Winter is filled with gorgeous lights. Lights line the streets, rooftops, and truly makes the Christmas season bright. Selecting lights is not only an important process when decorating your home for the holidays, but it plays an important role in your wedding. Wedding lighting serves a dual purpose. Not only is it functional – we mean lights are necessary to see – but they create a stylish ambience to your wedding day. Choosing the correct lighting is important, because it sets the mood for your ceremony and reception as well as highlighting all of the individual decor touches you have selected. Today, we’re going to explore the different aspects of lighting. You may not know where to begin or what direction to go in. Let us help you find your way to the light.
01#: All about Lights
There are so many different ways to add lights to your wedding day. There are definitely different terms and aspects to selecting the right light for each portion of your day. So, let’s talk about some terminology.
LED Lights: LED lights are becoming more popular. This is a cost effective type of light that will last the whole night. A lot of the lights we see now are LED lights, including fairy lights and even some traditional bulb lights. They offer a brighter light than traditional warm bulbs.
Pendant: A pendant light can come in all different types. These are typically hung from the ceiling and can be used to provide different backdrops.
Spotlight: A spotlight can often be used to highlight one particular moment, such as your first dance, or ceremony space.
Uplighting: Uplighting is one of the more traditional forms of adding lighting to your wedding. Many couples choose to feature uplighting at their reception to add dimension. These are lights that point up and can be shone in a variety of colors. Often, our couples choose uplighting that features colors from their color scheme.
Gobo Lighting: This lighting is a custom lighting that can feature a design or detail. We’ve had couples in the past use this lighting to display their married monogram, or a detail that was featured throughout their theme, or wedding invites.
String Lights: String lights are just as it sounds. A string of lights that can often be LED lights, fairy lights etc, italian light bulbs, bistro lighting etc. These are popular in outdoor weddings or rustic venue spaces.
Candle Light: This is one of the most popular forms of lighting that can be cost effective. Candles can be used in hurricane vases, as a taper, or featured in a centerpiece. We’ve used candles to line the aisles of a ceremony space or create a warm and inviting table centerpiece.
02#: Lights & Budgeting
There are definitely more affordable lighting options compared to others. Some of the more expensive lighting techniques are uplighting, gobo lighting, and pendants. Candles can be costly, depending on where you purchase them from. If you chose to use lighting in your budget as the main form of decor, or just to highlight portions of your night, be sure to create a budget just for lighting. Talk to your vendors and see who can provide lighting. Sometimes, your DJ or entertainment will provide uplighting or spotlights in particular packages. Your wedding planner or coordinator will be able to point you in the right direction of how and who to tackle lighting with. As you plan this portion of your budget, be sure to interview a few vendors, ask for quotes, and be sure to ask if delivery and set-up is included.
03#: The Bottom Line
If you choose to light up your ceremony or reception, there are a few questions that need to guide your decision making process. Not only will you need to think about these questions with your partner, but you will need to ask your venue and/or vendors, too.
Does your wedding venue (ceremony and reception) allow lighting?
If adding lighting is a must have for your wedding ceremony and reception, before you sign on the dotted line, you need to have a discussion with the venue. Many venues have rules and regulations regarding lighting. The most common rule you will see is no open flame. You’ll need to ask if enclosed flame will work (such as using a vase or glass) or if only flameless candles are allowed.
What will lighting look like at specific times of day?
Lighting is specific. Lights can look different at different times of day. As you select what lighting you want to use, you need to think how it will look in your particular venue at the time of your event. For example, you may not want to use candles if you are planning a morning wedding. Or if you plan on using candles only for light, you want to ensure that it will provide enough light for your guests at your reception. We highly recommend visiting your venue at the planned time of your wedding to ensure the lighting you selected is sufficient.
Where are the outlets?
Be sure to scout out all of your outlets or design a plan - especially if you’re hosting an outdoor wedding. The last thing you want to be doing on the day of your wedding, is finding all of the outlets to run your lights or learning that the power needed cannot be accommodated by the venue. You may even need to bring your vendor that is providing the light to complete a walk through at the venue. This will allow these individuals to create a plan to execute your vision.
There are so many different options for lighting. Whether you want to add a little lighting to your ceremony or backdrop for the reception, it is a fun way to add color and warmth to your space. Don’t be afraid to light up a room, sky, or venue with a variety of lighting options. And the best part about lighting, is it is for every type of event. As you plan the lighting for your wedding, be sure to run through your timeline of events and decide what kind of lighting and when you will need it. Create a checklist to help ensure that each part of the day and wedding has the lighting that you need. So, start searching for inspiration and add some light to your wedding day! It is the perfect way to really make your wedding shine.
Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 18 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.