Let There Be Light!

Posted by Categories // Advice

It’s amazing how lighting can completely transform a space–it can take old barns and bland banquet halls from totally lame to completely spectacular. Quality lighting will set the mood for your reception and will up the quality of your photos. There are so many options to consider when it comes to shining the light on your ceremony and/or reception–paper lanterns, chandeliers, string lights, luminaries, rope lights, candles, twinkle lights, not to mention the countless DIY lighting projects that are out there! Lighting your venue doesn’t have to be crazy expensive either–read on to find out the best places to get lights and some cost effective DIY projects.

How stunning is this first photo? This simple tent is transformed into a starry night using twinkling white lights. This effect can be achieved by draping tulle along your venue ceiling filled with these small white lights, or you can even rent or purchase pre-made canopies of lights.


{Image found on Pinterest, original source unknown}

Strands of lights are so cheap and can be found at your local Target or Walmart… and they provide such a romantic feel! If you’re on a tight budget, this is definitely the way to go. Wrap them around pillars, drape them across the ceiling, line them along the walls… be creative! 🙂


{Image found on Ruffled}

Isn’t this scene just magical? I am so impressed with the work of UK-based Knight Light Events, who put together this beautiful reception among many others. A similar effect can be achieved by creating simple hanging mason jar lanterns–check out this easy DIY tutorial from San Diego Wedding Insider, or you can even purchase similar ones on Etsy.


{Image found on Knight Light Events}


{Image found on Brilliant Event Planning}

Another simple and extremely cost effective idea is to create luminaries to line paths or aisles using small paper bags, votive candles, and sand. You can read more about this idea right here.


{Image found on San Diego Wedding Insider}

Chandeliers are gorgeous and classy, but they will most likely cost a pretty penny to rent. An alternative would be to follow this DIY tutorial for string ball chandeliers, and then string lights through them! It would come out looking much like the photo on the right.


{Both Images found on Style Me Pretty – Image 1, Image 2}

Lights can be just as spectacular outdoors as they can indoors. This outdoor reception is the perfect example! The canopy lights draped over the tables creates an almost ethereal atmosphere.


{Image found on Once Wed}

One of my personal favorite ways to illuminate your reception or ceremony is with paper lanterns. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, and they look so fantastic in photos! They can add just the right pop of color or create a serene glow. Luna Bazaar has loads of affordable paper lanterns in every color and shape imaginable.


{Image found on Brocade Designs}


{Image found on Style Me Pretty}


{Images found on Lovely Wedding By Shaja}

I am in love with this DIY project from Livy of A Field Journal… photo lanterns! These would add such a lovely, personal touch to your big day. You can see the full tutorial on Decor8.


{Image found on Decor8}

So, what’s your favorite way to “shine the light” at weddings? How will you be illuminating your reception or ceremony? I’d love to hear about it!!

Have a wonderful day,