My wedding is December 8th, just over 3 months away....It is Christmas themed...?

Question

My question is....what can I do that would not look tacky....to replace my bride's maids flowers. I kind of want to break away from the norm....and have them carry something else....my initial idea was these tin lanterns with stars on the top, and have a candle in it lit (since it will be a candle lit ceremony)

Any ideas?

These look christmasy/wintery to me. =)
Maybe with red and or green candles?

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e107/Mahan_Valerie/tabletoppers.jpg
These look christmasy/wintery to me. =)
Maybe with red and or green candles?

Answer 1

Lanterns would be my first idea - but use the battery operated tea lights instead of actual candles. The flame makes the top of the metal lantern very hot and it may be a little difficult to carry comfortably. Also, there is less worry if it isn't perfectly straight at all times.

Another thought would be instead of flowers how about bouquets of winter greens - pine and holly and berries with gold or silver ribbons. Hot glue some flat back crystals that will pick up the light and sparkle. You could even have some of the pretty, smaller, glass ornaments incorporated in to them.

If you could find what I call "Jack be nimble' candlestick holders with a hurricane glass over it will make it a little safer as well as unusual. (you know the kind - like from pictures of Scrooge climbing the stairs, holding the candle in the holder with the 'ring' on one end?).

Good Luck!

Answer 2

I'm afraid I have to agree with the folks who are saying that looks like it might be a bit awkward to hold. Also, as has been pointed out, there may be trouble with the fire marshall or venue with real candles.

I do, on the other hand, think it's absolutely fine to carry something other than flowers. For many decades prayer books and fans were at least as common as flowers. In Medieval times, brides carried small bunches of herbs for luck and to drive away the 'ill winds' that might bring the plague.

So, consider electric candles, all greenery bouquets, muffs, or small wreaths with ribbons. You could even make pretty greenery bouquets and then tuck one Christmas symbol into each one. One could have a star, another an angel or a candy cane, and so on. I think that would be a nice, rather whimsical twist that speaks to the magic of Christmas.

Whatever you decide on, do something that you really love. We can give you suggestions all day long, but if you have your heart set on lanterns, you should find a way to do it so that the fire code is upheld, your bridesmaids are comfortable, and you are happy.

Answer 3

Christmas cookies Christmas candy Small packet of hot cocoa mix Wouldn't fit in box but could be wrapped as one: Make a mix cd of your favorite Christmas music If you do decide to go with an ornament, don't personalize it. Because not everyone celebrates Christmas and they wouldn't have a use for it and a personalized ornament in that case would get tossed out in the trash or to the Goodwill bin. Other people have certain ways of decorating that a personalized ornament would throw them off kilter and they say they wouldn't know where to put it. But parents and best friends shouldn't have any issue with it. Favors are never required and usually the first thing to go if cost is a concern but when in doubt, edibles are always best.

Answer 4

I think just candles are nice. In indian weddings the bridesmaids all carry candles in costumes and it's really pretty. The lantern may be cumbersome, but a nice dish in ivory or ceramic would be pretty. They can place them on the ceremony table with rose petals.


EDIT: I attached a candle dish but maybe in crystal or silver. Also have you thought of the cake and flowers for a christmas feel. Maybe cranberries as your cake topper or amaryllis flowers. Just a suggestion... I was married the end of November.

http://picasaweb.google.com/elif.longislandcity/Ideas

Answer 5

I was married when I was 22 and had a fall wedding with 7 bridesmaids and 7 groomsmen. 350 people were invited to the wedding. As fenominal as it was and trust me it went flawlessly. It wasn't what I wanted. I always wanted a Christmas wedding. I've been divorced for 7 years and am dating someone who wants the same thing. What I would suggest as far as your bridesmaids and flowers, would be to contact your church to see how they are going to be decorating for Christmas. So nothing clashes. I wouldn't stray too far from the norm on this. Christmas is a very traditional, religious holiday. And you could be stepping on some family and friends beliefs if you do. Also,Keep in mind that anything you give your bridesmaids to hold, they hold for the entire ceremony and if it's a lit flame it will get warm or hot. Not to mention they'll have to watch it for the entire recption and pictures. The lanterns are a great idea, but people always take things from reception tables and if your bridesmaids leave them on a table, swoop!! it's gone!! I would give that to them as a gift to your bridesmaids for standing up in your wedding and have them engraved saying something like " May our love burn etrnal in your home"with your names and wedding date on it. It would probably cost you like $25.00 for each one.


Congradulations and best of luck!!

Answer 6

doesnt have to be christmas themed.

i mean my parents got married.. Dec 6th I think.. wasnt themed to christmas... that was back in the 80s where something like that was more likely to happen..
Anyway IM a guy, I dont know much about wedding coordination...

But if its a candle lit ceremony, some kind of lantern woudl be kinda cool.. cause they can walk down the isle in the procession, dim lights, candles .. it would give it a nice atmosphere..

just have to note that the people sitting cant take pictures or ever few seoconds it will be *flash flash flash* that cna really mess with you since it will be dark..

Answer 7

When I think of a Christmas wedding, I can't help but think of the show at the end of the movie White Christmas. Lots of white, very simple and elegant.

If they carry the lanterns, though beautiful, the focus for those in attendance and the cameras will be at lantern height. Not on their smiles.

Answer 8

The lanterns are beautiful. Use them, but with battery candles or a small string of battery LED lights. Otherwise, they will get to hot to carry, especially with the small handle. You could add a few sprigs of greenery or berries in them, or a few small, shiny ornaments, then maybe use them for table decor following the ceremony.

I LOVE Christmas weddings. Hope yours is great!

Answer 9

I like the candle idea, but be careful that the lantern is such that if someone dropped it, it wouldn't drip wax on her dress. They make little battery operated votives and I bet you wouldn't be able to tell the different in a lantern. Make sure you're picking something they can actually walk down the aisle gracefully with.

Answer 10

A Christmas theme sounds so cool. Maybe if you used white or silver and gold candles that might add a little elegance and tone it down for added color somewhere else. your lantern idea sounds unique...but might I suggest poinsettias..Still a flower buttt...not the norm. I hope I helped a little:)