How to Use Paper Starlights at Weddings & Events
Paper Starlights are trusted by wedding planners, event stylists, and venues worldwide.
Why? Because they’re lightweight, reusable, and effortlessly magical.
Setup Is Simple and Scalable
Whether you're styling a single canopy or transforming an entire venue, Paper Starlights are made to help you scale beauty with ease. They're lightweight, flat packed for transport, and designed to unfold into show stopping installations within minutes.
From intimate garden weddings to large-scale receptions, planners love them because they require minimal tools and deliver maximum impact.
You’ll Need either:
- 3–5W LED bulbs on pendants
- Long-drop festoon with bulbs
- Sets of fairy lights
And depending on desired look. String, clear hooks, or lightweight rigging
Set Up in 3 Steps:
- Unfold the star and tie securely, using the instructions.
- Insert your light into the star.
- Hang or suspend from beams, trees, ceilings, or pergolas
Pro Styling Tip:
For immersive atmospheres, we recommend grouping stars in odd-numbered clusters (e.g., 3, 5, or 7) and varying the drop heights to add dimensionality. This works especially well for ceremony backdrops, reception entrances, or over head tables.
How to Unfold Your Star
1. Your Stars Arrive Flat
To open your star shaped lantern, hold the star flat, place one hand inside one of the outermost points and gently ease the point of the star outwards.
2. Open Out Each Point
With the remaining points of the star repeat this action. Ensure that each point is opened out before continuing on to the next.
3. Tie Together
Using the two pieces of cord, gently bring the two outermost points together, place over light fitting & tie cords. Avoid direct contact with the light source.
Where & How to Style Paper Starlights for Events
Paper Starlights adapt beautifully to any venue style: rustic barns, elegant ballrooms, outdoor gardens, boho marquees. Whether you're designing a single focal point or a full-scale canopy installation, they offer magical light, dramatic volume, and ease of use.
Here’s how planners are styling our stars:
Ceremony Backdrops
Create a soft and ethereal atmosphere by suspending Paper Starlights above the ceremony aisle, altar, or arch. The stars create a visual “halo” effect that draws all eyes to the moment of vows, day or night.
- Combine with fabric draping or florals for texture
- Vary drop lengths for visual rhythm
- Works beautifully in barns, chapels, or outdoor spaces
Ceiling Canopies & Installations
Turn a blank ceiling into a starlit sky. Group Paper Starlights in clusters to form canopies over reception areas, dining spaces, or dance floors. This adds warmth, scale, and wow-factor without permanent fixtures.
- Use tension wire, string, or festoon lighting for structure
- Works best in odd-numbered groupings (3, 5, 7...)
- Layer stars at different heights for depth
Outdoor Displays & Garden Installations
Hang stars from trees, pergolas, or gazebos to create magical outdoor scenes. Especially effective for early evening, sunset ceremonies, and al fresco dining.
- Use long drop festoon, power banks or battery operated fairy lights for socket-free lighting
- Secure stars to avoid wind movement
- Cluster around focal areas (e.g., bar, dance floor)
Tablescapes & Banquet Rows
Suspend stars over banquet tables or stand on a table to add ambient, low-hanging light. This elevates the entire tablescape while maintaining eye-level intimacy.
- Choose smaller stars (42–60cm) for low-hangs
- Use white or neutral-toned stars for elegance
- Mix with taper candles and foliage runners
Choose the Right Lighting Setup for Your Event
Lighting your Paper Starlights is beautifully flexible. Whether you're working in a remote outdoor location, a fully-wired venue, or somewhere in between.
There's a variety of low-heat, LED-safe lighting solutions that adapt to your setup, style, and power access.
Pro Tips for Event Lighting Success
✅ Test your full setup the day before the event
✅ Bring extra lights or spare bulbs for quick swaps
✅ Hide cables in florals, draping, or string light runs for a seamless effect
Paper Starlights have been tested up to 40 watts. We recommend using low-wattage LED bulbs (max 5W).
USB LED Lighting Kit
Power with a power bank via the USB connection.
Great for: Outdoor setups, socket-free areas, tree-hangs
Long-Drop Festoon Cable
Powered by mains. Connects multiple stars from a single point
Great for: Ceiling canopies, large-scale installs
Venues with pre-installed cabling
Ideal if you already have cable systems in place that has a long enough drop to tie a star round.
Lighting Safety Standards
✅ Always use low-heat LED bulbs. Paper Starlights are British standard tested
✅ Avoid overloading sockets — especially when using long-drop festoon cables or multi-star installs
✅ Keep lighting cables away from walkways and secure to rigging, poles, or draped fabric
Outdoor Considerations
- Only use Paper Starlights outdoors in dry weather
- Anchor stars securely if suspended from trees, pergolas, or structures — unexpected wind is the most common risk
- Do not leave stars exposed overnight outdoors unless you’re 100% confident in the forecast and anchoring
- For alfresco events, cluster stars in lower-wind zones or position them as static focal decor (e.g. above bar carts or cake tables).
Beautiful by Design. Sustainable by Nature.
In a world of single-use event décor, Paper Starlights offer a meaningful, low-waste alternative, without compromising on style, atmosphere, or ease.
Crafted by artisans from responsibly sourced paper, every star is made to last, store, and shine again.
Whether you're styling multiple events for a single client or designing installations across a full season, our lanterns support both creative freedom and conscious decision-making.
Flat-Pack Storage
After the event, untie and fold down the star into its original flat shape. Easy to store, transport, or ship
Designed to Last
Designed to retain structure and integrity after multiple uses when handled with care.
A Sustainable Choice
Reduces event waste & offers a beautiful alternative to single-use décor.
After the Event: How to Store Your Stars
Keeping your stars in top shape is simple:
- Untie the drawstring and gently fold the star flat
- Place in the original packaging or a dry, breathable envelope
- Store away from damp, heat, or direct sunlight
- Re-label or tag for easy retrieval between clients/seasons
Bulk Orders & Reuse Across Clients
If you’re:
- A wedding or event planner managing 5+ clients a season
- A venue coordinator looking to invest in your own styling kit
- A stylist curating reusable pieces for editorial setups
…we can help you build a custom bulk order or reusable star collection.
Trade & Planner Support
We love partnering with thoughtful, style-led professionals.
If you're ready to reuse, restock, or start building your styling collection
FAQs
Can I use Paper Starlights outdoors?
Yes with care.
Our stars can absolutely be used outdoors, but they must be protected from wet weather and wind. They’re made of durable, responsibly sourced paper but like all paper decor, they’re not waterproof. For best results:
- Hang in (e.g., pergolas, tents, gazebos)
- Avoid exposure to rain or damp evenings
- Anchor stars securely in case of gusts or drafts
If in doubt, bring them indoors overnight to preserve quality for reuse.
What lighting do I need for outdoor setups or trees?
For dramatic, large-scale event styling, especially in venues with mains access, Long Drop Festoon Cables are the perfect choice. These allow you to hang stars at staggered heights, creating immersive, floating canopies of light.
- Ideal for ceilings, marquees, tipis, and sailcloth tents
- Designed for use with low-wattage LED bulbs only
- Provides strong overhead coverage with beautiful visual rhythm
- Connects multiple stars from a single mains plug point
- Works best when grouped in clusters (3–5 stars per drop) and spaced across central event areas like dance floors, dining rows, or ceremony aisles.
Do you offer trade or bulk pricing for planners and venues?
If you’re a wedding planner, event designer, or venue coordinator looking to source in quantity, we offer tailored pricing and product support. Bulk orders allow you to build a reusable styling kit for multiple events.
Minimum order thresholds apply. Mix-and-match available by colour or size
Can I reuse the stars after the event?
Absolutely.
Our stars are designed to be gently folded down and stored flat for future use. With care, many planners reuse their stars across multiple events, seasons, and venues.
- Untie and fold carefully after the event
- Store in dry, breathable packaging
- Label by colour or event for easy organisation
Are the stars fire-safe or certified for indoor venues?
Yes with proper LED lighting, they’re safe for indoor use. We recommend using a low-heat of 3–5.5 watt LED bulb inside each star. However, our stars are British Standard Tested up to 40 watts and comply with BS EN IEC 60598-1:2021.
If your venue requires documentation or clarification, we’re happy to assist.
Light Up Your Next Event with Meaningful Magic
Whether you’re styling a romantic ceremony, an epic celebration, or an intimate soirée, our stars are ready to shine.