What are lanterns used for?

Lanterns are portable or fixed decorative devices that hold a candle to illuminate a surrounding space. They can be made of metal, glass, or wood in an array of different finishes or styles.

Are lanterns a cost-effective wedding decoration?

Yes! Lanterns can be an inexpensive way to create a stunningly impactful design element to your wedding's decor. Plus, they can be used to decorate your home, porch, or patio after your nuptials.

Where can I purchase wedding lanterns in bulk?

Retailers such as Etsy , Amazon , Wayfair , Bed Bath & Beyond , and even Home Depot are just a few that can provide beautiful (and budget-friendly) lanterns in bulk.

The 10 Best Wedding Lanterns of 2023

tara and brian wedding — PHOTO BY LISA POGGI

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 and inviting 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. A few of our favorite places to shop the best of these beauties include Pottery Barn, Target, Restoration Hardware, and Anthropologie.

Best yet? Whether you're celebrating your nuptials on a chic city rooftop or an intimate barn in the country side, there are certainly plenty of styles to choose from. For a more contemporary look, opt for a silver or matte black frame in a sleek, architectural design. Cluster the lanterns together in varying heights to instantly elevate your ceremony and reception space. Or, go for weathered wood, seagrass, or rope for a more relaxed look and feel. Line them along pathways, your aisle, or even the dance floor. No matter which vibe aligns with your bridal style, the warm glow illuminating your space will inevitably create a fairytale-like glow. Talk about romantic!

Here, our favorite wedding lanterns.

Our Top Picks

Best Hanging Lantern:

Allsop Mediterranean Market Lantern at Amazon

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Most Intricate Detail:

Northlight Decorative Cut-Out Pillar Candle Lanterns at Amazon

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For a Rustic Wedding:

Barebones Forest Lantern at Amazon

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Best Brass Lantern:

Terrain Brass Pyramid Lantern at Anthropologie

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Best Hurricanes:

Pottery Barn Montauk Frosted Handcrafted Glass Hurricanes at Pottery Barn

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Most Personal:

Laurels of Love Personalized Candle Lantern 3 Piece Set at Bed Bath & Beyond

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For a Modern Wedding:

Threshold Steel Cutout Hurricane Pillar Candle Lantern at Target

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Best Gold Lantern:

LampLust Gold Lantern Candle Holder Centerpiece at Amazon

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Most Stately:

Pottery Barn Caleb Handcrafted Metal Lantern at Pottery Barn

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For the Minimalists:

Restoration Hardware Toulon Lantern at Rh.com

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Amazon

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Material: Weather-resistant ultra durable Tyvek fabric | Dimensions: 18'' | Shipping: Free standard shipping on orders exceeding $149 | Return policy: Free returns accepted within guidelines

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.

Price at time of publish: $90 for Lantern & Indoor/Outdoor Cord

Northlight Decorative Floral Cut-Out Pillar Candle Lanterns

Amazon

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Material: Brushed gold iron | Dimensions: Small (4.25" diameter x 5.75" H), Medium (5" diameter x 7.75" H), and Large (6" diameter x 10" H) | Shipping: Free standard shipping on orders exceeding $39 | Return policy: Free returns accepted within 90 days of purchase

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.

Courtesy of Amazon

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Material: Stamped steel | Dimensions: 6" D x 9.5" H, 12.5" H with handle up | Shipping: Free standard shipping on orders exceeding $149 | Return policy: Free returns accepted within guidelines

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.

Price at time of publish: $52

Anthropologie

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Material: Brass and glass | Dimensions: 14.5"H, 6"W, 6"L | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Free returns accepted within 60 days of purchase

Featuring glass and a timeless brass trim, this lantern frames any candle's glow perfectly. The warm metallic hue adds an intimate and elevated feel to any wedding celebration.

Price at time of publish: $108

Pottery Barn

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Material: Blown soda lime glass | Dimensions: 3" (D), 3.75" (H) | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Free returns accepted within 30 days of delivery

The frosted design of these hurricane glass lanterns effortlessly create the most airy and delicate look and feel. The soft shades of blue and white are ideal for a coastal wedding.

Laurels of Love Personalized Candle Lantern 3 Piece Set

Bed Bath & Beyond

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Material: Metal and glass | Dimensions: 7.25"H x 4.25"L x 3"W; 10.5"H x 6.13"L x 4.25"W; 14"H x 8"L x 5.75"W | Shipping: Free standard shipping on orders exceeding $39 | Return policy: Free returns accepted within 90 days of purchase and guidelines

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.

Threshold Mild Steel Cutout Outdoor Hurricane Pillar Candle Lantern

Target

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Material: Powder-coated steel | Dimensions: 17.2 Inches (H) x 9 Inches (W) x 9 Inches (D) | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Free returns accepted within 365 days of purchase

Calling all modern brides! This matte black steel lantern is utterly sleek and contemporary. We're obsessed with the sharp square shape of the cut outs throughout its enclosure.

Price at time of publish: $20

LampLust Gold Lantern Candle Holder Centerpiece

Amazon

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Material: Glass and gold-finished stainless steel | Dimensions: 6.25 x 6.25 x 8.75 inches | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Free returns accepted within guidelines

Chic and elegant, this beautiful budget-friendly lantern is ideal for a bride seeking polished gold accents. The square shape adds a contemporary finish to a romantic modern wedding.

Price at time of publish: $30

Pottery Barn

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Material: Aluminum | Dimensions: Mini: 5" wide x 5" deep x 15" high including handle; Small: 6" high x 6" deep x 21.5" high including handle; Large: 8.5" wide x 8.5" deep x 36" high including handle; Extra Large: 11.5" wide x 11.5" deep x 42.25" high including handle | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Free returns accepted within 30 days of delivery

Cluster these statement lanterns to create the most elegantly grand touch to your nuptials. Choose between black or white weathered in a variety of sizes.

Restoration Hardware

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Material: Powder-coated aluminum | Dimensions: Size A: 6"W x 5"D x 14"H; Size B: 8"W x 6"D x 20"H; Size C: 10"W x 7"D x 25"H; Size D: 12"W x 8"D x 30"H; Size E: 14"W x 9"D x 37"H | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Free returns accepted within 30 days of delivery with proof of purchase

This collection of beauties is a modern minimalists' dream. With several finishes to choose from, including slate, iron, or bronze, there's a sleek and sophisticated option for every bride and groom's tastes.

Price at time of publish: $225

What to Look for in a Wedding Lantern

Before you hit "add to cart" on your favorite wedding-worthy lantern, be mindful of all the logistics involved with decorating your venue. Most importantly, speak with your event planner or venue's coordinator to ensure that the venue doesn't abide by certain safety regulations that prohibit the use of a real or open flame. If real fire cannot be used, we recommend decorating your lanterns with battery-operated candles that still provide an equally magical glow. Other event spaces may require that the flame is enclosed. In this case, you'll want to choose a lantern that features an all-encompassing design. Now let's get back to the fun part! Opt for a lantern that not only aligns with your personal style and wedding's aesthetic, but one that also matches the tones throughout your space. Whether it be warm or more cool tones, keep your metallics or hardware cohesive. Twirling the night away in an elegant European-inspired ballroom? Elevate the space with coordinating gold-toned lanterns. Holding a gathering on a sleek city rooftop? Go for polished stainless steel or matte black for a modern look. Surrounded by seagrass and sand? Match the organic textures of your surroundings with weathered wood or even seagrass itself.

FAQ

What are lanterns used for?

Lanterns are portable or fixed decorative devices that hold a candle to illuminate a surrounding space. They can be made of metal, glass, or wood in an array of different finishes or styles.
Are lanterns a cost-effective wedding decoration?

Yes! Lanterns can be an inexpensive way to create a stunningly impactful design element to your wedding's decor. Plus, they can be used to decorate your home, porch, or patio after your nuptials.
Where can I purchase wedding lanterns in bulk?

Retailers such as Etsy, Amazon, Wayfair, Bed Bath & Beyond, and even Home Depot are just a few that can provide beautiful (and budget-friendly) lanterns in bulk.

Why Trust Us / About the Author

Contributing writer Michela Stevenson is a professional wedding planner, stylist, and editor. She has contributed to Brides since 2014 and previously served as the Assistant Wedding Style Editor at Brides until 2017.

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