Creating Wedding Lighting: Making Your Own Initial Display

Creating the right ambiance for your wedding is paramount, and lighting is a key part of this. From vintage affairs to outdoor extravaganzas, the right lighting can enhance the experience and complement your wedding theme.

If you're looking to make your own initial lighting for your wedding, there are plenty of DIY options to choose from. One popular option is uplighting, which involves placing lights on the floor and pointing them up to create a dramatic effect. You can also try monogram lighting, which involves projecting your names and wedding date onto a wall. For a more whimsical look, consider hanging light fixtures or fairy lights. Whatever option you choose, DIY lighting is a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding and save money.

DIY uplighting

To create the uplighting effect, place battery-powered lights on the floor around the room, pointing them up towards the wall. You can tilt the lights towards the wall to create a "wash" look. The recommended spacing for uplighting is one light per 6-12 feet. The closer the lights are placed, the more even the wash will be.

Uplighting is highly customisable. The lights can be set to any shade of any colour. They can be rented, with prices ranging from $17 to $24 each.

In addition to uplighting, other DIY wedding lighting ideas include monogram lighting, cake spotlights, fairy lights, and hanging lanterns.

Monogram lighting

To create your own monogram lighting, you'll need a monogram or wedding logo. You can either design your own or choose from a range of templates offered by lighting companies. If you're feeling creative, you could use the design from your invitations or create a personalised monogram just for your wedding.

Once you have your design, you'll need to rent a projector. A company called Rent My Wedding offers a gobo light projector preloaded with your monogram design, with prices starting at $129 for a five-day rental, including shipping.

Setting up your monogram lighting is simple. Just place the projector on a table or tripod and aim it at the wall or dance floor. If you want to project onto the dance floor, you'll need to raise the projector about 10 to 12 feet high to get a nice-sized projection image.

Cake spotlight

The wedding cake is one of the most important parts of your big day, so it's only natural that you want to show it off! You can do this by using a cake spotlight, also known as pinspotting. This is a small, battery-powered light that you place on a table and aim at the cake. It's super easy to set up and takes less than a minute. The magnetic cake light will make your cake pop and stand out, creating a beautiful glow.

You can rent professional-grade cake lights online and have them delivered straight to your door. These usually come pre-charged, but you can also plug them into a regular outlet to charge. The batteries last 6-8 hours, so you don't need to worry about them running out of power during your wedding.

When setting up your cake spotlight, consider the recommended spacing of one light for every 6-12 feet. If you want an even wash of light, place the lights closer together. You can also add one or two extra lights as backups in case of any problems.

In addition to the cake, you can use pin spots to illuminate other areas of your venue, such as table centerpieces. These small lights create a subtle and elegant effect, adding the perfect ambience to your wedding.

Hanging light fixtures

String Lights

String lights are a versatile and affordable option for creating a magical ambiance at your wedding. You can hang them from the ceiling, drape them over trees, or string them through an existing trellis or canopy. They are easy to set up and can be paired with other decorations like greenery or draping for a more elegant look.

Lanterns

Hanging lanterns, especially in rustic or vintage styles, can add a subtle glow and a classic, rustic charm to your wedding venue. You can choose between hanging tea lights, paper lanterns, or Moroccan-inspired lanterns to match your wedding theme. Layering a few lanterns at varying heights can brighten your space and create a whimsical effect.

Chandeliers

Chandeliers are a statement piece and can be mixed with greenery for a unique, photo-worthy moment. For a more intimate and modest look, consider candlelight chandeliers. These can be easily installed and will add a touch of glamour to your wedding without being too overwhelming.

Edison Bulbs

Edison bulbs provide a cozy, golden light that is perfect for setting the mood, especially for a relaxed and intimate wedding. You can hang these bulbs from the ceiling or use them as part of a light installation with hanging geometric lamps or vintage lampshades.

Custom Neon Signs

Custom neon signs are a fun and modern way to incorporate lighting into your wedding. You can get creative and include your initials, wedding date, or a romantic message. These signs can be hung on walls or used as part of a backdrop, adding a pop of color and a unique decorative element to your venue.

Remember to consider the overall vision and theme of your wedding when choosing hanging light fixtures, and don't be afraid to mix and match different lighting elements to create a truly memorable atmosphere!

Fairy lights

For a dreamy, starry effect, string fairy lights above a reception area or drape them over a clear-top tent. You can also mix and match by combining fairy lights with larger bulbs or lanterns, or incorporating natural elements like hanging florals or greenery.

Frequently asked questions