Would it be too tacky to drape gossamer from the ceiling and hang paper lanterns for reception decoration?

Question

I am trying to find something to make my reception a little more "decorative" and I like the idea of the gossamer because the ceiling is hideous and I like paper lanterns but I think they would draw too much attention to the ugly ceiling. Would it look too tacky if I had both? What else could I use for ceiling decoration?

Answer 1

Why not make a false ceiling... Use wire tightly strung across room every 6-8 feet... Neatly drape the gossamer over the wires creating a tent like ceiling then hang your lanterns (you can easily string them to the wires) (cup hooks screwed into the wall about 1/2- 1 inch from the ugly ceiling can be used to string the wires....

The ugly ceiling goes away.. What people can't see doesn't exist...

For added drama you string some twinkle lights (mini christmas lights..) before putting up the gossamer. Fassten them directly to the ceiling using painters tape (it will hold and peal away leaving the ceiling paint intact) .. The lights will glow and sparkle behind the fabric like a stary night...

If the ceiling is really high you can use the false ceiling to bring down the height of the room making the space more intimate... Remember not too low though 10 feet at least...

Be sure any lights you use are in good condition no frayed wires etc. Make sure they are also cool (temperature) lights... Most new indoor fairy (christmas) lights will be perfect as they do not put off much heat when light...

You can even make small bunches of the fairy lights drape down in the locations you will hang the lanterns to light them without fire hazard.. Just string the lights when you get to a lantern spot drape 5-10 lights down and go on stringing.. When you put up the lanterns stuff the lights inside making sure to center them so the lanterns glow instead of putting off points of light on the paper.. (Plastic twist ties, not metal , can help you get the right look)

Answer 2

I personally think that would be awesome. Like you, I like paper lanterns and gossamer would look great with them. As it is your reception, go where your heart leads you. Some of the things I come up with 'raise eyebrows' (and I'm 55) but it is usually the older generation who forgot how to enjoy life. I say to just go for it if it's what you want......

Answer 3

I agree with both (the genuine) folks who answered, especially on the *fire* risk aspect. I would absolutely not use naked flames (such as candles or tea light candles) to light anything. You could use fairy lights and that can look gorgeous. The trick is not to have any other ambient light hitting the roof.

You want to look up and see 'stars' or points of light only. might be worth your while getting advice from someone who does lights for a living and get their advice.

Advice doesn't have to cost either, many folks will happily give you a few pointers over the phone.

good luck. Hope the big day goes well.

Answer 4

I would avoid putting anything on the ceiling at all. I saw one wedding with those net christmas lights creating a false ceiling (very nice) but can be difficult to hang.

Perhaps make the walls as interesting as possible with fairy light etc, and people will not want to look up at all!

Answer 5

depends on the color of both items. If you went with a paper latern that was similar to your colors, then go with a more neutral gossamer, stay away from wild, out-there colors because it will look tacky. Good Luck!

Answer 6

What you suggested just sounded like a possible fire hazard to me. Don't do that.

If you have an ugly ceiling, don't decorate it. You don't want people looking up at it, do you? Instead, decorate lower, and people's eyes will tend to stay down where the decorations are.

Answer 7

You could use tulle and small Christmas lights. Sounds kind of strange, but really looks pretty. You drape the tulle from the ceiling, and put the lights inside, so they show through, but you can't see the individual bulbs. Pretty and romantic.

Answer 8

could be ok. i would just say to be careful that your paper lanterns don't set your gossamer on fire! also there's always the standard--streamers. try a party store.

Answer 9

I like the Christmas lights idea...or tiny 'floating' candles. If it's an evening wedding you could use stars or 'fireflies'; daytime - flowers or tiny birds.