Planning Wedding Lighting: A Guide To Creating The Perfect Ambience

Planning the lighting for your wedding is an important step in creating the right atmosphere and ensuring you get the best photos. Lighting can make all the difference in how your venue looks, from the dance floor to the wedding cake. Whether you're going for a romantic or edgy vibe, there are many lighting options to choose from, including string lights, lanterns, candles, and coloured lights. You can hire a professional lighting designer, or do it yourself. Either way, it's important to consider the lighting and timing needed to create the best possible wedding photos.

Consider the time of day and sunset time

The time of day and sunset time are crucial factors to consider when planning your wedding lighting. Natural light plays a significant role in creating the desired atmosphere and capturing stunning photographs.

If you're planning an outdoor wedding, the time of day will impact the amount of natural light available. For example, a morning or afternoon wedding will have different lighting conditions than one held at sunset or in the evening. Morning and afternoon weddings will likely have an abundance of natural light, which can create a bright and airy ambiance. On the other hand, sunset and evening weddings can benefit from the soft, golden hour light, resulting in romantic and atmospheric photographs.

Sunset times vary throughout the year, so it's essential to check the sunset time for your wedding date and location. This information will help you plan the timeline of your wedding day, ensuring you capture those magical moments when the light is just right. For example, if the sunset is at 7:15 pm, you may want to schedule your ceremony for 6 pm. This way, you'll have soft, flattering light during the ceremony, and your guests can enjoy cocktail hour as the sun sets, creating a cozy atmosphere.

Additionally, consider the direction of the sun during different times of the day. If your wedding venue has a lawn or outdoor area, scouting the location beforehand will help you understand how the sunlight falls on the space. This information can guide your layout and seating arrangements to ensure your guests are comfortable and not squinting into the sun during the ceremony.

The time of day and sunset time are also essential considerations for your wedding photographs. If you're hiring a photographer who specializes in natural light photography, they will likely provide guidance on the best times for capturing those perfect portraits. For example, a photographer may suggest stepping out for a few sunset portraits or returning inside once it's dark to capture the magical ambiance of your reception.

By taking into account the time of day and sunset time, you can create a lighting plan that enhances the overall experience of your wedding, from the comfort of your guests to the quality of your photographs.

Choose between a professional or DIY lighting setup

Wedding lighting is both functional and stylish, impacting everything from the mood and atmosphere of your wedding to the photographs and guest safety.

Some couples decide to take the DIY route and set up the lighting themselves, while others choose to bring in a professional lighting designer. If you're considering doing it yourself, start by seeing what you already have at home, such as Christmas lights or candles. You can also ask family and friends to contribute any extra lighting they may have. If you need to buy lights, consider purchasing them in bulk and repurposing them for other events leading up to the wedding.

If you decide to hire a professional, you can leave the hard work to them, which can be a huge relief when planning a wedding. Professionals have the experience and expertise to bring your vision to life and can recommend the best lighting for your venue and theme. They also have high-quality lighting equipment and the knowledge to fix any problems that may arise. Safety is always a concern when hanging fixtures at high heights, and professionals can perform these tasks efficiently and safely.

Whether you choose to go the DIY or professional route, it's important to consider the lighting and sunset times on your wedding day. For example, if you're planning an outdoor ceremony, you may want to choose a time of day when the light will be pretty, such as before sunset. If you're having a small wedding, consider booking a well-designed cafe or restaurant with lots of window lighting and light fixtures that you love.

Plan a site visit to assess the existing lighting

Planning a site visit to assess the existing lighting is an important step in preparing for your wedding. Here are some detailed instructions and considerations to keep in mind:

Firstly, try to schedule your site visit for the same time of day as your wedding. This will help you understand the natural lighting conditions at the venue and how it might impact your wedding. For example, if you're planning an outdoor wedding, you'll want to know if there will be bright sunlight or if it will be closer to sunset, as this will affect the atmosphere and your guests' experience.

During your visit, assess the existing lighting fixtures and their placement. If you're hosting your wedding indoors, walk through the space with your lighting vision in mind. Note the areas that have sufficient lighting and identify any areas that may need additional illumination. Consider the overall mood and ambiance you want to create. For instance, you might want to use uplighting to accentuate architectural features or colour washing to create different moods in separate rooms.

If possible, bring a lighting professional with you on the site visit. They can advise on what existing fixtures can be utilised and what additional lighting may be needed to achieve your desired look. A lighting pro will also be able to answer important questions about setup, power requirements, and any potential safety concerns.

If you're planning an outdoor wedding, a site visit after dark is crucial. This will help you identify what areas need to be illuminated for both safety and aesthetic purposes. Take note of outdoor power outlets and don't forget to ask the venue about any permits that may be required for your lighting setup.

Lastly, consider the impact of lighting on your wedding photography. Discuss with your photographer how different lighting options will affect the look and feel of your photos. They may have specific recommendations or requests to ensure they can capture your special day in the best light possible.

By thoroughly assessing the existing lighting during your site visit, you can make informed decisions about any additions or adjustments needed to create your dream wedding atmosphere.

Use lighting to highlight specific details

Wedding lighting is both functional and stylish. It sets the overall mood and helps highlight the details you've spent months putting together.

If you're looking to draw attention to specific details, consider using pin spots, which are focused beams of light that shine directly onto an object, like a centerpiece or wedding cake, to create a highlight effect. You can also use uplighting to draw attention to architectural details or add a wash of color to the space. For table lighting, clusters of iron lanterns can illuminate centerpieces, or you can incorporate an Edison bulb chandelier for a retro look.

For a modern wedding, add a party vibe to an unfinished space with color-wash lighting. Opt for hues that flatter skin tones, such as pinks and purples, and let them build in intensity over the evening. Sleek, pre-lit tables that glow from within offer a warm, contemporary feel. You can also add LED lights to floral arrangements for luminous stems that double as decor and mood lighting.

If you're planning to exchange vows in a converted warehouse or historic building, play up the unique style with lighting that matches. A custom marquee sign or strands of vertical market lights can personalize your ceremony space.

For outdoor weddings, create a "ceiling" of twinkling lights to reflect the night sky, or use floating paper lanterns to add a fun and colorful punch to your reception space.

Opt for hues that flatter skin tones

When it comes to wedding lighting, it's important to remember that it can be both functional and stylish. It can set the mood and showcase all the little details you've spent months perfecting.

If you're going for a modern wedding style, you can add a party vibe to an unfinished space, such as a gallery or city loft, with colour-wash lighting. Opt for hues that flatter skin tones, such as pinks and purples, and let the intensity of these colours build as the evening goes on. You can also create a warm, contemporary feel with sleek, pre-lit tables that glow from within. Consider adding LED lights to your floral arrangements for luminous stems that double as décor and mood lighting. You can also illuminate venue walls with a cool gobo pattern effect or project tiny stars onto the ceiling above the dance floor.

If you're planning to exchange your vows in a converted warehouse or historic building, you can use lighting to play up your unique style. Wedding uplighting can be used to draw attention to architectural details or add a wash of colour to the space.

It's also a good idea to consider the time of day and sunset times when planning your lighting. For example, if you're hoping for portraits with natural light, plan your ceremony to take place a little before sunset so that you can make the most of the golden hour.

Whether you're hosting an intimate wedding or a grand celebration, there is a lighting style to match your event.

Frequently asked questions