Deborah Chan
Wedding lighting is an important but tricky element of wedding planning. It can be used to create a special ambiance and atmosphere, illuminate details, and provide light for guests at night. When done well, it can make everything look better, from your wedding cake to your guests. It can also be a nightmare to figure out. For outdoor weddings, power is the biggest challenge. If you're getting married at sunset, you'll need to light pathways, parking lots, and bathrooms. For a small backyard wedding, simple string lights and candles may suffice, but for a big outdoor celebration, you'll likely need to call in the professionals. They can bring in generators for more power, which will save you the hassle of hanging lights in high places.
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What You'll Learn
Lighting for photography and videography
Wedding photography and videography are challenging tasks that require a lot of preparation and quick thinking. Photographers and videographers need to be ready to deal with a variety of lighting conditions, from bright white spaces to dark small spaces with no windows, outdoor midday sun, and low-light ballrooms.
One of the first considerations for wedding photographers when visualizing an image is the type of light: natural or artificial. Natural light is often preferred as it looks beautiful and makes the process smoother since you don't need to carry as much equipment. It's also a good idea to use the "golden hour" light before sunset for outdoor portraits, as the light tends to be harsher and cast more shadows around midday. In such cases, you can use shade to diffuse the light or position your subjects in front of the sun for a softer look.
However, natural light is not always available or sufficient, so photographers need to be prepared with artificial lighting options. Continuous lights are always-on artificial lights that create a flattering effect by casting light and shadows in the right places. They are simple to use because you don't need to fiddle with camera triggers, and they can also work for videography. However, basic kits might be underpowered and not provide enough light, while also posing a fire hazard or burn risk due to the heat generated.
Flashes are another essential lighting tool for wedding photography and videography. They can be used on or off-camera to add a boost of light in dark corners or as a backlight to make subjects stand out against dark backgrounds. To avoid casting shadows on seated guests, flashes should be placed at a height of about 6 feet. When working outdoors, using flashes with softboxes can create soft, diffused, and flattering light.
For outdoor wedding photography and videography, supplementary gear is usually required to fill in the shadows, diffuse harsh sunlight, and illuminate open shaded areas. Light-modifying tools such as umbrellas, reflectors, and softboxes can help control the light and create the desired effects. Wireless options are also available to reduce the number of cables, which is beneficial in crowded venues.
Lastly, it's important to be creative and experiment with different lighting techniques to make your shots unique. The Lume Cube RGB Panel Pro, for example, offers continuous light and various colors and scenes to add a fun element to your photos and videos. Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try something different!
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Power sources and requirements
If you're having a small backyard wedding, you may be able to get away with simple string lights and votive candles on each table. You can place candles along the wedding aisle or hang them in mason jars. For a rustic feel, you could opt for antique lanterns, paper lanterns, or marquee lights. If you're hanging lights, make sure you have access to enough power outlets and consider how you'll conceal extension cords to avoid tripping hazards.
For a larger outdoor wedding, you may need to call in professionals who can bring in generators to provide more power. They will also be able to help you hang lights in high places safely. When planning your lighting, consider the impact on wedding photos and videos—LED lights are a good option as they don't heat up, reducing the risk of fires and burns. They are also often battery-operated, eliminating the need for cables. If using uplighting, opt for white or soft yellow lighting, keeping darker tones for the dance floor.
To calculate the amount of lighting you'll need, measure the perimeter of the area and purchase the right amount of lights. Keep in mind that there are a few feet of empty line without light bulbs to attach different strings. Most string lights can handle a maximum of five strings connected. For a 40x80 tent, you may need around 10 strands of 48-foot lights to illuminate the perimeter and ceiling effectively. If you're using bulbs, these will add to the cost, so shop around.
In addition to decorative lighting, don't forget to light pathways, the parking lot, and bathrooms to ensure your guests can navigate the venue safely after dark.
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Types of lighting
Choosing the right lighting for your outdoor wedding is essential to set the perfect mood for your ceremony and reception. It is a small but impactful detail that can set any tone you wish to convey.
String Lights
String lights are a popular choice for outdoor weddings. They can be draped like a canopy or a tent to illuminate your venue. They can also be draped over trees, especially if your reception area has a canopy of trees with long, low-reaching limbs, like oak trees. You can also drape them with drapery and candles to create a sparkling curtain.
Fairy Lights
Fairy lights are incredibly versatile and can create a cozy and elegant atmosphere. They can be draped over trees, used as table centerpieces, or hung like a canopy. They can also be used to spotlight an aesthetic choice or design detail.
Lanterns
Lanterns can be used to upgrade an outdoor seating area while providing an intimate glow with lit candles. Antique lanterns, paper lanterns, or marquee lights can be used if you want a rustic feel to your wedding. Moroccan lamps can be used if you want bold shapes and glass.
Chandeliers
Chandeliers can be hung from large tree branches to add whimsy and glamour to an outdoor reception. They can also be hung from homemade posts with laurel wrapped around them. For a more rustic look, you can use woven or rattan chandeliers. For a more elegant look, ornate gold chandeliers can be hung above banquet tables.
Uplighting
Uplighting can be used to accentuate architectural features or change wall colors to match your palette. However, it can wreak havoc on your photos, especially if you opt for colored lighting. LEDs are a better option for uplighting as they don't heat up and are battery-operated, eliminating the clunky look and tripping hazard of cables.
Candles
Candles can be used to create a soft and romantic glow at your wedding. They can be placed on tables or set in the sand at a beach wedding. However, many venues consider them a fire hazard, so it's important to check with your venue before using them.
When planning your outdoor wedding lighting, it's important to consider the size of your space, the weather, and whether you have access to power outlets. You may also want to hire a professional to help you create the perfect lighting design for your special day.
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Lighting for different wedding styles
Wedding lighting is both functional and stylish, setting the mood and showcasing the details of the event. The type of lighting chosen can transform a space, creating a magical and memorable experience.
Rustic-themed weddings
Rustic weddings are often set in barns, farms, or vineyards, focusing on natural beauty and an earthy vibe. Warm uplighting, such as strings of bulb lights hung in a barn or tree-inspired patterns in a country hall, evokes a feeling of homely charm. Market lights, larger than twinkle or Christmas lights, add whimsy and a generous amount of light to outdoor spaces. For a more eclectic look, mix styles of lighting, such as chandeliers made from mason jars or Edison bulbs. Antique lanterns, paper lanterns, and marquee lights can also add to the rustic feel.
Modern minimalist weddings
Minimalist weddings are all about simplicity and elegance, favouring geometric shapes and neutral colour palettes. Sleek uplighting styles with straight lines, subtle shades, or colour blocks can enhance the minimalist decor. This style of lighting adds space and clarity, reflecting the minimalist ethos without overwhelming the venue.
Romantic weddings
For a romantic wedding, fill glass hurricanes with pillar candles or hang twinkle lights vertically to create a ceremony backdrop. Suspend lanterns or twinkle lights from trees or drape them over a tent for a canopy or starry-sky effect. Chandeliers, especially over the dance floor, add a touch of glamour and whimsy, while pink colour-wash lighting adds a rosy glow to the entire space.
Edgy weddings
For an edgy wedding in a converted warehouse or historic building, use uplighting to draw attention to architectural details or add a wash of colour. Clusters of iron lanterns or an Edison bulb chandelier add table lighting and a retro feel. Personalise the space with a custom marquee sign or strands of vertical market lights.
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DIY vs. professional lighting
The right lighting can transform your wedding space, enhancing the ambiance and guest experience. It can highlight key areas like the dance floor and cake table, and create an unforgettable atmosphere.
DIY Lighting
If you're looking to add a personal touch to your wedding while keeping costs down, DIY lighting options can be both affordable and stunning. Using fairy lights, paper lanterns, and votive candles are just a few examples of how you can create an enchanting atmosphere without breaking the bank. Fairy lights can be draped over tables, wrapped around trees, or placed inside mason jars for a charming, twinkling effect. Paper lanterns add a whimsical feel, especially for outdoor or garden weddings, while votive candles can create a romantic glow when lined along pathways or scattered across tables.
The beauty of DIY wedding lighting is that it allows you to customize your setup based on your personal style and budget. You can even use items you already have at home, like Christmas lights or candles, and ask family and friends to contribute any extra lighting they may have. Battery-powered or solar lights are also budget-friendly and energy-efficient, especially for outdoor settings.
Professional Lighting
Hiring a lighting professional can take the stress out of planning and ensure your lighting setup is safe and effective. They can help you assess power needs and avoid overloading circuits, and bring in generators if needed, saving you the hassle of hanging lights in high places.
Professional lighting designers will work with you to create the perfect mood and enhance the beauty of every detail. They will communicate with your event designer, florist, photographer, and videographer to create a lighting scheme that accentuates your decor and floral arrangements. For example, uplighting can bring out the beauty of your venue by drawing attention to architectural details or points of interest.
Whether you choose DIY or professional lighting for your outdoor wedding, it's important to consider the power sources available and the overall mood you want to create. Lighting is a key element that will elevate your wedding and make it truly unforgettable.
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Frequently asked questions
The amount of lighting needed for an outdoor wedding depends on the wedding style and the venue. For a rustic barn wedding, market lights can be draped over the ceremony arbor or hung vertically to create a backdrop. For a whimsical outdoor space, larger globestyle strands can be used to line ceremony aisles or outdoor pathways. For a glamorous outdoor reception, chandeliers can be hung from large tree branches. For a tent, a lighting specialist recommended 400 feet of lights for an area of 40x60. For a 40x80 tent, 10 strands of 48-foot lights were needed to illuminate the perimeter and ceiling.
There are several lighting ideas for an outdoor wedding. For a small backyard wedding, simple string lights can be hung in and between trees and votive candles can be placed on tables. For a wedding in a church, candles in glass holders can be used. For a wedding by the beach, solar-powered lights can be used to provide enough visibility for guests.
It is important to consider the impact of lighting on wedding photos and videos. While uplighting can light up an event space, it can ruin photos, especially if coloured lighting is used. Candlelight provides a soft glow but is considered a fire hazard by many venues. It is also important to ensure access to power outlets and extension cords to plug in lights.
To calculate how much lighting is needed, measure out the perimeter of the area and purchase the right amount of lights. For each foot to two feet of the tree, use at least 100-150 lights when wrapping lights. When stringing lights along poles or banisters, use a tape measure of the total area and plan to use at least an additional 6 feet on either side. For every 50 people or square feet of the total wedding area, add about 10 lights.
