They say love is blind, but let’s hope that isn’t because of poor lighting at the wedding! 

The question has been popped, the date has been set, the venue and caterer have been booked, but what about the lighting?  

Wedding lighting may not be the most important item on the never-ending checklist of the bride, groom, or even venue owner, but the ambiance that is created by choosing the proper lighting could be the difference between the perfect and not-so-perfect day. Lighting impacts everything from the mood to the photography, and the options for lighting either inside or outside spaces are endless. 

Selecting the wedding lighting may not be in the cards for everyone; some venues may include lighting in the wedding package while others may not. It’s important to become familiar with the lighting, albeit natural or not, already in the venue to fully understand what to add or work around.  

Lighting with Strings Attached 

String lights are some of the most common lighting options in the wedding world. Sometimes referred to as twinkle lights or fairy lights, string lights can add glamour, romance, and sparkle to any wedding venue, inside or outside. String lights are an inexpensive lighting choice that provide versatility and customization.  

String lights can be used to add character to the space, whether you wrap them around a tree, drape them over a patio or hang them from the ceremony backdrop to cast a warm glow on the happy couple. They can also be used to highlight certain aspects of the wedding that the bride or groom feel are important. For example, you can intertwine them through the display on the buffet table if you would like to highlight the food, or you can hang them from the ceiling to enhance the designated area for dancing. You may also decide to illuminate the ceremony aisle using string lights along the floor.  

What is so charming about string lights is that you can get as creative as you want. 

Let’s look at several ways you can use them during your wedding: 

Ceremony 

• Attach to the ceremony backdrop 

• Lay on the floor along the ceremony aisle 

• Drape along the aisle 

• Wrap around columns 

Reception 

• Wrap around trees 

• Hang around a patio 

• Wrap around the rafters 

• String above reception tables or buffet tables 

• Hang over the dance floor 

• Highlight focal points, like the bar or the cake table 

• Lay along outdoor walkways 

• Drape around tables 

What type of string lights work best? 

Patio string lights are easily customizable. You choose the string color, like white, black, or green, and the string length. Then, you figure out what type of bulb you want, whether it be vintage bulbs for old-timey classic wedding vibes or globe bulbs to add just the right amount of glamour. The only stipulation to be aware of when selecting your bulb is to make sure that it’s within the strand’s wattage limitations. 

Incandescent mini light strings emit a warm glow and create the perfect ambient lighting for a wedding. They come with white wiring that blends into most settings. You can decide what length to buy but, unlike the patio string lights, you cannot customize the bulbs. A pro to choosing these mini light strings for your big day is that you can create longer runs if necessary; just ensure that your run does not exceed the maximum wattage or connection it can handle. In the case of a bulb going out, you can replace it using the spares that come with it. 

LED mini lights offer the same benefits as incandescent mini lights, but as the LED bulbs do not get as hot, these string lights can be used safely around fabric and other décor. If you use LED string lights, you’re confined to a white wire, but you can pick out which string light has the bulb you prefer, the spacing between bulbs, and the length of the wire you need. The bulbs cannot be replaced due to the way they are a single molded piece construction for the sake of outdoor use.  

Battery-operated lights are the perfect string lights to use if the venue does not have easy access to power outlets. Since they are not rated for outdoor use, if they are being used outside, they’ll need to be removed once the wedding concludes. 

Lighting Up the Drama 

Uplighting allows the wedding couple to add depth and drama (the good kind) to the wedding venue. Uplighting is a particularly favorable solution when hanging lights in the venue is difficult or not allowed. This type of lighting is an elegant accent that can be used to draw attention to certain aspects of the wedding, such as the champagne bar, architectural elements within the space, décor, and so much more. You may choose uplighting that illuminates the venue with the colors from your wedding palette. It’s important to select the right color; picking a warm glow will add a romantic flair but going too orange will not be flattering to guests and going too green could make food look unappetizing and people look sick.  

The good news is you can be as strategic as you want with uplighting. 

Let’s look at some ways to use it on your special day. 

Ceremony 

• Against the ceremony backdrop 

Reception 

• At the wine/champagne/liquor bar 

• Highlight points of interest and décor 

• Around unique architectural elements 

• Against a photo booth 

• Around a ballroom to add depth 

• Strategic points around the venue to reinforce the wedding’s color scheme 

Lighting that Will Not Burn Out 

LED pillar candles are a popular lighting choice at weddings. Whether sitting on reception tables or illuminating the aisle during the ceremony, these battery-operated, flameless candles are a simple and safe way to add another warm, romantic glow. 

Here are some wedding uses for LED pillar candles to which you can easily say “I do.” 

Ceremony 

• Along the ceremony aisle 

• In decorative lanterns 

• On stairs 

• At the entrances/exits 

Reception 

• On reception tables 

• On buffet/food tables 

• Along the walls around the venue space 

• In decorative lanterns 

Planning your big day can be overwhelming but selecting the lighting doesn’t have to be! Don’t go into your wedding day blind of the many lighting options available. If you need help from one of our lighting experts, you can call us at 1-800-624-4488 today!