Image by Jackie Rangel Photo. See more of this wedding inspiration here.
Lighting does more for your wedding than most couples realize. Beyond making a space bright enough to move around in, it sets the tone, highlights your favorite details, and helps your photographer capture everything beautifully. It’s a subtle design element with a huge impact.
With so many options available, it can be hard to know where to begin. That’s why we created this wedding lighting guide—to give you a clear, easy starting point. From understanding basic terms to exploring inspiration for every style, you’ll find everything you need to build a lighting setup that feels intentional and true to your vision.
Wedding Lighting Keywords You Should Know
Before reaching out to vendors or putting together a lighting plan, it helps to understand the basics. These are the most common terms you’ll hear:
- Color Wash –A general fill of color used throughout an entire room that doesn’t highlight any particular area. It’s called this because it “washes” the whole room in your choice of color
- Gobo Lighting– A custom template that light shines through to create a pattern, monogram, or motif on the floor, ceiling, or wall
- Texture Lighting – Similar to Gobo light but with a preset pattern like leaves or a starry night sky
- LED Light – This isn’t a type of light but instead a type of bulb that is cost-effective, long-lasting, and provides a more vibrant color than a traditional bulb
- Pendants – Sometimes called drop or suspender lights, these are single fixtures that hang from the ceiling
- Pinspot – Tiny lights used to illuminate a small area, like the centerpieces on a table
- Spotlight – Lamps that project a narrow beam of light on one particular area or object
- String Lights – Also referred to as twinkle lights, fairy lights, bistro lighting, or cafe lights. These strands of lights are the most versatile and cost-effective way to light up any space, making them very popular
- Uplighting – This is just what it sounds like, lights that point up. These lights are placed on the floor to shine up walls and decor in various colors
photo by The Le Sueurs. See more from this wedding here.
Average Wedding Lighting Costs
Lighting costs vary based on your venue, style, guest count, and whether you hire a professional designer. While every event is different, these averages can help you plan your budget (excluding labor, delivery, and generator rental):
- Uplighting for a ballroom: $900–$3,500
- Custom gobo: $250–$700
- Texture lighting: $60–$100 per fixture
- Spotlights: $40–$150
- Pinspots: $30–$60 per light/table
- String lights: $3–$8 per linear foot
- Chandeliers: $180–$400
- Pendant lights: $20–$40 each
- Projector + screen: $250–$700
- Battery-powered fixtures: $15–$40 each
When requesting quotes, ask if labor, installation, breakdown, and delivery are included. These can add up quickly and vary by location.
DIY Wedding Lighting Costs
If you’re going the DIY route, start by digging through your at-home stash. Maybe you have Christmas lights or candles hidden away that can help bring your vision to life. It’s also wise to ask family and friends to pitch in any extra lighting they may have before purchasing any new items.
If you do decide to take lighting into your own hands, consider buying lights and candles in bulk and repurposing them at events leading up to the wedding such as your engagement party, bridal shower, and rehearsal dinner. You can even use them in your home after the wedding day—we love decor that doubles as a functional wedding keepsake.
image by Upon Two Weddings. See more of this real wedding here.
Questions To Ask Your Lighting Designer And Venue
It’s important to do a walk-through of your wedding venue with your lighting designer so they can understand the needs of your specific space. Try to schedule your walkthrough around the same time as your event so you can get a sense of what the lighting is going to be like on your wedding day.
During your walk-through, don’t forget to ask your lighting designer and venue coordinator the following questions.
Questions For Your Lighting Designer
- How much time do you need to set up and take down?
- How much power will you need for the entire lighting setup?
- Will the designer be on-location during the wedding for operation and/or maintenance concerns?
Questions For Your Venue
If you’re hiring a lighting designer, they will likely ask these questions during the walkthrough. But if you’re opting to DIY your lighting, don’t forget to ask your venue these questions that’ll impact your ability to create the perfect ambiance on your wedding day.
- Where are the outlets located?
- How much power can the built-in outlets accommodate?
- What type of lighting is already provided?
- Are there any types of light sources that are prohibited, such as open-flame candles?
Tips For Outdoor And Indoor Wedding Lighting
Lighting needs change based on your space and the time of day.
Indoor Lighting
Indoor venues often have overhead lighting that can be dimmed or adjusted, but you may want additional elements to create depth and ambiance. Popular options include:
- Uplighting to enhance architecture
- Color washes to shift the room’s mood
- Pinspots for centerpieces or accent decor
- Pendants or chandeliers for warmth and height
A lighting designer can help integrate new fixtures with whatever already exists in the venue.
Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor weddings require a bit more planning, especially when it comes to power and safety.
- Make sure walkways, stairs, and bathroom paths are well lit.
- Use a combination of string lights, lanterns, and wireless fixtures to define spaces.
- For larger open areas, consider a generator or hire a pro to handle the setup.
- Trees, tents, and garden structures are naturally great anchor points for lighting.
Simple setups work beautifully for intimate backyards, while bigger outdoor events benefit from professional support.
Creative Wedding Lighting Ideas
Now that you’re equipt with all the behind-the-scenes logistics, it’s time for the fun planning to begin. Whether you’re looking for soft, romantic lighting or extravagant glamorous lighting, here are some creative wedding lighting ideas to spark inspiration.
1. Ceremony Aisle And Backdrop Lighting Ideas
Images by Lauren Mihae, Ivory & Beau, Julia Garcia-Prat Photography, and Elisabetta Riccio.
2. Reception Table Lighting Ideas
Images by Ana & Jerome Photography, Brooke Taelor, Sarah Everything Photography, and Jackie Rangel Photo.
3. Use Colorful Uplighting In Your Reception Space
Image by Elisabetta Riccio. See more of this real wedding here.
4. Light Up The Sky With Lanterns, Fairy Lights, and Chandeliers
Images by Wedding and Waves, Daniele Cuccia, Thien Tong Photography, and Latitudine 41.
5. Custom Neon Sign Decor
Images by The Shannons, Memory Box Photography, Imogen Eve Photography, and Rolling Portraits.
6. Light Up Your Wedding Bar And Signage
Image by Jackie Rangel Photo.
7. Use Textured Lighting On The Dancefloor
Image by Aguiam Wedding Photography.
Wedding Lighting Decoration Checklist
Not sure where to add lighting? Here’s a list of all the places to keep light in mind for your special day:
- Reception Tables
- Overhead lighting and ceiling hang lights
- Dance floor
- Ceremony Backdrop
- Ceremony Aisle
- Sweetheart Table Backdrop
- Food Station Backdrop
- Dessert Table
- Guestbook Table
- Bar
- Photo Booth
- Lounge Areas
- Cocktail Tables
- Outdoor Walkways
- Trees
- Reception exit updates like sparklers and glow sticks
Now that you’ve got your wedding lighting lingo, inspiration, and checklist down, it’s time to think about the other small details that will upgrade your wedding day. We’re talking wedding signage. Check out these wedding signs for every part of your wedding day.
Image by TMInspired Photography. See more of this wedding inspiration here.
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