Wedding lighting: 20 ideas to illuminate your wedding reception
Lighting is arguably the most important décor element at any wedding, setting the character and atmosphere of your celebration more than flowers, furniture or tableware. The lighting you choose, whether bistro-style festoon lights or dramatic chandeliers, will determine the vibe of your wedding and keep the party going long after the sun goes down.
"Lighting plays an essential role in enhancing your décor and your reception venue," explains Felicia Calonder from Be Lounge, a wedding lighting and rental service based in France. "Your choice of lights, as well as the arrangement of the lights, their color and their intensity, all contribute to the overall aesthetic and atmosphere of your event."
Luxury London wedding planner, Natalie Hewitt, agrees that the importance of good lighting shouldn't be overlooked: "Don't underestimate the power of lighting for your event," she says. "Whether that is pin spotting, uplighters, colored lights, disco balls, festoon: the ambience light can create sets the mood for your wedding as well as highlighting a focal point, or making a room feel larger or more intimate."
A great wedding planner will assist with lighting design by enlisting trusted vendors but it helps to get clued up on the different options for wedding lighting so you can make an informed decision. There are myriad choices in terms of lighting style (and candlelight to consider too), so let's look at some of the main options to choose from.
Garland lights
These enchanting strings of lights add a warm and inviting glow, creating a magical ambience for garden party weddings. The bistro festoon design, featuring a string of suspended bulbs, enhances any outdoor setting with a charming and timeless feel, while tiny festive string lights add an enchanting fairytale vibe. "In addition to the traditional zig-zag design, we can create different formations such as a light carousel, light corridor or starry sky, to give a truly fairytale ambience," explains Felicia Calonder from Be Lounge.
Wedding chandeliers
Chandeliers are the way to go if you want to create a luxurious, dramatic vibe for your wedding reception. From epic 3-meter Empire chandeliers and ornate Marie Therese chandeliers to smaller yet equally stunning French acorn chandeliers, there's nothing quite like the sparkle of crystal to bring a glamorous sense of occasion to your event. Wooden beaded chandeliers are having a big moment and are ideal for adding an elegant touch without the weight of a traditional chandelier.
Wedding pendant lights
Pendant lamps are perfect for giving your wedding reception an elevated look with a distinctive style. Whether it's minimal mid-century; modern rustic; contemporary classic, or anywhere in between, there's a pendant light to create whatever vibe you desire. There are limitless options to illuminate your wedding reception space with pendants, whether you want to make a style statement with your lighting and draw the eye upwards, or prefer a more subtle design to keep focus on the tables or the surrounding landscape.
Cordless table lamps
Cordless lamps open up a whole new realm of possibilities when arranging and directing light around your wedding reception. Placed on your dining tables, they bring a cosy and intimate vibe to dinner time, inviting guests to linger and relax late into the night. Cordless table lamps are also a great option for alfresco wedding receptions. Paired with pillar candles, garland lights strung over a pergola or even votives dotted across the tables, rechargeable lamps make brilliant centrepieces – all while providing useful lighting for the meal.
