Junior Rasmussen
Wedding lighting can be expensive, but it's an important part of creating the right atmosphere and making your reception memorable. The good news is that it's possible to do it yourself. Whether you're looking for soft candlelight, a romantic starry night effect, or a colourful dance party vibe, there are plenty of DIY options to suit your style and budget. From uplighting to monogram lighting, you can rent the equipment and set it up yourself, creating a unique and personalised lighting design for your special day.
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What You'll Learn
DIY uplighting
Wedding lighting can be expensive, but it can also make everything look better, from your wedding cake to your guests. It can also help highlight the details you spent hours on, create awesome photo opportunities, and allow you to spend less on the rest of the decor.
Uplighting is a specific style of lighting that "ups" your event space. "Uplights" are small lighting units that are placed on the floor around the perimeter of your venue. The lights illuminate the walls from floor to ceiling with coloured light.
There are a few options for DIY uplighting. One option is to use clip-on desk lamps with coloured light bulbs. This can be a very cheap way to do uplighting in your reception area, with each light costing around $12. Another option is to use shop lights, which can also create a pretty effect.
If you want to use LED uplights, you can buy the equipment used and then resell it after the wedding, which can be a lot cheaper than renting. LED uplights are cool to the touch and safe around young children. They also use very little energy and won't blow the fuses at your reception.
You can also rent DIY uplighting kits, which can be easy to set up and provide the exact mood you're looking for. These kits can be delivered right to your door and are easy to install and configure to any shade you want.
However, it's important to note that some venues do not allow DIY uplighting at all, and you may need to check with your venue before planning your lighting.
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Monogram lighting
To create monogram lighting, you will need a monogram or wedding logo. If you don't already have a design, you can create one yourself or use a service like Rent My Wedding, which offers a gobo light projector pre-loaded with your monogram design. Gobo projectors are a popular choice for monogram lighting and can be rented from wedding DJs, lighting companies, florists, and event venues. These projectors can be set up on a table with brackets, a stand, or hung with a clamp to ensure the monogram is elevated and visible.
There are two main types of monogram gobos for lighting: printed gobos and steel gobos. Printed gobos are typically used with LED monogram projectors and steel gobos are used for break-up patterns. It's important to consider the surface you will be projecting onto, as this can affect the visibility of the monogram. For example, if you are using an LED projector on a wall, you may not need to set it up on a stand.
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Budget-friendly lighting
Wedding lighting can be expensive, but it doesn't have to be. The right lighting can make your reception unforgettable, highlighting all the little details you've spent hours on and creating a romantic atmosphere.
If you're looking for budget-friendly lighting, you could consider uplighting. This style of lighting can add glamour to your event space. A cheap and simple DIY uplighting idea is to use clip-on desk lamps with pink light bulbs, which cost about $12 each. You can also use standing lamps, and if you want to see what they'll look like, it's best to put a coloured bulb in a desk lamp in a dark room to get a true idea. You can also buy equipment second-hand and then resell it after the wedding, which can keep costs low.
If you're looking for a soft, romantic glow, candles are a great option. Fill glass hurricanes with pillar candles, or for a more modern look, Edison bulbs provide a cozy, golden light. You could also opt for candlelight chandeliers, which are glamorous yet modest and can be installed yourself.
For outdoor weddings, tree lighting can create a magical, peaceful radiance. Twirl string lights through the trees in your backyard, or use path lights to create a radiant runway for your entrance. Fairy lights in mason jars are another budget-friendly option that can be paired with flowers to create a stunning wedding centerpiece.
Galaxy projectors are another fun, unique lighting idea that can bring the night sky indoors. You can also use colour-changing LED strips to transform your wedding reception space.
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Lighting installation
Wedding lighting can be expensive, but it can also be a fun and creative way to transform your venue and make it look unforgettable. The first step is to check with your venue to see if they have any lighting included or if they have any restrictions on what you can bring in. Some venues may not allow hanging decorations, for example.
If you're on a tight budget, it's worth looking at rental companies that can provide lighting equipment at a low cost. Rent My Wedding, for instance, offers user-friendly products at affordable prices. You can also buy equipment second-hand and then resell it after your wedding.
When it comes to installation, uplighting is a popular and easy way to make a big impact. Uplights are small lighting units that are placed on the floor around the perimeter of your venue, illuminating the walls from floor to ceiling. They are usually LED, which means they are cool to the touch and safe for children. You can also use clip-on desk lamps with pink light bulbs to achieve a similar effect.
For a more personalised touch, you can use monogram lighting to project your names and wedding date, or even a custom pattern or slideshow. This requires a little more setup as you'll need to figure out how to mount the projector, but it can be a unique way to shine a light on your special day.
Finally, don't forget to consider the power capabilities of your venue and whether you'll need to bring in a specialist to help with installation. You can ask your event designer or wedding florist for recommendations, or your venue coordinator may be able to suggest someone who has worked with the site before.
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Lighting specialists
Wedding lighting specialists can offer a range of services to enhance the aesthetic of your wedding reception. The right lighting can make all the difference, from highlighting the wedding cake to creating a romantic atmosphere for your guests.
Specialists will be able to advise on the best lighting for your chosen venue and can work with you to create a unique look and feel. They will be familiar with the latest trends, such as uplighting, which is a popular and affordable way to transform a venue. This is achieved by placing small lighting units on the floor around the room, illuminating the walls with colour.
If you are looking for a more personalised service, some specialists can create custom monogram lighting, projecting your names and the wedding date onto a wall or behind the head table. This is a great way to make your reception unique and memorable.
Some lighting specialists may also offer additional services such as providing dance floor lighting or a "Starry Night" effect with Bliss Lights, creating a romantic and magical atmosphere.
Overall, engaging a lighting specialist for your wedding reception can ensure a professional and stress-free experience, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your special day.
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Frequently asked questions
DIY lighting for wedding receptions is a great way to save money and customise your lighting setup. You can use uplighting, which involves placing small lighting units on the floor around the perimeter of your venue to illuminate the walls from floor to ceiling with coloured light. You can also use monogram lighting to personalise your reception by projecting your names and wedding date onto a wall or using pin spots to light your wedding cake and table centrepieces.
You can use LED uplights, which are cool to the touch and easy to set up. You can also use clip-on desk lamps with pink light bulbs or fill glass hurricanes with pillar candles for a romantic effect.
The cost of DIY lighting for a wedding reception can vary depending on the type of lights and equipment you use. Some couples have reported spending as little as $30 on LED uplights, bulbs, gels, stands, extension cords, and other accessories, while others have spent around $152 for a 100-guest reception.
You can rent DIY lighting equipment from companies like Rent My Wedding, which offers user-friendly products at low rates, or Pro Lighting Rental, which has LED uplights for rent ranging from $17 to $24 each.
