Asian Theme Wedding Ideas

Our August 2001 wedding had an Asian flair to it. Looking back, the theme rose out of two things: our love for Asian cuisine - Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese, Thai - and my husband's unwillingness to place flower centerpieces on each table. He said we should go for "Zen."

It turned out lovely! We were able to have a very untraditional wedding with a Far-Eastern flair.

The Dress
Your dress doesn't have to be Oriental or Asian in appearance. Think fabrics - silks, brocades. Your accessories can add just the right touch of Asian elegance.

Hair Accessories
Rather than romantic and curly, think dramatic lines. Pull your hair back straight and attach with chopsticks, or a pear dragon fly comb.

Jewelry
Pearls go well with an Asian themed wedding. Also, brightly colored enamel jewelry.

Flowers
Orchids! Bamboo, bear grass, and curly willow also look very exotic. Large lilies and colorful tropical flowers work well. My bouquet was made of 40 orchids in white, mauve and sage green. The bridesmaids carried smaller versions in green and pink.

Food and Beverage
Teriyaki chicken, potstickers, won-ton soup. Serve hot tea instead of coffee. Sapporo and Kirin are excellent Japanese beers.

Centerpieces
We used traditional Shoji style lanterns. Each lantern had a candle inside and sat in a stoneware saucer with floating orchids, candles and river rock. The lanterns were handmade.

Invitations
We purchased regular invitations - the type that fold with nothing inside. We folded them opposite so that the wording was inside the card. We used Japanese rice papers in different designs to create the front collage. A rubber stamp with the Chinese symbol for "love" was stamped on the front. We used our authentic Chinese chop to sign the backs in red for good luck.

Favors
Good luck bamboo stalks were placed in tiny stoneware bowls and packed with gravel. Pretty chopsticks would work well, too.

I love those orchids in your bouquet! I'm stealing that for sure.

Anyone know where to get Asian Lanterns?

this is Japaness stle, what about thai, loa etc other asian themes?

Origami paper can be used on your invites too. For more of a Chinese theme, use golds and reds. Dragon decor.

Great minds think alike! I was thinking of doing something along these lines for my wedding next year. Looks like it turned out nicely.

That picture of the handmade lantern is exactly what I am looking for! Could someone tell me either where to find it or how to make it? I'm getting desperate!

My parents spent 3-4 months creating the lanterns by hand. I purchased the rice paper from a Japanese store online. We bought the candles at IKEA.

loved running across your wedding ideas! we're getting married this june and i couldn't believe how similar our ideas are. we're doing the chopsticks with rice in a chinese to-go box for the favors, hanging lanterns with orchids for centerpieces, and have an embossed chinese love symbol on our invitations too. (i used a lot of origami paper for the invitations.) i purchased the lanterns in chinatown for $1.50 each! very afordable centerpieces. when looking for supplies, chinatown and japantown seemed to be the best resource if avalible.

I JUST LOVE YOUR CENTERPIECE! PLS TELL ME HOW U MADE THE SHOJI STYLE LANTERN.

anyone know where i can order orchids in november?

i think an asian wedding is great keep up with the good work

We bought rice bowls for 1.50 each off of e-bay to float orchids in on the table for an eye level view, then potted orchids to add height.and for place cards we are making oragami crane's.for wedding favor's were handing out sandle wood fans tied with a ribbon. Our flower girl will carry a basket made from bamboo. To much to list! Good luck!

I love the lanterns!!! Could you please tell me how your parents made them? I am getting married next April and would love to use these lanterns as my centerpieces. Thanks!

Hi I also love the lanterns your parents made.Could you let me know how they were made? Thanks alot!

Great ideas. I am getting married in 2 weeks and our wedding is also asian themed. My bridesmaids are carrying colored paper fans instead of flowers and our we got takeout boxes and put 2 fortune cookies inside with chopsticks on top. we purchased our lanterns online at terrysvillage.com and wedthings.com has all different oriental items for the wedding. Our invitations were from ashtonweddinginvitations.com and had the chinese love symbol on them.

Another good place for Asian wedding supplies is japaneseweddingfavors.com

I live in florida and am planning my sisters wedding, she would absoulutely love this. I don't think that we have a local chinatown, could Lily please tell me where she found them so that I could order them. Thanks for all of your help.

My sister is getting married in September. I would love to make the shoji style lantern that your parents made as an center piece. Could you please tell me how to made them. Thanks

Use hobby balsa wood, rice paper and glue. Paint the balsa wood black or stain in a dark brown.

Hi,I was wondering if you could give the measurements of the lanterns.Also where did you purchase the dish which the lantern is sitting in ? Thanks alot

What did you do for your cake? Our wedding has subtle Asian details and I'm looking for something to do for the cake that is a little Asian in theme but not over the top.

I am having an asian themed wedding on June 28th-some of my suggestions: yes red and gold are beautiful colors; use fans instead of flowers; order chinese symbol cuff links from wedthings.com; order chinese symbol fans for favors from oriental trading co.; order brocade print flower girl basket and ring bearer pillow from weddingshowergifts.com; as centerpieces use tbe red satin take out boxes from pier one_I got a steal at the end of the Christmas season; use take out boxes (you can get from local chinese restaurant) to serve your wedding cake; go to pearl river mart.com to get chinese print lipstick cases that you can use for bridal shower gifts, you can also get chinese lanterns from this site; also check out A1 discounts to get a chinese/english picture frame to hold your wedding picture when your big day is finished!

The measurements of the lanterns:

They are about 1 foot tall and about 8 inches square. Make sure the base is tall enough to stay out of the water.

The saucers beneath were purchased at a pottery story that sells large pots for outdoor plants - they are the saucers. They had them in all kinds of earty high fired glazes.

Your ideas are very appealing. Can you give me some ideas for Pakistani weddings?

I, too, am planning an oriental theme wedding and you ideas are wonderful. A website that offers many styles of oriental dresses is chinabridal.com. Another website that has lots of asian inspired favors and decorations is shindigz.com.

Hi, I was wondering if you can tell me how you placed the candle in the lantern?

My son is getting married and his wife is Polynesian. I would like them to have the same centrepieces as you had. She is very handy and imaginative but she needs specific details on what supplies are needed and the details of how you made the lanterns(centrepieces) We have been looking for a long time and these are exactly what we have been looking for. Please help. Appreciate.

i really like ur shoji lantern. can u teach me how to make them. is it okey to put the candle inside. thanks

I am also doing an asian-theme wedding. We are using asian parasol picks in the drinks, serving plum wine instead of champagne for the toast and had our bridesmids dresses custom made at china-tailor.com.

They also have matching fabric and pillow covers for the ringbearer pillow and coordinating ties for the groomsmen. Our flower girl will carry a antique cricket cage or bamboo basket.

Instead of tossing flower petals on the table, we are scattering earth-toned rocks for a "zen" feel. We used the Jade invitation from ashton wedding invitations and the Asian unity candle from The Knot superstore.

I wanted to make your centerpieces idea cause I am getting married in Sept. next year and your idea is way better then mine was. For the clay saucers though I was wondering if you could tell me how big they where and how much you paid a piece for them? Thanks.

I wanted to make your centerpieces idea cause I am getting married in Sept. next year and your idea is way better then mine was. For the clay saucers though I was wondering if you could tell me how big they where and how much you paid a piece for them? Thanks.

Yes, there is a candle in each lantern. I had to use glasses because of the potential fire issue with the rice paper.

We made these from scratch out of hobby balsa wood and Japanese rice paper. They were inexpensive yet difficult to make.

The saucers were the largest ones available - I want to say 16" in diameter.

Hope that helps!

We are planning an oriental themed wedding. The bridesmaids are going to have stargazer lily hand corsages and will carry white silk and sandalwood fans. They will have pink gown with pink/white/silver oriental brocade wraps. The bride's gown will have white satin fabric with a white cherry blossom brocade overlay. The guests will each receive a white takeout box, a set of chopsticks with love, happiness and other inscriptions, a personalized wedding fortune cookie, a colored fan, and a silver plated fortune cookie business card holder. The centerpieces are going to be silver lanterns with florals including lily of the valley, stargazer lily, ivy and ferns. Email me for any questions or ideas you might have to improve! VIDEL154@yahoo.com.

How did you make the lanterns and what is needed to make them? If anyone could send me any kind of directions, thank you.....

bnrwedding@yahoo.com

I have been searching high and low for reasonably priced lanterns like the one shown, but I've only been able to find shoji lanterns that are lamps which make them about $25 a piece. I really want to use this for my centerpieces and am looking for detailed directions on how to make them or where to find some like them for a good price. Such a great idea! I can be reached at kds_24@yahoo.com Thank you!

Your laterns are a great idea! How do you make them. You can email me @ katmac808@msn.com

Love the lanterns. For favors, my guests will each recieve a 4" bamboo stalk planted in a little glass jar. I found them reasonably priced at planetbonsai.com. Are the flowers in the centerpieces real or silk? And where did you find the straw mats that the saucers are sitting on? Thanks :)

your advitisement was under oragami art and this does't say anything about oragami art.

Advertisement? What advertisement.

Hello,

I'm getting engaged next month and I really love the shoji style lantern centrepiece. Can you please give me the instructions to make them.

Hi there,

Like everyone else, I love the centerpieces you had made. I was wondering, approximately, how much did it cost to make each one?

My fiance and I met in South Korea while we were both teaching. We are having an asian theme also. We decided to put vases on the tables as centerpieces with orchids and peonies. I found the vases at www.maileesorientalgifts.com. I picked vases that were blue and white and then chose matching chopsticks at fantes.com/chopsticks.htm. Because it's an outside wedding we're putting white fans on everyone's chair at the ceremony.

Hello, My fiance and I are getting married next summer 7/04 and were having a asian themed wedding.I really loved the shoji style lantern centerpieces. How can I make them and approximatly how much would they cost. Also, were looking for a unique asian style wedding invitation. We were thing of something like a hand bamboo fan with the sroll invitation attached. Can you help.

Hi, we're planning a monsoon wedding in Darwin and I want to have a lot of asian influence in the reception, I love the sandalwood folding fans and want to give all my female guests one as a souvenir, does anybody know where to get them in Australia.

You can email me at dragonflys@bigpond.com

i really love the shoji lanterns, could you send me the instructions on how to make them? imestic808@yahoo.com Thank you!

I too loved your shoji lanters! Could you please send me instructions as well on how to make them?

My email address is principessa800@hotmail.com

Thank you!

Thought I'd share my ideas...I found a place which sells acrylic fortune cookies. Which I thought was a great favor idea. On the curved part of the cookie the symbol for double happiness in chinese is printed. I also found you can order engraved chopsticks in differnt colors. For place settings I found that silk fortune cookies will look very pretty.

I am getting married next May, would like to have an Asian flavor to the reception, and I love the Shoji lanterns? Could you send detailed instructions on how you made these? My e-mail address is jodie12@earthlink.net. Thanks!

Your shoji lanterns were beautiful. I was wondering if you could send me instructions on how to make them also.

My email is - shinyee@d2.com

Thanks!

I love the lantern. My fiance and I are also planning an asian themed wedding (he's Chinese, I'm Japanese) and are trying to incorporate both cultures into our reception. PLEASE send me how to make this lantern! thanks so much! crazy_sweets@hotmail.com

I love the Shoji lanterns that you made. Could you place give me step by step instructions on how I could make these. Thank you so much. h8rzmagnet@hotmail.com

the centre peices are wonderful, ne1 knw wher ican get them from? Food sounds great, definatly my idea

Can someone help me out...How did they make those centerpieces (Shoji style lanterns)? I am planning an Oriental themed wedding, and need some ideas.

Thanks

Can someone help me out...How did they make those centerpieces (Shoji style lanterns)? I am planning an Oriental themed wedding, and need some ideas.

Thanks pembrokepines@hotmail.com

I would also like to know how to make those centerpieces. I'm half Japanese and am looking for unique ideas specifically for a JAPANESE only themed wedding. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Thank you... erina_wedding@hotmail.com

I was wondering where you found the tiny pots for the bamboo favors.

I love the lanterns, I am just not sure how to make them or where to get all the supplies?? Can anyone e-mail me some directions on how to make them, and also where I can find Rice Paper?? Thank You Keli0325@aol.com

I need to purchase some rice paper parasols for my brother's wedding in July. I need lilac parasols. Every site i see only have white with designs on them. I don't mind the designs because especially the floral ones but the papasols must be lilac. Can you please help me. You can email me at ryanavh@yahoo.com

Like the others I am interested in the lanterns and would like detailed instructions on how to make them. Could you send them to aqt21@yahoo.com. Thank you.

My future sister-in-law is Taiwanese. I am going to be the maid-of-honor. We are trying to locate bridal botiques in the New York Metro area to look for Oriental wedding gowns. I can wear any kind of dress I like. It is my choice. I don't want to make any mistakes and go against tradition. Can you tell me what would be appropriate for me to wear as well as what color? Would you happen to know of any stores in the New York Metro area? You can readh me at: Hunnicut4077@aol.com. I would really appreciate you help. (P.S. I am about 8 inches taller than the bride. I want to make sure that I don't overpower her.)

Your boquet was definately gorgeous!! I would like to do something similiar and i liked the centerpeice themes. I am looking to get customized chopsticks as favors for our guests. Can you tell me where I might be able to find a place that does this? I cant seem to locate anyone that will customize them for me. happilyeverafter215@yahoo.com

Thanks!!! Harmony & Jay

I happen to be part japanese and am having my wedding ceremony at a japanese house and garden. I dont want to over do it with the oriental theme (my fiancee is african american). Where can I find reseasonable invitations and favors. I only seem to be finding chinese theme invites and favors.

Thanks! Kimiko & Rashaan

HI LOVE YOUR IDEAS. I'M HELPING A GIRLFRIEND AND I CAN'T SEEM TO FIND THE LATERNS. CAN YOU HELP PLEASE! ivyrojo@hotmail.com

Hi, Love your ideas!! Can I also have the instructions for your shoji lantern?

Thanks, Coleen cvsuan@hawaii.rr.com

I think these ideas are wonderful. The whole wedding thing became too stressful so we decided to go to the justice of the peace. This is something I was definantly thinking of for our reception.

Please also email specific directions on how to make laterns. (drmly@hotmail.com)

THANKS!

if you are a non-asian couple hosting this, this is seriously offensive. stop appropriating someone else's culture! If neither you or your husband is Asian, then you really don't have a right to appropriate someone else's "traditions". Sticking chopsticks in gravel?! are you kidding? "Sticking" chopsticks in anything is offensive. and to whomever used chinese take-out boxes as wedding favors...if i were your guest i'd wonder how you lost any sense of class. then again, i'm not white. so I don't know.

I'm so glad you posted a picture of an idea that i was thinking about for my friend Betty's wedding. She's going to be ecstatic to see it. I wanted her to have a japanese theme, and this will help with the planning. Thank you so much!!

I love the Shoji style lanterns and so does my fiance... Could someone please email us the directions to them... That would be great...

Thanks a lot! asianturtle@yahoo.com

Sorry, I gave the wrong email address... I provided the right one now...

Sorry again... Please could someone email me the directions to the Shoji style lanterns...

Thanks a lot... asianturtle

you suck

Hi,

Love the lantern idea also. could you email me the directions?

tvu227@yahoo.com

can you send me the directions on how to make the lanterns as well. your appriciated- antilipgloss@hotmail.com

I a desperate to know how to make the shoji lanterns for my wedding in May. I would appreciate if you can send me detailed instrucctions. This is very popular and maybe you should put it on this website.pls email me at sdivany1@yahoo.com

I have a question about the lanters. I am wondering how you got the candle in the lantern. I just wonder how you kept it in the lantern. Beautiful!!!

The lantern is great! Please forward me the directions on making the lantern!! meoinks@hotmail.com Thank you.

asian theme wedding april 10 of this year. the dressing are being custom made and i'm having problems ordering more material. i purschased a gold brocade fabric with a blessing symbal. it only come's in 30 width and it's also has oriental wrinting on it. i've tried several site but can't find the exact pattern, help. i have everything else in place. my decorations consist's of buddahs, oriental porcelan dolls, and bambo stalks. cesyj1@aol.com

Linens and Things has black metal windowpane candle lanterns that I think will work to immitate this centerpiece. Pier One has the bamboo mats on sale either plane for $1 each or with black border for $2 each. Now I'm on the search for the saucers. Haven't been able to find them in black. May have to buy terracota and paint.

i love your centerpiece!!! just what i'm looking for. please e-mail me the exact directions to make those shoji lanterns. i'm southeast asian and my husband to be is pure canadian. i want to add a little touch of my culture to our wedding. thanks and i'll be waiting. leng06@hotmail.com

I am having an asian inspired wedding, and I really want to have asian food at my reception. I am having a difficult time finding a reception site where I can have asian food. Most sites don't offer asian style food. For the sites where they allow you to bring in your own food, I am having a hard time finding a person/business to cater with asian food, any suggestions?

Love the lantern. Please email me the directions? stham99@hotmail.com

Love the lantern. Please email me the directions? stham99@hotmail.com

Love the lantern. Please email me the directions? stham99@hotmail.com

Love the lantern centerpiece. Could you please email me the directions on how to make one? sauncylass@netscape.net

I am part Japanese and I am looking to having a oriental theme wedding also, I love your idea..... can you please give me your instructions for the lanterns? I believe when you put all your effort and work into your own wedding, it makes it more realistic and unique! Please email me with the lantern instructions. THANKS!

Ooops.... I forgot to include my email address for the handmade lanterns: aiyaiyai@netpci.com I can't wait to start!

everyone wants to know how to make the lanterns and I am no exception! I am having a zen inspired theme at my weddign in June and would love the "blueprint" on those lanterns and any other suggestions you may have! Thanks- email at:sagey519@aol.com

I am getting married in June & would love to use the shoji lanterns as centerpieces. Can you please send me the directions.Thanks! aggiegirl03@msn.com

Are you giving out instructions on the handmade Lanterns?? If you are could you email me! Thanks! rkjh@mtco.com I understand if you are not giving them out but you could probably make a fortune on selling those instructions. THanks!

is there a way you could post the directions how to make those shoji lanterns? thanks

I love your asian inspired ideas. If you could email me the directions on how to make the shoji lanterns for my centerpieces-- I would be so thankful. satoc012@hawaii.rr.com.

yuor website is not very helpfull as i need to know the tradition behind asian wedding make up but theur is nothing

I loved the centerpiece. I am having difficulty finding something that I like. Please, email me the directions on how you made your centerpieces. dmbilbrew@hotmail.com

I absolutely loved your site....it gave me ideas for my wedding that I would have never thought of!! I am definitely going to try out the Shoji lantern idea...before I was really unsure about my centerpieces. Thank you so much!!!

Yep, love the lantern. Please email instructions to hvang@ucsc.edu Thanks.

The lanterns are great. Please email instructions to centralchurchofc@sbcglobal.net

YOUR LANTERN IS SOMETHING I WAS LOOKING FOR IN MAKING CENTERPIECES FOR MY FRIENDS ORIENTAL THEMED BRIDAL SHOWER. WOULD YOU BE ABLE TO SEND ME INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO MAKE THEM. PLEASE E-MAIL ME AT MADETONJOY@AOL.COM. THANKS

The lantern is exactly what ae are looking for, please email me instructions on how to make at jade_desire@excite.com

The lanterns are great! Can you please e-mail me the instructions at chloekitty@hawaii.rr.com.

Your ideas are amazing!!! Would you please email me the directions on how you made the centerpieces/lanterns??? Also, I am interested in giving out bamboo as favors as well....where did you find yours??

Thank you

kelleria@hotmail.com

Kelly :)

Great ideas! Please send instructions for making the lanterns to fshankle@hotmail.com.

Thanks!

I love your bouquet! I was also wanting to incorporate orchids into my bouquet and I didn;t know how to do it. Please send me information on the florist that made your bouquet. I also love the lantern that you used for the centerpiece. Where can I find the lanterns?

Thanks you for the inspiration and wonderful ideas. It will really help for my asian them wedding!

Samantha

By the way- please email me the florist and where to get the lanterns at kittysam23@yahoo.com.

Again, thank you :)

By the way- please email me the florist and where to get the lanterns at kittysam23@yahoo.com.

Again, thank you :)

Are these all of the instructions: Where did you purchased the rice paper? From what Japanese store online.

Materials: Hobby balsa wood, rice paper and glue. Paint the balsa wood black or stain in a dark brown.

The measurements of the lanterns:

They are about 1 foot tall and about 8 inches square. Make sure the base is tall enough to stay out of the water.

The saucers beneath were purchased at a pottery story that sells large pots for outdoor plants - they are the saucers. They had them in all kinds of earty high fired glazes. The saucers were the largest ones available - I want to say 16" in diameter.

There is a candle in each lantern. I had to use glasses because of the potential fire issue with the rice paper.

Level of difficulty: They were inexpensive yet difficult to make.

My Korean daughter is marrying a Chinese American and we, too, love the lanterns. I have search everywhere online for them and have come up empty-handed, also. If there are plans available for these lanterns we would desparately apprecaite them. Wow, someone could get rich making and selling these at a god price since I believe most of us need at least 20 of them. Thanks!

I'm a florist/decorator and happened to come across this page by accident. I read a few of the comments above. There's a store in New York that sells lanterns very similar to the one pictured above. Copy and paste the link below into your web browser. They ship via FedEx if you are out of state and if you're local to NYC, you can have it shipped by messenger or just come into the store. They are located on 28th Street corner of 7th.

Hope this helps!!

http://www.jamaligarden.com/viewCategoryAll.as p?catID=8&subC=c

I am copying your idea with metal black lanterns I bought at Linens and Things and round plastic saucers I bought in garden section of Walmart and painted with black spray paint. I bought bamboo mats with black fabric borders on sale at Pier 1.If you've done this, could you tell me whether orchids are real? Wasn't sure of silk would float or just soak up water. Thanks.

My daughter is getting married in January, and wants to use an Asian theme. Please send me the instructions to make the lanterns. They are beautiful!

Hi could you please email me the instructions for the japanese lanterns? They are so beautiful!!!! Thanks. Yemiagb@aol.com

Thank you for sharing your wonderful ideas!! Could you please email me the directions for the lanterns also!!! I loved them!!! tkmatsub@yahoo.com

The lanterns are great! Could you email me the instruction on putting it together? Thanks! hiyaned@msn.com

The lanterns are beautiful. Where would I go to purchase them? noni@plpt.net Thanks

I'm truly distressed by the person who feels only people of Asian background may celebrate the Asian culture. While I agree the take out food boxes and chopsticks are inexcusable, many of the other ideas expressed here are lovely. Isn't it about time we all quit labeling ourselves and others. I would simply celebrate the fact my culture was recognized for the beauty and artistic contribution it holds. I will forgive your intolerance if you will forgive theirs.

Here's a website that sells beautiful Asian and tropical-themed wedding invitations: www.leighswishingwell.com. Also, look at www.icatchingcards.com. See www.japaneseweddingfavors.com for a good source for wedding favors. For the person who wrote about searching for lavendar parasols, I saw some at www.asianideas.com. Hope this information helps.

You can go to www.askginka.com and she has a long list of links to different websites that will help with the Asian theme. It's helped me a great deal. The shoji style lantern centerpiece you have is the inspiration for our centerpieces. Beautiful!! Also, the colors of your bouquet are the exact colors of my wedding.

Could someone who has obtained the directions on making the lanters, please email to me - much appreciated !

tampintina@yahoo.com

Tina.

Could you please let me know the directions on making the lanters, please email to me - much thanks ! suyantiti@yahoo.com

I love the lantern centerpieces! Can you please email me the instructions? cpruitt8269@aol.com THANKS

Chen,

I have been emailed you to yahoo and it keeps rejecting. Just tried again from my own yahoo account to see if that would work.

In case not, my email add is : tampintina@yahoo.com

Thanks,

Tina.

I would like to know if there is anywhere I can get bambo place mats either in the normal wood colour or the green colour in Sydney?

I am Korean and I am having that as my theme to my wedding and I want to find plastic cups and plates for my wedding with that in mind, I can sette with just an asian theme to it. If anyone knows where I can purchase these online please e-mail me at julietpae@yahoo.com. Also what kind of ideas are there for gifts for the wedding party??

Can you please let me know how to do the centerpiece lanterns? I am having an asian theme bridal shower and love the way the lanterns look.

Please email me at jenniferc928@yahoo.com

Love the lantern Please send instructions heidisharris@aol.com Thanks!!!

Love the lantern - please send me instructions on how to make it. Thanks

Hello, Your ideas were wonderful! Can you please send me instuctions on how to make the lanterns? Thanks.

cpn333@unm.edu

Please also send me instructions on how to make the wooden lanterns: karen79@rogers.com

Thanks Karen

I am making these lanterns for my nephews wedding. They are very time consuming. I am not using place mats, I am going to use Bamboo sushi mats instead. They are cheaper and give the same effect.

Hello, the lanterns look great as centerpieces! Can you please send me instructions on how to make them? Thanks!

franklyfrankled@yahoo.com

Lovin' the idea as well. Can you please email me the instructions at txkdphi@yahoo.com ? I would surely appreciate it! I need all the help I can possible get. Thanks!

We are using corner moldings found at Lowes. My husband is cutting them to 8" long pieces. We are using a very thin plywood and cutting 5-1/2" x 5-1/2" squares. Attach them together with a very small nail. We are using balsa wood for the rice paper frame. Make sure you paint them with Acrylic paint or spray paint them before attaching rice paper frame. The frame we made a square and glued them together. Dont forget to make your design with your balsa wood. Wether it be a window design or two lines going across and two lines down. You can be creative at this. Attach rice paper with double sided tape (found in Scrapbooking section of AC Moore or Michaels) or use glue. I am rubber stamping the inner side of the rice paper with a bamboo design. It looks very nice with the candle inside. I found the bamboo mats at Pier one. There were 4 in a pack for $5. I am spraying them black. I also purchased river rocks at Michaels this week. (I got a few bags of white ones and black ones) They were normally $2.29/bag and I got them on sale for .80 cents! I got the rice paper at AcMoore and Michaels has it. Its $9.99/roll. You find it in the Art dept by the Artist supplies, drawing tablets etc. Make sure you ask for your 40% coupon off!!! I also found it cheaper to go to lowes and buy the black paint in a quart or gallon size instead of using those little Americana or other brand found at Michaels or AC moore. Michaels also in there candle dept has glass votive cups with white candles in them. 12/$7.99 (Again, use your coupons!! and they will be 40% off). You MUST use candles in glass cups as not to start any fires!!! Make sure you trim the wicks down so you dont have long flames on the candles. We are debating wether to use the terra cotta pot. The large ones at Lowes are $5 each. I think we may just put the lantern on the mat... with river rocks spread around and a few fresh flowers to match the bridesmaids flowers thrown around. (As shown in the pic above with the metal lantern).

Any questions... email me anytime. Turtletoes63@aol.com

I have these for sale!!!!! Made of lightweight metal....not wood!! Email me for prices and a picture!

RoniReichle@aol.com

Here is a pic of the lanterns I have for sale:

http://hometown.aol.com/ronireichle/myhomepage /profile.html

I married last October and had an asian-themed wedding. Consider these ideas: Flowers: orchids or peonies, somewhat pricey, but simple/elegant; Add personal touch & take a japanese water-color painting class a few weeks before your big day and paint your own entrance signs for your ceremony and reception sites w/ hummingbirds and cherry blossoms; Invitations: Peace/love/happiness symbols (ashtonweddinginvitations.com) or red shanghai (themepartiesnmore.com); Ringbearer pillow: opt to tie 2 sticks of bamboo together and decorate w/ a banana leaf & orchid, same w/ flowergirl baskets-just buy bamboo; Reception: My cake was shaped like a pagoda-opt for 1" strips of rice paper and fresh orchid stems for decoration (rice paper sticks to icing perfectly); Guest book: opt for a square black laquer tray (Pottery Barn-$19) and have guests sign w/ gold metallic permanent marker; Centerpieces: potted orchids or make bamboo & orchid basket (michaels.com)...for red theme, place 3 black lacquer rectangular/square boxes on tables (3-4" high), fill one w/ red jelly beans (nice treat until dinner) or personalized fortune cookies (weddingthings.com), fill another w/ red roses and the last w/ red fresh asian fruit (also a nice treat); Wedding party gifts: I gave a porcelain sake pitcher to my matron of honor (bluerice.com) w/ an accompanied recipe for mandarin-orange green tea; for female family members and wedding party-rice paper wallets or silk asian purses(siamese-dream.com); teapots and cups for grandparents (chinasprout.com); inlaws and parents-chinese wedding baskets (fill w/ what you want); Wedding favors:sandlewood fans (asianideas.com) or wrap a few green tea leaf bags in banana leaves and tie w/ raffia...for kids, paper dragons or chinese yo-yo's (houserice.com); Leftover cake: use take-out boxes for guests; Table numbers: buy cheap black plastic frames (Michael's), slip in colored parchment paper, stamp asian symbols on edges of paper w/ black ink and in center, trace table numbers in black ink; Reception food: serve sushi or asian-contemporary stirfry, opt for hot tea and have guests use chopsticks (if anything, it might be fun); Splurging for wedding favors...buy zori sandels (rubber soles) or bamboo slippers for guests to wear at reception; Champagne flutes: bride/groom asian and bamboo (eye4gifts.com); other cool sites (japaneseweddingfavors.com, pearlriver.com, uncommongoods.com, bridestuff.com and chinabridal.com). Good luck and happy shopping!

Did anyone actually get directions on how to make these? There are quite a few email addresses, but no one thanking anyone for receiving the directions. Has anyone figured it out on their own?

Jennifer.... I have tried making them out of wood.. but it was very hard. I sell ones made of lightweight metal. (Looking at them you would never know they werent wood!) Check out my website and email me if you need prices.

http://hometown.aol.com/ronireichle/myhomepage /profile.html

The lanterns and overall theme is awesome! I have a Zen themed wedding as well and this gives me the much needed inspiration. Thanks.

I love the lantern on picture #1 (the metal one), I looked all over china town in Los Angeles and could not find them. Any clue as to where I can find them? Please help

Just as a note to everyone, using the word "oriental" is out-dated. It's amazing how many websites that sell Asian inspired products use this word. I know that it's not usually meant to be offensive and objectifying, but it is. Thanks.

I think the lantern centerpieces are lovely. I couldn't find any similiar ones in my area but I did find at K-mart on clearance ,black metal pagoda style laterns. They were in the garden shop section. They are about a foot tall and made by the Martha Stewart line. The picture shows them with a large candle inside. They are supposed to be for outdoors so for safety, I am choosing not to put a candle inside but rather an ikebana style flower arrangment inside with votive candles around the latern. Our local Target stores also have some interesting Asian inspired candle holders if you don"t need a large amount (some are pricey) One paticular style made out of wicker looks like an inverted arc (I think it is supposed to be a bridge) and has three clear glass votive holders wired to the top of the arc. Target also had on clearance some black dinnerware the also could be used for Ikebana style flower arrangements, candle groupings or food.

I think the lantern centerpieces are lovely. I couldn't find any similiar ones in my area but I did find at K-mart on clearance ,black metal pagoda style lanterns. They were in the garden shop section. They are about a foot tall and made by the Martha Stewart line. The picture shows them with a large candle inside. They are supposed to be for outdoors so for safety, I am choosing not to put a candle inside but rather an ikebana style flower arrangment inside with votive candles around the lantern. Our local Target stores also have some interesting Asian inspired candle holders if you don"t need a large amount (some are pricey) One paticular style made out of wicker looks like an inverted arc (I think it is supposed to be a bridge) and has three clear glass votive holders wired to the top of the arc. Target also had on clearance some black dinnerware the also could be used for Ikebana style flower arrangements, candle groupings or food.

In reply to LX's post from February... I realise that the appropriation of other people's culture may be offensive to some, but that doesn't mean we don't have the right. What about those couples who (wether Asian or not) have a legitimate reason for having Japanese-themed weddings. My fiance and I met in Tokyo, and both agree a theme wedding would be very appropriate. Nobody ever complains about the Christian-theme weddings that have become popular among young Japanese couples, do they?

I was wondering if at possible, would you be able to email instructions on how to build my own shoji style lantern. datru808flava@aol.com

I agree with TetsuwanAtoms comment to LX. That person should be glad that people aren't closed-minded to other cultures and want to explore them. There's nothing wrong with it. Even though I'm not Asian, I grew up in Japan and met my fiance there. And we're having an asian style wedding next year, so for us it makes sense. Not to mention my father in law is Japanese. Many young Japanese people have typical American style weddings, but I guess that was forgotten to mention. So LX, stop being a HATER!!

My sister'n'law is planning her asian style wedding reception in November. I think she would LOVE the lanter centerpiece. I saw the notes from turtletoes, but I would love to get the official instructions on how to make them... also, about how much it costs for each one? Email them to me at: debibonham@yahoo.com. Thanks a lot! This is a great site with great ideas! :)

I have tried making them out of wood.. but it was very hard. I sell ones made of lightweight metal. (Looking at them you would never know they werent wood!) Check out my website and email me if you need prices.

http://hometown.aol.com/ronireichle/myhomepage /profile.html

ronireichle where are you. i need some estimates on those lanterns you were talking about. email me soon evangelib003@hawaii.rr.com

I am having a wedding in December and my husband is philipino and i am half japanese and danish. I am having a hard time choosing my theme and colors any suggestions

I am having a wedding in December and my husband is philipino and i am half japanese and danish. I am having a hard time choosing my theme and colors any suggestions

I am posting this in hopes of answering alot of questions people have. Like myself, many people feel that this centerpiece is a great idea. I think the original poster falsely got many people's hope up by not providing enough information. I've built my own lanterns and here's what I learned from the experience.

1. Many people seem to have a misconception about the cost of building one of these lanterns. For a 12 inch tall and 8 inch square lantern, you are looking at a cost of close to $20 per lantern for the materials alone. So, if you are looking to purchase a premade one, please don't expect to pay $20 each for them as that won't even cover the material cost plus shipping, much less the person's time and labor.

2. Unless you are extremely handy, these lanterns are not easy to make. I see many people asking for instructions and wondering why no one has posted any. The reason is because there's quite a bit of detail involved to making the lantern. The making of these lanterns require precision so general instructions will not do. Precise measurements and tips are necessary for someone to build the lantern from instructions.

3. Even if you are extremely handy, do not expect these lanterns to turn out well unless you have precision woodworking equipment. The simplicity and cleanness of the design means that everything must be cut precisely and one must be meticuluous in the assembly.

4. If you lack the things in 2 & 3 above, you will end up with a lantern that is a sore sight. I don't know about you but I am not willing to spend $20 for materials per lantern and then have it come out looking unprofessional. Also, having something of that unprofessional quality on open display as a centerpiece is not my idea of a classy wedding. My lanterns all turned out looking absolutely professional. I don't mind the fact they cost close to $25 in materials (I used dowels for additional strenght, and stained and varnished mine). The reason I don't mind is because they will be given away as gifts to close family and friends after the wedding.

5. Carefully read the comments of the people who made or tried making these lanterns. These lanterns really are hard to make. Even if you are handy and have the right tools, expect to spend a good chunk of time making each lantern. To give you an idea, after overcoming the initial trial and error, I can now make the wooden portion of the lantern and have it sanded in about half an hour. Then another 1/2 hour for priming and painting of the wood. Then another 15 minutes for adding the rice paper.

Hope this is helpful for everyone. Feel free to email me with questions. chenchain@yahoo.com

Chen

Chen.... very good explaining. That is why my husband decided to make them out of metal. They are positivily beautiful and I sell them for less than $20 each! Granted, shipping on these are not that cheap but he is a weldor by trade and has been doing it for over 30 years and I will tell you the quality on them are perfect! My nephew too gave them away to family members and we also received orders from some people who were not that lucky. I use on them authentic rice paper and they are painted flat black. Very nice... if you would like to see a picture of them... check out my site.

http://hometown.aol.com/ronireichle/myhomepage /profile.html

I'm getting married in August and found the ultimate place to get parasols, bridesmaids gifts, fans, and all sorts of awesome stuff!!! I went to asianideas.com. THE BEST!!!! Congrats to all of you!!! best wishes!!

I would really love if someone could send me the instructions on how to make these lovely lanterns. I think they would look incredible at my reception hall and would be eternally grateful to anyone who may be able to help me find these directions

my email is Lolita82299@hotmail.com

Hi ,please can you tell me where a can get the lanterns, they are really nice . As well can you tell me if you deliver international like in cancun mexico...??? or just in the States.

Thanks isisamortz2001@hotmail.com

This web site stinks

This site has great ideas that I need! Thanks!!

If anyone has access to Fred Meyer stores (Pacific Northwest) I saw some black metal pagoda style lanterns (about one foot tall) in the seasonal aisle (not the regular lighting or garden area but close to the barbecue stuff ) They were reduced to eight dollars apiece. Very Asian and very pretty. They may also work as part of an Asian centerpiece.

I am having an asian theme wedding too. November is quickly approaching and I am desperately seeking center piece ideas. Can someone please send me instructions on how to make these lanterns. so_feeb@yahoo.com. If anyone has lanterns they want to sell please let me know.

I've been keeping an eye out for centerpieces and found it in IKEA. If you want to save some time and put your efforts elsewhere, check out IKEA. IKEA's FJÄRRAN tealight lantern is $5.99 and very Zen like.

I've been keeping an eye out for centerpieces and found it in IKEA. If you want to save some time and put your efforts elsewhere, check out IKEA. IKEA's FJÄRRAN tealight lantern is $5.99 and very Zen like.

This is a helpful website for some ideas but I can also see where LX is coming from ... I'm Japanese-american and am looking for ideas to use but not over-the top, "let's put chopsticks in the brides hair" kind of themes. I'm looking more for ideas like where can you get cheap ikebana containers, good prices on san san kudo sets, what kind of sake is best to use for the ceremony, what kind of wording did people use in explaining some of these customs to non-Japanese guests. The theme idea is a bit strange for me to see if people aren't Asian, have no interest in Asia beyond the "exoticness" of it, etc. The appropriation of it without really being careful can be offensive...one should be quite careful with the the placement of chopsticks, or the use of certain flowers for funerals, etc. And because many Asian countries are very symbolic in their gift giving, it's impt. to know if your gift is considered a bad omen... For some reason, people think Asians are less likely to be offended by this stuff but maybe if I use Native Americans as an ex. it might be more visible. Can you imagine a bunch of non Native Americans dressing up "like Natives" and having a pow wow, having mini totem poles as centerpieces...kind of tacky. It's hard to see b/c Asian/zen/feng shui is trendy now but believe me, for SOME of us asians, it's weird...so all this just to say you shouldn't knock LX's comments. Athough a bit unsophisticated in the way she posted it, I can see where she's coming from...

My husband to be is Japanese. For the reception in the US I want to incorporate some Japanese customs, centerpieces etc...I was actually interested in having an Ikebana centerpiece and "japanese" inspired favors, bouqette (the flowers pictured are beautiful), and cake. Any advice on florists, vendors, and shops that can assist me in the Boston area or online would be great.

I am 1/4 Japanese and rather proud of my culture. Unfortunately I was not brought up Japanese and I'm not familiar with the customs and what is and is not appropriate. I will be getting married next year and I'm hoping that someone who is Japanese such as NT might be able to helpl me out. I would like to make my Batchan (not sure how it is spelled but I know I've called her that since I was born)proud. I'd like to have a traditional american wedding with slight asian themes. I was thinking of using chopstics as favors with little notes with mine and my husband to be's names and wedding dates on them. If someone could tell me what ways chopsticks are used offensively I'd REALLY appreciate it as I would hate to offend my grandmother. I'd also like some ideas for bouqets. I'd like to use red peonies because I understand they are good luck? But I'd like to mix them with some red roses. I'd like to do the tight small bunch style. Also, some center piece ideas would be great. I'd really like to incorporate more flowers in the arrangement. My colors will be red with slight accents of gold. HELP!!!! I just got engaged yesterday and I don't have a clue about ANYTHING! :o)

Thanks, ddemetre@comcast.net

Hey there, I'm really glad I found this site!

I'm planning my own asian-themed wedding for the coming May, and I've had a heck of a time locating the things I want.

I live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and there is a very rich asian culture here, but for some reason it's been near impossible for me to find the things I am looking for.

I've found ebay to be VERY helpful in having spacial papers and stamps delivered to me.

I found a dressmaker in the Greater Toronto Area, who will design an asian-american style dress for me. I am willing to email anyone interested the sketch she made for me.

I found a gorgeous picture online of the cake I will have a bakery make for me. It was called "East Meets West" and it's a beautiful mesch of american and asian, without being over the top or anything like that.

I found black iron lanterns at Canadian Tire (which is practically a hardware store) and they have inserts of a plastic material that looks like rice paper and there is a 3-tier tea light holder inside the lantern. They were $12.00 each CDN funds, and they measure approx 5" x 5" by 7"high. (maybe slightly larger) We will be doing something similar to the centerpieces pictured here, with riverrocks and flowers, but I was thinking sand instead of water maybe for more of a "zen garden" effect.

Michael's Craft Store is great for river rocks and silk flowers. Also, cardstock for invitations and other blank ready-made type things you can add stamping to.

Pier 1 Imports is great they have a fairly large asian section, and often have a few styles of lantern-type things that could be used.

Pier 1 Imports also had asian-modern picture holders. Not a frame, but an asian outfit made of wood, on a stick, with a coil coming out the top to place a picture. I purchased those as table number marker holders, instead of the plain ones.

I am in the process of making all my own invitations and reply/thank you cards. I am happy to help anyone interested in using my ideas.

For favours, we went to the local Chinese supermarket and puchased several sets of nice chopsticks with Geishas printed on them. We are currently looking for an easy way to add our names and wedding date to one chopstick of each pair, and we'll be attaching perhaps some bamboo or sushi candies to the chopstick sets.

I was lucky enough to find a location outside Toronto that has a complete asian decor, so I do not need to decorate anything other than the centrepieces.

Also, as an idea, I know Wal-Mart has a plant section indoors and they have small bonsai trees, for those interested in using those as centerpieces, or decorations.

Asian supermarkets often have small decorative pots and accessories that can be used as an inexpensive way to decorate your wedding.

If anyone is interested I can be reached at amanda@signplus.ca or soulsinger@hotmail.com

Thanks everyone and happy hunting!

Hey there, I'm really glad I found this site!

I'm planning my own asian-themed wedding for the coming May, and I've had a heck of a time locating the things I want.

I live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and there is a very rich asian culture here, but for some reason it's been near impossible for me to find the things I am looking for.

I've found ebay to be VERY helpful in having spacial papers and stamps delivered to me.

I found a dressmaker in the Greater Toronto Area, who will design an asian-american style dress for me. I am willing to email anyone interested the sketch she made for me.

I found a gorgeous picture online of the cake I will have a bakery make for me. It was called "East Meets West" and it's a beautiful mesch of american and asian, without being over the top or anything like that.

I found black iron lanterns at Canadian Tire (which is practically a hardware store) and they have inserts of a plastic material that looks like rice paper and there is a 3-tier tea light holder inside the lantern. They were $12.00 each CDN funds, and they measure approx 5" x 5" by 7"high. (maybe slightly larger) We will be doing something similar to the centerpieces pictured here, with riverrocks and flowers, but I was thinking sand instead of water maybe for more of a "zen garden" effect.

Michael's Craft Store is great for river rocks and silk flowers. Also, cardstock for invitations and other blank ready-made type things you can add stamping to.

Pier 1 Imports is great they have a fairly large asian section, and often have a few styles of lantern-type things that could be used.

Pier 1 Imports also had asian-modern picture holders. Not a frame, but an asian outfit made of wood, on a stick, with a coil coming out the top to place a picture. I purchased those as table number marker holders, instead of the plain ones.

I am in the process of making all my own invitations and reply/thank you cards. I am happy to help anyone interested in using my ideas.

For favours, we went to the local Chinese supermarket and puchased several sets of nice chopsticks with Geishas printed on them. We are currently looking for an easy way to add our names and wedding date to one chopstick of each pair, and we'll be attaching perhaps some bamboo or sushi candies to the chopstick sets.

I was lucky enough to find a location outside Toronto that has a complete asian decor, so I do not need to decorate anything other than the centrepieces.

Also, as an idea, I know Wal-Mart has a plant section indoors and they have small bonsai trees, for those interested in using those as centerpieces, or decorations.

Asian supermarkets often have small decorative pots and accessories that can be used as an inexpensive way to decorate your wedding.

If anyone is interested I can be reached at amanda@signplus.ca or soulsinger@hotmail.com

Thanks everyone and happy hunting!

I just want to say to those who are planning an asian themed wedding i do agree that it is beautifull and pricless. I have spent a long time in China and have returned with such a love and understanding of the culture. Being african-american and listening to those of asian decent being offended i can unerstnad to a certain extent b/c in asian culture, most everything has a meaning. So please if you are not sure about something...ask so that you can learn more and definately not offened anyone, even someone who may come to your wedding. I am getting married in January and being that i spent so much time in China i am having an asian themed wedding being that it is now apart of the woman i have become. I really enjoyed your posts and many of your ideas are great. If you have the opportunity you really should travel there, it is SO beautiful! Good luck Everyone and Congratulations

Please send me the instructions and directions for the Japanese lantern centerpiece... I LOVE IT.. I am getting married next year and I would love to make the lanterns! hashkt@yahoo.com

thank you

My fiancee and I are having an outdoor thai-themed wedding and have decided to hang lanterns in the trees and throughout the garden. There is a lake in my backyard (the wedding site) as well and I am looking for floating lanterns. Any ideas where to buy these? All I can find is information on floating lantern festivals. Please email me at slma79@yahoo.com or post to this site. Thank you.

I've read through some of these posts and I've noticed that some of you are offended that non-asians want to have a theme wedding.

What you should understand, is that in countries such as Canada and the USA there is such a mix of cultures, that it's only natural (and hopeful) for different people to adopt and accept other cultures. Certainly this is not done in an attempt to insult people, but to embrace the new and interesting cultures.

As a world we are moving towards a future where religious and cultural lines are blurred. There are many inter-racial/inter-religious couples these days, and it's very common to see people who are of mixed race.

What we should remember is that this is not a bad thing. It's a sign that there is still acceptance in the world and I think that's pretty important.

Life is about tolerance and acceptance. Perhaps a better approach would be to offer to answer questions people might have about any culture you belong to and/or are knowledgeable about, instead of passing judgement on people and criticizing them.

And if you are still offended that people are interested in having a theme wedding that involves your particular culture, be it asian or any other culture, then perhaps it is a good idea for you to move someplace that is less culturally diverse so that you do not have to expose yourself to such things.

very amusing seeing people so fascinated by the "exotic" "oriental" culture. by the way, "oriental" is a very outdated word that is not used by asian americans. might get you a nice punch in the eye.

My fiance and I both practic the Muso Jikiden Eishen Ryu form of Iaijutsu (Japanese sword fighting) as well as the newly formed Shimizu Ryu school of naginatajutsu (formerly the Jikishinkage Ryu). Because of our love of the Japanese culture we want to have a Japanese themed wedding. Unfortunately, because we don't want to upset people in my church, most of the theme will only appear in our reception. I want to know if anyone can tell me what kind of flowers are appropriate for a wedding (I know orchids and the like are acceptable, but I am a bride on an extreme budget). We are using a blank make mono scroll as our guest book and we want to use bonsai trees for center pieces, but they are too expensive. Any ideas? I also would like to know what colors are appropriate for a Japanese wedding. And what gifts are deemed appropriate to give as favors since we will have some Japanese guests. We don't want to offend them. We want them to see how much we appreciate and admire their culture and how much we have learned from them about their ways of life. I would appreciate any help. My sincerest thanks! antnerva@hotmail.com

For our wedding, our colours our simple but elegant: white, grean and dark brown. For our centerpiece at our reception, we are having a glass vase filled with white lillies, lucky bamboo stalks and brown rocks. Each bamboo stalk will have a ribbon on it with a guest's name as each guest will take one home as a party favour. We are also giving nice dark brown wooden chopsticks as a gift. Anyways, all of this stuff is quite inexpensive and can be purchased at your local Chinatown or even Ikea. You can even buy the vases at the Loonie Store I'm sure. Anyways, I hope that helps!

WE are planning a zen-theme wedding on our june wedding next year, i really dont have any idea how a zen-theme flower decorations woudl look like, from church to the reception area.

My sister is having a wedding and I'm in charge of the receptions. She loves this shoji style lantern. Can you please tell me how to make and where to get the supplies. Thanks

lei.chanthapraseut@hrbmc.com lei_chanthapraseut@yahoo.com

I am thinking of an oriental theme wedding and have pretty much everything planned out exept the one major thing. The DRESS!!! I would like something white with red or black accents.Something traditional yet a tad oriental. Does anyone have any ideas? PLEASE HELP!!! Winge7@aol.com

i absolutely LOVE your bouquet..just wondering, i haven't canvassed around yet, but how much did u pay for ur bouquet? u can email me at aml716@rogers.com.

thanks!

I love your lantern centerpiece. My wedding is September 2005 & I will need 300 of these centerpieces. Can you give me instructions on how to make this & the estimated cost & time to make 1 lantern? You can emailme at raelene_ifuku@hotmail.com.

Thank you very much!

Im glad I found an asian wedding site. Hmmm...I'm getting married in May of next year and have purchased handmade invitations from www.thepulpstudio.com. They have a good selection of asian style wedding invitations, everything else I found was too bland. I have so far one wedding favor: Japanese botan rice candy (we're taking these out of the box) filled in glassine bags (EBAY.com - buy the long bookmark style, sealed shut with origami paper and hanging them on cherry branches. The branches are placed in a large white ceramic vase and placed on a bamboo runner. Guestbook is a large asian brocade journal. We're also making special kits for the kids - colored pencil chopsticks (found these in NY - pearlriver), mini coloring books and an assortment of japanese candy. Centerpieces are curled bamboo in a glass vase, which the guests will be able to take home afterwards. Bridesmaids will be carrying paper parasols in fuschia. I want to give out more favors to show appreciation. Does anyone have any ideas? Thanks!

Reply to Tammy: If you're worried about making a faux pas with chopsticks, just remember these two important rules... Don't stick them point-down into food, and don't pass food from chopsticks to chopsticks. Both of these actions are traditionally used i