Need Opinion on Candleholder/Lanterns

[sap483]

So I need some opinions on these cute candleholders I found at CB2. But before I get into them let me provide some detail on the wedding/ceremony and how they''re going to be used. My ceremony and cocktail hour are out on the lawn, and the reception is in the adjacent tent afterwards. The ceremony begins at 6:30 in the evening (in July) and the cocktail hour begins at 7. The sun should set around 8:30, so it will be dark for most of the reception.

Because the grounds are so beautiful, I really want guests to be able to enjoy them. So, once everyone is seated for dinner, the planner will bring fire pits and adirondack chairs out onto the lawn. So after dinner people can sit out there and make smores (we''re either going to have waiters passing out chocolate, marshmallows, crackers, etc or have a buffet of those items set up) and just hang out if they want to. So I want to hang these candleholders from some of the nearby trees to provide additional lighting/ambiance. I already cleared it with the venue, they said that would be fine. Do you think these will stay lit, or do I need traditional lanterns? From the description on CB2, I think they were intended for indoor use. Do you think this is a good idea since I am planning on guests not staying in the tent the entire time?

There are two different types, the rectangular one is about 5" tall and the round one is about 5" in diameter. Pictures to follow.

 

[sap483]

Here''s the second one.

 

[sap483]

Here''s a picture of the lawn

 

[Erin]

With those holes it appears the wind would snuff those out rather quickly. They were probably meant for indoors, but I can see why you

them!

 

[basil]

Hey sap,

I think Starset is probably right..it can get breezy down by the water there. Another thing to consider is how long the candles will burn for...you don''t want the candle burning all the way down in an hour or two. Also, 5" is not that large...I think if it''s going to be hanging from trees I might choose something a little big larger with some more presence, so it doesn''t get lost.

 

[bee*]

I agree that if there is any bit of wind they would probably go out. They are really pretty though. Maybe email them and see do they have any outdoor ones? Your wedding reception sounds great though. I love the idea of sitting outside eating smores.

 

[sap483]

Yeah I was thinking the same thing about the holes letting the wind in. My only issue with the more traditional lanterns is that I haven''t been able to find one that I really love. I like how these holders had a light and airy look to them.

Basil- You''re right, they probably would get hidden among the greenery.

If you''ve seen any really pretty lanterns anywhere, that don''t cost more than 4 or 5 dollars, I''d love some suggestions!

 

[partyjewels]

Ooh! I agree, I think they'd blow out rather quickly outside, but they are beautiful. I'll look around to see if I can find some pretty ones that will be better for outside!

ETA: looking at them again, the round one might not be so bad in blowing out right away since it only has the major hole on one side.. but you'd have to test it out I think unless you want to spend the money on battery operated candles for them But I definately think it's a great idea, it'll set the mood further.

 

[basil]

I saw some cute ones at Ikea last summer, but I bet they were a seasonal item. I don''t know if I''d call them really pretty, but they were nice and reasonably priced.

I bet if you wait until May or June, the stores will have a larger selection of outdoor-type lanterns. I guess most people just aren''t thinking that far ahead right now

 

[karasue91]

Ooooh I love them!! What about using those battery-operated tea lights instead of real ones? They also last longer.....I''m planning to do something similar, hanging lanterns in the trees outside the reception hall and I''ll definitely be using the battery-operated ones. They are also awesome because you can get ones that are waterproof that you can submerge in the centerpieces, which I think will look awesome! Or you could just kind of tuck them in the middle of the flowers for a little light....

You can buy them for super cheap on ebay....these are 12 for $10, and you can buy them in bulk too!
http://cgi.ebay.com/Pack-of-12-Battery-LED-Tea-Light-Candle-White-Gift_W0QQitemZ250202440706QQihZ015QQcategoryZ20936QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[VRBeauty]

What about lanterns made of pierced tin cans? They''re a DIY project, but you''d probably have to try it out first to see if the holes are small enough that the candles would stay lit.

Sunset magazine had directions for these years ago... basically you fill an empty can with water and freeze it so you have a solid surface to work with, then use a nail and hammer to create a decorative design with nail holes. You could attach a wire from some holes near the top to hang the lantern, maybe add some sand in the bottom to weigh it down, slap on a coat of paint, and voila! Lanterns that cost so little that you can practically have as many as you want!

 

[Erin]

Date: 1/9/2008 2:24:17 AM
Author: MINIMS
What about lanterns made of pierced tin cans? They''re a DIY project, but you''d probably have to try it out first to see if the holes are small enough that the candles would stay lit.

Sunset magazine had directions for these years ago... basically you fill an empty can with water and freeze it so you have a solid surface to work with, then use a nail and hammer to create a decorative design with nail holes. You could attach a wire from some holes near the top to hang the lantern, maybe add some sand in the bottom to weigh it down, slap on a coat of paint, and voila! Lanterns that cost so little that you can practically have as many as you want!

That''s a great idea. It would be really cool in the coffee can size!

 

[gtn]

I love those lanterns.
As for the candles being blown out, I think they won''t last long in the in the wind. I would definitely use the battery operated one. I got some that change colors and the plain ones that look like tea lights. They are going to be less work than real candles.

 

[sap483]

Karasue, thanks for the suggestion on the battery operated tealights! I''m going to order some to see how they look.

MINIMS, also a great idea! I''m not terribly talented when it comes to making things on my own. My mom is fairly good at that though- I think I''ll ask her to make me a prototype.

I think what I like most about these lanterns though is that they''re all glass. I''m having trouble finding other that are all glass and a bit bigger without such big holes.