
Wedding uplighting is a technique that uses ceiling-facing event lighting placed around the perimeter of a space to create ambience and depth. It is a great way to enhance the architecture, decor, and overall vibe of the wedding. Uplighting is typically placed at the base of architectural details or points of interest to draw attention to those details. It can be used to indicate points of interest in your venue and guide guests to areas of the event they will be interacting with. The cost of uplighting can vary depending on factors such as location, event type, and the number of lights required. While it is not necessary, uplighting can add drama and elegance to your wedding reception and make for better pictures, especially for indoor or evening weddings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To set the mood, enhance the architecture, décor or overall vibe of the wedding, and improve photos |
| Best for | Indoor or covered receptions during the evening |
| Lighting placement | Placed around the perimeter of a space, at the base of architectural details or points of interest |
| Number of lights | One light per anchoring point or pillar in the room, with an average of six to 12 at a time |
| Lighting type | LED lights are recommended as they are cool to the touch, use less electricity, and are great for colour changes |
| Lighting colour | Any colour can be used, except green, which makes food and people look sickly |
| Cost | The cost depends on the location, event type, number of lights, rental duration, and vendor; professional lighting starts at $1,800 in California |
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What You'll Learn

Uplighting improves photos and videography
Uplighting is a great way to improve the photos and videography at your wedding reception. It is a key lighting technique that can transform the ambiance of any space with graceful elegance and wonder. It is the placement of individual light sources at the base of architectural details or points of interest, typically around the perimeter of a space, to draw attention to those details.
The upwards direction and intensity of the light source add interesting shadows and emphasise texture and form, resulting in a unique and dramatic lighting effect. This effect can be enhanced by using LED lights, which use less electricity and don't get as hot as regular incandescent light bulbs. LED lights are also great for colour changes and vibrant hues.
Beam lights are another option for uplighting, allowing you to illuminate only the things that need to be seen while keeping light off the things you don't want lit. This creates a dramatic look without competing with other lights or overpowering the room. You can also use beam lights to create accent colours around the room, adding to the visual appeal of your photos and videography.
The cost of uplighting can vary depending on factors such as location, event type, the number of lights required, and the specific vendor. However, it can be a relatively affordable way to make a major impact on your space, especially if you use a simple DIY setup. Just be sure to use LED lights if you go the DIY route, as they are safer and more energy-efficient.
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It's best for evening receptions
Uplighting is a great way to add drama and elegance to your wedding reception, especially if your event is in the evening. It is a technique where individual light sources are placed on the ground and pointed upwards to highlight the venue space and create a romantic, intimate vibe.
LED lights are a popular choice for uplighting, often used in both indoor and outdoor evening wedding receptions. They can be placed almost anywhere, such as under a table, inside a fireplace, or on a windowsill, to create an ambient feel and enhance the architecture and decor. Wireless LED lights are also a safe and aesthetically pleasing option, as they do not have messy cords.
Uplighting is especially effective if your wedding venue has a lot of white space or if you are using a tent. It can also be used to guide guests to areas of the event they will be interacting with, such as the bar or photo booth.
When choosing your uplighting, consider that different colours can create different moods. For example, deep purple and blue uplighting can lend a nightclub vibe, which is great for the dance party portion of the evening, while soft amber or ivory lighting can be more intimate and romantic. It is also important to note that green light should be avoided, as it can make food and people look sickly.
If you are on a budget, there are cheap DIY options for uplighting, such as using clip-on desk lamps with pink light bulbs. However, it is important to ensure that any materials you use are safe for long-term use and in any weather conditions.
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Avoid green light
While uplighting is not a necessity for a wedding, it can add drama and elegance to an indoor or covered evening reception. It can also guide guests to important areas, such as the bar or photo booth.
Uplighting involves placing individual light sources at the base of architectural details or points of interest, usually around the perimeter of a space, to draw attention to those details. The right lighting can make everything look better, from your wedding cake to your guests, and it can also create awesome photo ops.
When it comes to uplighting, it is recommended to avoid green light. According to event designer Brian Toner, "Always stay away from green light. It makes food and people look sick."
Deep purple and blue uplighting should also be used sparingly as they can give a nightclub vibe to the event, which may not be suitable for more intimate moments of the wedding.
To ensure the best results, it is recommended to hire a professional lighting company or wedding decor specialist. They can help you choose the right number of uplights, placement, and colours to match your wedding's aesthetic and venue.
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Use LED uplights
Using LED uplights at your wedding reception can enhance the architecture, decor, and overall vibe of the venue. LED lights are a safer option than traditional filament bulbs as they don't heat up, reducing the risk of burns or fires. They are also cool to the touch, making them safer for children who may be present at the wedding. Additionally, most LED lights are battery-operated, eliminating the need for cables that can be a trip hazard.
LED uplights can be used to create a soft glow that complements your wedding colour scheme and creates a romantic and intimate atmosphere. They can be placed at the base of architectural features or points of interest, such as columns or the head table, to draw attention to those details and add depth to your photos and videography. The placement of LED uplights can also help guide guests to important areas of the event, such as the bar or photo booth.
When choosing the colour of your LED uplights, consider the overall vibe you want to create. Deep purple and blue uplighting, for example, can lend a nightclub vibe to the event, which may be better suited for the dance party portion of the evening rather than more intimate moments like cocktail hour or dinner. Uplighting in soft white or amber can create a warm and inviting atmosphere, but be sure to communicate your desired hue to your lighting technician to ensure you achieve the exact colour you want.
If you're considering DIY uplighting for your wedding reception, LED uplights can be a more cost-effective option. You can purchase LED uplights and resell them after the wedding, reducing the net cost. However, some venues may not allow DIY uplighting, and you'll need to ensure the electrical capacity of the venue can support non-LED lights if you choose to use them. It's also important to carefully place DIY uplights to avoid trip hazards.
Overall, using LED uplights at your wedding reception can be a great way to enhance the ambiance, accentuate architectural features, and create a romantic and elegant atmosphere. Whether you hire a professional or opt for DIY uplighting, LED lights offer versatility, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
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$1999.99

It's not always necessary
While uplighting can add drama, elegance, and a romantic vibe to your wedding, it is not always necessary.
Uplighting is a lighting technique where individual light sources are placed at the base of architectural details or points of interest, typically around the perimeter of a space, to draw attention to those details. It can be used to indicate points of interest in your venue and guide guests to areas of the event they will be interacting with, such as the bar or photo booth. It can also enhance the architecture, decor, or overall vibe of the wedding.
However, uplighting is not necessary if your wedding is during the day or if your venue already has plenty of lighting and decor. If your venue has lots of windows, plants, and natural light, uplighting may not be needed. It is also not necessary if you are having an outdoor wedding in an open field, as there will be nothing for the light to bounce off of.
Additionally, uplighting can be costly, with prices starting at $1,800 in California and going up to $4,000 for a professional lighting design package. If you are on a budget, you may choose to allocate your funds to other aspects of the wedding that are more important to you.
Ultimately, the decision to use uplighting depends on your personal preference, the vibe you want to create, and your budget. If you feel your venue doesn't need it or it's not worth the extra cost, you can skip it and your wedding will still be special and memorable.
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Frequently asked questions
Wedding uplighting is when ceiling-facing event lighting is placed around the perimeter of a space to create ambience and depth. The lights are situated on the ground and pointed upwards, creating a pillar effect.
Uplighting can add drama and elegance to your wedding reception, especially if it's held in the evening. It can also help to highlight certain points of interest in your venue, such as the bar or photo booth. Additionally, it can improve your wedding photos and videos by creating a sense of depth and reducing shadows.
You can use any colour you like, but it's best to avoid green as it can make food and people look sickly. Deep purple and blue uplighting should also be used sparingly as they can give a nightclub vibe. Soft white lighting is a popular choice, but be aware that it can sometimes come out as amber.
The cost of wedding uplighting can vary depending on factors such as location, event type, the number of lights, rental duration, and vendor. Professional lighting can start at $1,800 in California, but it's possible to find cheaper options or DIY your own uplighting.











































