Weddings are full of fun and enjoyment from start to finish, but decorating can often get overwhelming. As you may know, lighting is one of the hottest ideas for weddings and more and more couples are incorporating it to add a romantic touch to the big day and set the mood for their guests.
Below are tips for your wedding and reception lighting:
Incorporating Lighting Into Your Wedding Theme
When considering lights as part of the reception decor, keep in mind the overall theme and feel of your wedding. A series of small twinkle lights and tiny votives can be lovely lighting to offset a romantic wedding, while the decor of a bold black and white wedding may benefit from a dramatic lighted cake backdrop or select lighted areas.
Where To Put The Lights
The layout of your wedding site can determine where your going to put your lighting. You may want to consider visiting the site during the time of the event to get a better feel for your lighting needs.
Indoor Wedding Lighting Ideas
- Used dimmed overhead lights for a romantic, intimate feel.
- Use lighted centerpieces or lighted vases to add a splash to dinner tables.
- Accent walkways or entrances with lighted trees.
- Consider unique types of lighting, such as globes.
- Use icicle or strand lighting in certain areas for a dramatic yet romantic effect.
- Use mini lights to decorate screens, lattices, or around fountains.
- Wrap columns or pillars in lights to dress them up.
- String lights across a portion of the ceiling for an ethereal feel.
- Use flattering lighting in a special photo area for guests.
Outdoor Weddings Lighting Ideas
- Decorate shrubs and large plants with net lighting.
- Set off walkways with rope lighting.
- Use unique paper lanterns to create a special glow.
- Use umbrella lights from specialty lighting companies for a whimsical touch.
- Use holographic trees or other wedding light art for an incredibly unique decoration.
Choose The Right Lights
String lights of all types and sizes can make any decorating style look more beautiful and welcoming. From party lights to fairy lights to mini lights, there are some wonderful ways that you can light up your wedding and reception area.
Colored Lighting: Colored lighting can add new and interesting dimensions to the reception. If an overhead lighting system allows, color wash lighting can change throughout the evening to signify different activities, such as warm, vibrant hues during cocktail hour and seating, a soft romantic color for dinner, and a mix of colors for dancing. Colored lighting can also be use in standing lighting or lamps to accent walkways, areas such as the guest and gift table, or just to create spaces within the reception area where guests can mingle and talk.
Spotlighting: Pin spot or spotlighting can draw attention to specific areas or objects. The wedding cake is often a great source for spotlighting so the design can be admired. Lighting may also be focused on the head table during dinner when speeches are given by the wedding party.
Stencil or Textured Lighting: For couples who want lighting that truly adds a personalized motif, gobos (special stencils that can be placed over lighting) can create a specific spot of light with a monogram, wedding dates, wedding motifs, or used to incorporate specific themes. These add a unique and playful touch to any wedding, and are ideal for wedding reception with whimsical theme. Lighting specialists may have various options available for stencil or textured lighting.
LED Lights: LED lights are available for a wide variety of accents, from faux tea lite candles to buffet lamps to floating lights. These emit less heat than standard bulbs and their unique construction makes them a great option for many different types of lighting.
Choose The Right Company
We Hang Christmas Lights is a full service lighting company with professionally trained lighting installers to make your wedding beautiful. With the right combination of uplights, dance lights, and carefully placed pin spot lights, any venue can be transformed into the perfect place to host the event of a lifetime.
Wedding and reception lighting is a detail that is often overlooked, but can be one of the most important pieces to tie your entire event together.
Get Started With Your Free Wedding & Reception Lighting Estimate