Uplights For Your Wedding: A Diy Guide

Wedding uplighting is a great way to add drama, elegance and intimacy to your special day. It can be used to highlight various points of interest, such as the head table, cake table, stage, dance floor, and side walls, creating a romantic and festive atmosphere. While it is typically used for evening, indoor or covered venues to add depth and drama, it can also be used outdoors and during the day to create a soft, subtle and elegant look.

Uplighting is a specific style of lighting that uses individual light sources placed on the ground and pointed upwards to create a pillar of light. It can be done in any colour and is a great way to unify the colour scheme of your wedding. The number of uplights you will need depends on the size of the room, the number of guests and the objects you want to accentuate.

While you can DIY your wedding uplighting, it is recommended to speak to a professional who can help you achieve your desired effect and take care of the setup and pack-up for you.

Use clip-on desk lamps with pink light bulbs

If you're looking for a cheap and simple way to create a romantic atmosphere for your wedding, consider using clip-on desk lamps with pink light bulbs as uplights. This method can add colour and drama to your venue, lighting up the walls and creating a soft, warm glow.

Uplighting is a great way to highlight the details of your wedding venue, especially if it has ornate features or interesting architecture. It can also be used to create a focal point, drawing attention to certain areas such as the head table or dance floor.

Clip-on desk lamps are a cost-effective option for uplighting, with each light costing around $12. You can use either the standing or clip-on type of lamp, depending on your preference and what will work best with your venue. Be sure to place the lamps in a dark room to get the full effect of the pink light bulbs.

When setting up your clip-on desk lamps, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure your venue allows DIY uplighting. Some venues have restrictions, so it's important to check beforehand. Second, if you're using non-LED lights, ensure that the electrical capacity of your venue can support them. Third, be mindful of the placement of the lamps to avoid tripping hazards and keep them away from children and drunk guests as they can get hot.

While DIY uplighting is a great option for static lights in one colour, it may not offer the same flexibility as professional lighting. Professionals can provide moving lights that change colour throughout the evening, creating a dynamic and customizable atmosphere.

However, if you're on a tight budget, clip-on desk lamps with pink light bulbs can be a creative and affordable solution to add a touch of magic to your special day.

Space each light 6-12 feet apart

When creating uplights for a wedding, spacing each light 6-12 feet apart is recommended. This is because each light will illuminate a 3-4 foot area of the wall. The more lights you use, the closer you can put them together, and the more colour, light and brightness you will get.

The number of uplights you will need depends on the room size, the number of guests, and the objects you want to accentuate. For example, a wedding with up to 100 guests will typically require 14 to 18 uplights. If you are planning a small, intimate wedding with only 50 guests, you may only need a minimum of nine uplights.

If you are trying to stick to a budget, you don't have to light the entire room to achieve a cool effect. You could focus your lighting on just one wall, or use a few uplights as a nice accent effect.

LEDs are a better option for uplights because they don't heat up in the same way that traditional filament bulbs do, meaning there is no risk of anyone burning themselves or anything catching fire. Most LEDs are also battery-operated, which means you can get rid of the clunky look and trip hazard of cables.

Use coloured LED flashlights

Using coloured LED flashlights is a creative and cost-effective way to achieve the desired uplighting effect for your wedding. This method allows you to experiment with different colours and moods without breaking the bank.

To achieve this, you can use coloured LED flashlights or regular flashlights with coloured LED bulbs. Point the flashlights upwards towards the ceiling or a wall to create a pillar of light or a wash of colour. This technique is perfect for adding a unique touch to your wedding and can be easily controlled to create the desired atmosphere.

For a soft and romantic feel, opt for amber or blush-coloured LEDs. These colours add warmth and elegance to the space while also bringing out the best in people's complexions. If you're after something bolder, go for rich purples, blues, or magentas. These colours create a moody and mysterious atmosphere, perfect for a dramatic effect. You can even use multiple colours together for a whimsical or disco-inspired vibe.

When using coloured LED flashlights, consider the following tips:

• Ensure the flashlights are stable and secure to avoid accidents.
• Use battery-operated LEDs to eliminate the need for extension cords, creating a safer and more aesthetically pleasing setup.
• If using this technique outdoors, make sure to use waterproof LEDs.
• Communicate with your event designer, florist, photographer, and videographer to ensure the lighting complements the overall design and can be captured effectively in photos and videos.
• Be mindful of the existing lighting in the venue, especially if it has harsh fluorescents that may clash with your coloured LEDs.

Using coloured LED flashlights is a fun and flexible way to achieve wedding uplighting. With the right colours and placement, you can transform any space into a magical and memorable setting for your special day.

Use wireless uplights

Wireless uplights are a great way to add colour and drama to your wedding without breaking the bank. They are also a safe option, as they don't require cables, reducing the risk of tripping.

Wireless uplights are easy to set up and can be placed almost anywhere, making them perfect for lighting up pillars and remote areas. They are also a good option for outdoor weddings, as they are often battery-powered and waterproof.

When choosing wireless uplights, look for LED lights, which are cool to the touch and safe to use for long periods. You'll also want to make sure they are fully charged before your event, as a fully charged battery can last 6-8 hours.

To save money, you may want to consider renting your wireless uplights. Several companies offer rental services, and prices start at around $25 per light.

Overall, wireless uplights are a convenient and affordable way to add a special touch to your wedding. They are easy to set up, safe, and can be used in a variety of locations, making them a great choice for any wedding.

Place uplights on the floor level

Wedding uplighting is a great way to add drama and elegance to your wedding venue. When placing uplights on the floor level, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to place the lights at the base of architectural details or points of interest, typically around the perimeter of the space, to draw attention to those details. For example, if you are in a historic venue with columns, placing uplights at the base of the columns will bring out the details and create a dramatic effect.

When placing uplights on the floor, it is also important to consider the colour of the lights. Amber is a popular choice for wedding uplighting as it adds a romantic and formal glow, and brings out the flesh tones of people in photographs. If you want to create a soft and subtle atmosphere, white uplighting can be a good choice. For a more dramatic look, rich colours such as purple or blue can be used, but these may lend a nightclub vibe to the event.

It is also important to use LED lights for your uplighting as they are cool to the touch and safe for guests, especially children, who may touch them. Additionally, most LED lights are battery-operated, eliminating the need for extension cords that could be a trip hazard. If you are using LED lights outdoors, make sure they are waterproof.

When placing uplights on the floor, it is also important to consider the placement in relation to the rest of the room. For example, if you are using uplighting to highlight columns or other architectural features, make sure to place the lights at a distance that will create a flattering effect. You may need to adjust the placement during the event to get the desired effect.

Overall, placing uplights on the floor level can be a great way to add drama and elegance to your wedding venue, but it is important to consider the placement, colour, and type of lights used to create the desired atmosphere.

Frequently asked questions