{"id":92581,"date":"2022-11-25T14:00:25","date_gmt":"2022-11-25T14:00:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/whimsicalwonderlandweddings.com\/?p=92581"},"modified":"2024-10-03T10:44:53","modified_gmt":"2024-10-03T09:44:53","slug":"wedding-lighting-ideas-advice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wedissimo.com\/blog\/wedding-lighting-ideas-advice\/","title":{"rendered":"43 Wedding Lighting Ideas To Create A Magical Atmosphere"},"content":{"rendered":"

Wedding lighting<\/strong> is such a perfect way to bring a magical atmosphere to a wedding. But let’s not forget, it’s a practical addition too. After all, we all want to be able to see the gorgeous spaces and each other at a wedding.<\/p>\n

However, there are so many options it can get overwhelming. This is why I am here to the rescue with 43 enchanting wedding lighting ideas<\/strong>. From outdoor fairy lights to indoor festoon lighting and candlelight, I have you covered.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Kazooieloki Photography<\/a> via Pampas Grass Barn Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

Magical Wedding Lighting Ideas<\/h2>\n

Before we look at the practical side of things, let’s take a look at all the gorgeous wedding light inspiration, shall we?<\/p>\n

1. Barn Festoons & Fairy Lights<\/h3>\n

Mix fairy lights with festoon lights for a gorgeous mismatched style.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Camilla Andrea Photography<\/a> via Whimsical Boho Wedding<\/a> Lighting: Dream Wave Lighting<\/p>\n

2. Hanging Table Tea Lights<\/h3>\n

Bring your top table wedding decoration<\/a> to the next level with suspended tea lights. These are so perfect for creating cosy atmosphere at winter weddings<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Georgi Mabee<\/a> via Botanical Tipi Wedding<\/a> Styling: Sage and Belle Styling<\/a><\/p>\n

3. Outdoor Seating Area Lighting<\/h3>\n

Create a cosy nook outdoors for guests with lots of gorgeous string lights and candles.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Emily Tyler Photography<\/a> via Upthorpe Wood Wedding<\/a> Props: Array Wedding and Event Hire <\/a><\/p>\n

4. Candlesticks<\/h3>\n

Long tables will really suit a display of beautiful tall candles along the middle.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Olivia Yuen Photo<\/a> via New Orleans Micro Wedding<\/a> Planner: Becca Kelly<\/a><\/p>\n

5. Light Tunnel<\/h3>\n

For a wow-factor style, create a fairy light tunnel. Place your wedding table beneath for a magical dinner.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Dani Louise Photography via Midsummer Night\u2019s Dream Wedding<\/a> Lighting: Love Lights The Way<\/a><\/p>\n

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6. White Fairy Lights<\/h3>\n
Mimic a frosty vibe with bright white fairy lights which will twinkle perfectly.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\"Wedding Photo: The Gibsons<\/a> via Magical Snowy Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

7. Greenery Hoops & Fairy Lights Indoors<\/h3>\n

Combine both greenery hoops with fairy lights for a real show-stopper ceiling display.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Hannah McClune<\/a> via Stoke Place Wedding<\/a> Lighting: Red Cat Lighting<\/a><\/p>\n

8. Floor Candles<\/h3>\n

Add candles to the floor of your tables. Just be careful about fire safety with this one!<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Frame Of Love<\/a> via Natural Wedding Ideas<\/a> Styling: Elisae Giulia<\/a><\/p>\n

9. Drapes & Fairy Light Canopy<\/h3>\n

Cocoon guests with a fairy light canopy teamed with soft dreamy drapes.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Siobhan Beales Photography<\/a> via Wick Farm Bath Wedding<\/a> Lighting: Light Fantastic UK<\/a><\/p>\n

10. Floating Candle Centrepiece<\/h3>\n

Add floating candles to your centrepiece which can be lit when it gets dark.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Danielle Leslie Photography<\/a> via Netherdale House Wedding<\/a> Decor: Without A Hitch <\/a><\/p>\n

11. Sparklers<\/h3>\n

Light can be added to your photos with sparklers. The ideal send off photo shot come evening.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Olivia Yuen Photo<\/a> via New Orleans Micro Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

12. Aisle Lighting<\/h3>\n

Light your wedding aisle from above with strings of simple lights.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Danielle Smith Photography<\/a> via Ruscus Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

13. Ceremony Aisle Floor Lights<\/h3>\n

Light up your aisle walk with pretty string lights on the floor.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Dani Louise Photography via Midsummer Night\u2019s Dream Wedding<\/a> Lighting: Love Lights The Way<\/a><\/p>\n

14. Ceremony Candles<\/h3>\n

Bring warmth and cosiness to your ceremony with twinkling tea lights hung from above.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Kerry Diamond Photography via Enchanting Woodland Boho Wedding<\/a> Lighting: Hipswing<\/a><\/p>\n

15. Moon Neon Light<\/h3>\n

Decorate props such as this boho wire moon with lights and a neon sign.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Kazooieloki Photography<\/a> via Pampas Grass Barn Wedding<\/a> Decor: Born Boho<\/a><\/p>\n

16. Edison Light Bulbs<\/h3>\n

Edison light bulbs have a fantastic industrial feel. These lights are suited to focus areas like this top table.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Thyme Lane Photography<\/a> via Funfair Festival Wedding<\/a> Tipi\/Lighting: Magical Events LTD<\/a><\/p>\n

17. Windowsill Lights<\/h3>\n

Find nooks such as windowsills where you can add soft candlelight.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Martin Venherm Photography<\/a> via Falside Mill Wedding<\/a> Styling & Props: Fifty Six Events<\/a><\/p>\n

18. Letter Lights<\/h3>\n

Spell it out with letter lights. From your initials to a personal word, have fun with this lighting backdrop.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Firewood Film<\/a> via Fun Colourful Barn Wedding<\/a> Lighting: Love Lights The Way <\/a><\/p>\n

19. Pea Light Wall<\/h3>\n

Create a focal point in your venue space with a pea light wall. So dramatic and beautiful!<\/p>\n

\"WeddingPhoto: Margarita Hope Photography<\/a> via Eden Barn Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

20. Wicker Lampshades & Fairy Lights<\/h3>\n

Combine boho wicker lamps with delicate fairy lights.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: M.Studios<\/a> via Blithewold Mansion Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

21. Fairy Light Curtain<\/h3>\n

Fairy light curtains can really soften a venue space and make it feel ever so romantic.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Thyme Lane Photography<\/a> via Milton Keynes Wedding<\/a> Decor: McGees <\/a><\/p>\n

22. Suspended Light Swing<\/h3>\n

If you are planning a suspended flower arrangement, add lights for a show-stopping evening display.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Janine Kirkwood Photography<\/a> via Family Farm Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

23. Fairy Light Sign<\/h3>\n

Ensure your guests spot your table plan<\/a> or sign in the dark by lighting it with fairy lights.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Hayley Baxter Photography<\/a> via Industrial Mill Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

24. Fairy Lights & Candles<\/h3>\n

For flickering light, candles are ideal on tables, then add fairy lights above for more practical light.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Sharron Gibson<\/a> via Barn Wedding Lights<\/a> Lighting: Something Borrowed Event Hire<\/a><\/p>\n

25. Outdoor Festoon Lights<\/h3>\n

Ensure your outside wedding breakfast is lit accordingly as the light dims.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: L\u2019Ordine della Giarrettiera<\/a> via Villa Del Grumello Wedding<\/a> Decor: DAB Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

26. Ceiling Fairy Lights<\/h3>\n

This web-like net of fairy lights really looks spectacular on the barn ceiling. It must look magical from below too.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Thyme Lane Photography<\/a> via Cooling Castle Barn Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

27. Fairy Lit Bandstand<\/h3>\n

This bandstand was crying out for fairy lights. Twilight anyone?<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Leah Lombardi Weddings<\/a> via Inn On The Lake Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

28. Lights & Props<\/h3>\n

Bring personality to your wedding lights by adding fun props such as parasols.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Victoria Somerset-How Photography<\/a> via Hadsham Farm Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

29. Chandelier Lighting<\/h3>\n

Your venue may already have chandeliers, but if not, you can always add them!<\/p>\n

\"Lighting Photo: Taylor Parker Photography<\/a> via Whimsical Garden Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

30. Lights On Poles<\/h3>\n

If you’re hiring a marquee, tipi or tent, use the poles to wrap lights around.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Jonny Gouldstone Photography<\/a> via Country Festival Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

31. Lampshades<\/h3>\n

Use lampshades to bring light and a sense of home.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Thyme Lane Photography<\/a> via Christmas Marquee Wedding<\/a> Stylist: Starry Eyed Weddings<\/a><\/p>\n

32. String Lights<\/h3>\n

Simple single strings of fairy lights can look wonderful.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: The Shannons<\/a> via St Paul’s Cathedral Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

33. Origami & Festoon Lights<\/h3>\n

Team your festoon strings with origami paper cranes.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Janice Yi Photography<\/a> via Origami Marquee Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

34. Wooden Ladder Candles<\/h3>\n

If you are having wooden ladder decor<\/a>, don’t forget to light it up too.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Kirsty Mackenzie Photography<\/a> via Autumn Outdoorsy Woodland Wedding Ideas<\/a> Styling & Props: Sarah Damidot<\/p>\n

35. Lantern Lights<\/h3>\n

Light-up lanterns look so pretty and can match any wedding colour scheme<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Jonathan Ryder<\/a> via Light Pink Country House Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

36. Firepit<\/h3>\n

Have a firepit to bring light and heat to your evening outdoors.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Novella Photography<\/a> via Back Garden Wedding Vermont<\/a><\/p>\n

37. Micro Wire Lights<\/h3>\n

Micro wire lights are ideal for centrepieces to bring a delicate touch.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Ilaria Petrucci Photography<\/a> via Scenic Tuscany Destination Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

38. Disco Ball<\/h3>\n

A disco ball<\/a> will throw light around your dance floor perfectly.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Andrew Brannan Photography via Church Farm Wedding<\/a> Lights: Light Fantastic<\/a><\/p>\n

39. External Tent Lighting<\/h3>\n

Add lighting to the outside of your wedding tent to make it glow as the sun sets.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Esme Fletcher Photography<\/a> via Late Summer Marquee Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

40. Festoon Light Outdoor Aisle<\/h3>\n

Use festoon lights outdoors to create a walkway or aisle.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Olivia and Dan Photography<\/a> via Outdoor Wedding UK<\/a><\/p>\n

41. Fairy Light Clusters<\/h3>\n

Bundle together fairy lights for a focal point on the ceiling.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photos: Charly Richards Photography via Vintage Glamour Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

42. Neon Light Backdrop<\/h3>\n

Use neon lights as a backdrop to your cake table or your top table.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Holly Collings Photography<\/a><\/span> via Greek English Fusion Wedding<\/a> Neon Sign: Rustic Love<\/a><\/p>\n

43. Fireworks<\/h3>\n

Light up the night sky as you end your celebrations with a spectacular firework display.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Grace Elizabeth<\/a> via Weekend Glamping Wedding<\/a> Fireworks: Vulcan Fireworks<\/a><\/p>\n

Wedding Lighting Top Tips<\/h2>\n

Now we’ve dived into all the pretty lighting ideas<\/strong>, how about thinking about the practicalities?<\/p>\n

Venue Logistics<\/h3>\n

Some wedding venues may provide lighting already in their spaces, while others may be more of a blank canvas. If your venue doesn’t have lighting, speak to them about what they do or don’t allow lighting-wise. Some venues can’t have real lit candles for example, while others may not be able to hang lights where you envision them.<\/p>\n

So before you set your heart on your lighting concept, ask your venue what the constraints are<\/strong> and where you can have them. You will need to consider power points, whether your lighting is weather-proof and where wires will be safe.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Bridgwood Wedding Photography<\/a> via Humanist Pool Wedding<\/a> Lighting: Cinemattag Productions<\/a><\/p>\n

Where To Put Lighting<\/h3>\n

Do a venue recce and look around for places where you may actually need additional lighting<\/strong>. Dark spaces or perhaps existing lighting which is too stark and artificial just isn’t going to create the vibe you are looking for. Note down these areas before thinking about lighting solutions.<\/p>\n

It may sound obvious, but it may be worth looking at your venue in light and<\/em> dark conditions. Come evening wedding lighting<\/strong> comes into its own, so it’s worth scouting out your spaces.<\/p>\n

If your venue hosts a fair few weddings, look at images from past weddings. You can see what has been possible and what will work in the space you are working with. It may just spark a new idea for your lighting too.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Rossella Putino Photographer<\/a> via Milan Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

If your wedding photographer and wedding filmmaker don’t mind, try asking them for their opinion on lighting. They are experts in photography lighting and may have a suggestion on how to improve conditions, especially for your wedding photos<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Consider highlighting areas you wish to draw your guests towards. For instance, your guest book<\/a>, cake table or sweetie bar can be lit to make them stand out. Your wedding centrepieces<\/a> are a good place to be enhanced with thoughtful lighting.<\/p>\n

Aside from focused lighting, there is the option for venue-wide lights. For example, the ceiling, the walls, your aisle or outdoor spaces can look gorgeous with extra lights.<\/p>\n

Consult your wedding lighting provider if you are hiring your wedding decor. They are the experts and will be there to guide you through the whole process as well as advise on best placement and practice.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Hayley Baxter Photography<\/a> via Sperry Tent Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

Lighting Options<\/h3>\n

There are so many lighting options, which you are going to get to see many of in situ below. Here are some of the different lighting types<\/strong> you can think about:<\/p>\n