Much attention is paid to the food, flowers, and music at a wedding. But wedding lights can add as much — or perhaps even more — visual interest to your ceremony and reception. Whether trying to create drama on a budget or increase safety, wedding lighting is a great place to start.
This guide covers key wedding lighting topics, including:
The impact of lighting on wedding ambiance
Popular wedding lighting options for every venue
How to use lighting to define key wedding moments
Tips for using outdoor wedding lights effectively
Working with a lighting expert to execute your vision
Read on for more wedding lighting tips.
Create the Perfect Mood — Book Wedding Lighting With Modern Moments Today!
Shine a light on your big day with lighting that complements your chosen wedding theme. Modern Moments offers professional planning services to help you integrate lighting into the rest of your setup and decor.
Let us provide complimentary tables, chairs, and other modern amenities so you can concentrate on the details you care about most. Our goal is to help you plan a ceremony and reception that’s every bit as unique and memorable as you are.
The Impact of Lighting on Wedding Ambiance
Wedding lighting can be utilitarian, brightening up your venue so everyone can see dress details and catering menus. But it’s also a way to set the tone and evoke emotion. From soft and romantic glows to bright and colorful strobes, your chosen lighting can dramatically shape the wedding experience.
With strategic wedding lighting, you can:
Spotlight key decor elements and underscore your color scheme.
Create vignettes perfect for candid and professional photos.
Guide guests’ attention to certain areas, events, or signage.
Popular Wedding Lighting Options for Every Venue
Mixing and matching your wedding lights can create a layered feel that’s polished and unique. But before you can layer lighting, you need to understand your options:
String lights: So-called “fairy lights” add a whimsical, cozy glow to a wedding arch, tent, or trees.
Uplighting: Shine a soft beam against a wall or architectural detail to highlight and augment decor.
Chandeliers: Hang rented chandeliers for a splash of elegance and romance.
Pin-spot lighting: Focused spotlights can highlight specific elements, such as your wedding cake or sweetheart table.
LED dance floor lighting: Shake up your wedding reception with multicolored lighting that energizes the dance floor.
How to Use Lighting to Define Key Wedding Moments
Wedding lighting can also be used as a storytelling tool. Small adjustments can smooth transitions between sections of your reception, creating a vibe that matches whatever comes next.
Start with soft lighting to give your ceremony a more intimate feel.
Brighten and dim lights or try color washes to increase excitement for your first dance, relax guests in anticipation of dinner, or make it easier to see during speeches.
Rely on dramatic lighting to generate buzz during your big day and when it’s time for your send-off.
Ask about programmable lighting that shifts on schedule.
Tips for Using Outdoor Wedding Lights Effectively
Outdoor wedding lights can be impactful. Blend functionality and beauty with lighting setups that consider your surroundings and guest safety.
Incorporate pathway lighting to make trails easier to navigate.
Drape string lights across open-air seating areas for a soft and dreamy glow.
Point uplighting at trees and other features to integrate those details into your decor.
Light your tent with chandeliers and other focal lighting for alfresco elegance.
Opt for battery- or generator-powered lighting to prevent outages.
Working With a Lighting Expert to Execute Your Vision
Pinterest boards are a beautiful place to start planning your wedding lighting. However, a professional lighting partner can help bring those pins to life while keeping an eye on logistics.
A lighting pro can:
Recommend layouts based on your wedding venue’s schematics
Coordinate setup, timing, and transitions while you enjoy your big day
Work with your Modern Moments planner to ensure the lighting complements your other details, including rentals and decor
Make Your Wedding Shine With Modern Moments Lighting Design!
From charming and versatile spaces to convenient guest parking, Modern Moments offers the perfect foundation for your ideal wedding. Use our planning services to see how custom decor, including strategic lighting, can bring that extra-special touch to your big day. Reach out to our team today to see how a little creativity and foresight can generate unbelievable results.