Saturday, May 31, 2008

Las Vegas Western Theme Weddings (Lanterns Oil)


If you have always been into cowboys and horses, maybe a western theme wedding and reception is right for you. And for such a wedding, no place is better than Las Vegas. How do you set yours up so you do not need to hire a wedding planner? Here are ideas to help get you started.

Overall design. Most western theme venues in Las Vegas come complete with swinging saloon doors. You will also find wagon wheels around the room. They likewise provide catering services, and the staff is dressed in old west outfits. Enhance his look by adding personal effects, such as "wanted" posters with a picture of you and your spouse-to-be. Ask the venue manager if you can add props such as bales of straw at the reception hall to achieve a "barn" effect. If you have more time and a larger budget, why not add mock signage for a saloon, a general store, a western bank, a pony express office, and a jail?

Food. Most Las Vegas western-style reception venues serve good ol' ribs, steaks, and fried chicken. Ask them to serve side orders such as macaroni and cheese, baked beans, corn and carrots, etc. If you don't want a traditional wedding cake, why not serve pies instead?

Flowers. After the venue, the next thing you should decide on is flowers. Go for either bluebonnets (the flower of the State of Texas) or sego lilies (Utah). Dominant colors should be yellow orange, and red combined. Blues and greens are also common Western colors.

A cowboy hat can serve as the base for your centerpiece flowers. You can also use cowboy boots as vases! If your budget is limited, then use cheaper potted cacti instead. Lanterns or oil lamps could work, too.

Music. A player-piano would be great. Rent one complete with music scrolls. You can also hire a western singer (in a western get up). If you can stretch the budget, why not hire a square dance caller? Your guests will surely have fun dancing!

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Friday, May 30, 2008

Lanterns Oil-Shedding Some Light on Lantern History

Early lanterns were not decorative at all, but rather utilitarian only. They were primarily square shaped and their designs very plain. The only reason for their existence was to shield the flame of the candle from extinguishing due to wind or breeze. Most early lanterns were rudimentarily designed, and made from sheet iron or tinplate. These were cheap metals and it was rare to find any lanterns made from anything more costly. During the American Revolution, fore example, the more expensive pewter and brass needed to be kept for the forging of guns and molded into ammunition. To use these high-end metals for lanterns was considered a waste.