Lighting a wedding reception isn’t just about brightening the space – it’s about setting the mood and making sure your special day shines in all the right ways. Soft, golden hues cast a romantic glow over your first dance, twinkling lights create a starry backdrop bringing the outdoors in, and carefully placed spotlights highlight your gorgeous centrepieces. Here are some dazzling ideas to light up your wedding reception and create memories that will sparkle for a lifetime.
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Why Consider Lighting For a Wedding
The perfect lighting for your wedding is intimately tied to your chosen venue. While some locations may already boast elegant chandeliers, sophisticated wall sconces, or atmospheric uplights, adding your personal touch through custom lighting is key to creating a truly unique ambience.
Your venue provides the canvas, but your choice of additional wedding lighting allows you to paint the mood. By carefully selecting and incorporating your own lighting elements, you’ll transform the space into a reflection of your personal style, ensuring your special day shines in a way that’s unmistakably ‘you’. Which is surely what every couple wants for their big day, isn’t it?
5 Tips on How to Light a Wedding Reception
Your wedding reception is the grand finale of your perfect day, and the right wedding lighting can turn it into a truly magical experience. Think of lighting as the fairy godmother of your celebration – it has the power to transform any space into an enchanting wonderland. Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic, candlelit affair or a dazzling dance party that rivals Studio 54, the right illumination sets the stage for unforgettable moments.
1. Choose the Right Lighting for Your Venue
Every venue has its own unique character, and your lighting should complement and enhance its natural beauty. When wondering how to light a wedding reception, sttart by assessing your space – is it a rustic barn with high ceilings, a sleek urban loft, or a grand ballroom? Consider the existing light sources, architectural features, and the overall atmosphere you want to create.
Remember, good lighting doesn’t compete with your venue; it accentuates its best features and helps create the ambience you’ve always dreamed of for your special day.LED string lights can add a whimsical touch to an outdoor garden reception, while a paper lantern canopy might be perfect for a rustic indoor setting.
2. Incorporate Fairy Lights for a Romantic Atmosphere
The soft, warm glow of fairy lights adds depth and dimension to your venue while casting a flattering light on you and your guests. Fairy lights, also known as string lights or twinkle lights, are the most popular type of wedding lighting. These delicate strands of tiny bulbs can transform any space into a magical wonderland. Drape them across the ceiling to create a starry night effect, wrap them around trees for an enchanted forest vibe, or use them to frame your top table for an extra touch of romance. Best of all, they’re versatile enough to suit any wedding style, from rustic chic to modern elegance.
3. Focus on Lighting Key Areas
When it comes to wedding reception lighting, strategic placement is key. Think of your reception space as a stage, with certain areas deserving of the spotlight. Start with the top table – a soft wash of light or a gentle spotlight can make you and your new spouse the centre of attention. Consider using pin spot lighting to highlight centrepieces or floral arrangements, creating visual interest throughout the room.
Don’t forget the dance floor; dynamic party lighting here can energise your guests and keep the party going. Your cake table, buffet stations, and bar areas should also be well-lit for both practical and aesthetic reasons. By focusing on these key areas, you’ll guide your guests’ attention throughout the night and ensure that every important moment shines.
4. Use Candles and Lanterns for An Intimate Setting
Nothing quite captures the romance of a wedding like the soft, flickering glow of candlelight. Candles and lanterns add a touch of warmth that electric lighting simply can’t match. Scatter votives across tables for a subtle shimmer, or make an elegant statement with tall pillar candles in elegant holders.
For outdoor wedding receptions, hanging lanterns from trees and alongside pathways creates a magical, almost ethereal atmosphere. If open flames are a concern, consider flameless LED candles – they provide the same ambient glow without the fire hazard. Mix and match different sizes and styles of candles and lanterns to add depth and visual interest to your decor. This soft, natural light not only sets a romantic mood but also casts a flattering glow on you and your guests, ensuring everyone looks their best in the all-important photos.
5. Consider Hiring a Professional Lighting Company
Planning weddings can be stressful – choosing dresses, suits, venues, menus, seating plans – the list seems endless. Let lighting be one less thing to worry about by hiring a wedding lighting company to take care of your wedding lighting for you.
Our wealth of experience allows us to craft a lighting design that not only complements your venue but also brings your unique vision to life. What’s more, because our wedding lights are for hire, we’ll deliver, install and remove all lighting after the event, and our packages are surprisingly affordable. We understand that every couple’s story is different, and we’re passionate about using our expertise to create an ambience that’s as special as your love story. With Partylights, you’re not just getting amazing wedding lighting; you’re getting peace of mind and a wedding reception that truly shines.
How to Hang Lights for a Wedding Reception
Hanging lights for your wedding reception can transform your venue. Start by planning your layout, considering the venue’s architecture and your desired ambience. For fairy lights, use removable hooks or ties to secure them to walls and beams. Create romantic canopies by draping lights across the ceiling or between trees for outdoor events.
When hanging chandeliers or pendant lights, ensure they’re properly secured and at a safe height. Don’t forget to check your venue’s policies and electrical capacity before installation. Remember, layering different types of lighting at varying heights adds depth and interest to your space. With careful planning and execution, your wedding reception lighting can create a stunning, unforgettable atmosphere for your special day.
How Wedding Reception Lighting Helps Photography
Warm, soft wedding reception lighting creates a romantic atmosphere that translates beautifully in photos. The right lighting can flatter skin tone, reduce harsh shadows, and will be your wedding photographer’s best friend. Properly lit spaces allow photographers to capture candid moments without relying heavily on flash which can sometimes ‘wash out’ photographs and make them look flat. Different wedding reception lighting setups throughout the venue give photographers more options for unique shots. Fairy lights, candles, or disco balls can create magical effects in the background of photos to give your images a beautifully unique feel.
Conclusion
As you embark on the journey of planning your wedding reception lighting, remember that the right illumination can truly elevate your celebration from beautiful to breathtaking. Whether you’re draping fairy lights across a rustic barn, setting a romantic mood with candles, or creating a dazzling dance floor with dynamic spotlights, your lighting choices will set the stage for unforgettable moments.
If you want to speak to the friendly professionals here at Partylights for inspiration for a quote for your reception lighting, please just get in touch and we’ll be only too happy to assist. We look forward to helping you illuminate your special day!
