Despite their previous popularity and continued legality, lanterns have fallen out of favour in the UK. To put it simply, attitudes are changing towards a product which can create a potential fire risk for miles downwind and which will leave a dustbin sized bag to slowly degrade somewhere.
In some respects this is a shame since these are the ultimate low noise sky effect and are incredibly beautiful to watch. They can create a very poignant effect when used for remembrance events such as the anniversary of a loved one.
If you do use these it’s important to try your best to do so safely. Each lantern should have comprehensive instructions on the side of the packet. A good tip for launching these safely is to use a quality firework lighter to get the wick going strongly (see Lighting Fireworks by Hand) and not to let go of the lantern until it is full of hot air and raring to go. This can take a few minutes and helps avoid the lantern dragging along the ground.
If you’re wanting to mark an occasion with something quiet, have you considered using quiet fireworks instead? A large number of fountains are quiet in operation and very pretty. Or how about sparklers? In fact we have a whole article devoted to quiet fireworks so please have a read.