooden lanterns allows for a more unique display idea than traditional candles. Pop in a loose floral arrangement with some flowing, asymmetrical greenery to add some fluidity to your design. The nautical rope handle makes these perfectly suited for a modern beach wedding.

These sleek copper lanterns are the perfect way to add some metallic flair to an outdoor celebration where traditional candles wouldn’t be able to withstand wind. Use one set per table, and surround them with lush greenery and a few large single blooms (such as Dinner Plate Dahlias or Tibet roses) to create a cohesive centerpiece.

Succulents and air plants are a great decor option for couples who just aren’t into the idea of traditional flowers. These outdoor/indoor lanterns are a dapper way to showcase green centerpieces that will last throughout the evening, no matter how hot the temperature is outside.

 Courtesy of Bed Bath & Beyond

This engraved, 3-piece set is perfect for the couple who loves to infuse personalized details throughout their reception decor. These pretty lanterns would look great on a guest book card table where guests will notice the laurel wreath monogram.

Large in size with a crisp white frame, these floor lanterns are a stunning way to illuminate stairways or entrances to different reception spaces. We love the simplicity of the design, but if you want to add a little something extra, tying some fresh greenery to the handle.

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