When it comes to creating a visual impact at their weddings, many couples think only of the floral and décor. The truth is, lighting can usually make more of an impact that any single other décor element. It can be used to focus on a key design element, it can reflect the wedding’s theme through color, it can mask unsightly room décor such as old carpeting or wallpaper, and it can serve as a unique focal point all on its own.
With pretty and functional forms of lighting making its way into weddings around the country, we thought it’d be fun to highlight a few of our favorite ways to enhance your wedding through lighting. Here we go:
- Chandeliers. Used to add classy “bling” to a wedding’s décor, chandeliers offer romantic mood lighting that really enhances a space. Couples love having them hang in the center of their ceremony arbor or above their sweetheart table during the reception. Don’t assume these elegant touches are too far off your décor budget. You may find that some of your local floral and décor vendors offer this design element and have the rigging readily available, making it more affordable.
- Torches. If you’re having a beachside or lakeside wedding, consider bringing in torches to frame the altar area and the aisle. If you’re planning an outdoor reception, ask the venue if you can repurpose the torches to enhance the space, allowing you to get more out of the torch rental fee.
- Twinkle lights. The use of stands of white twinkle lights to enhance a wedding is still popular. When considering incorporating this lighting element, however, consider the heavy amount of labor involved. Unless the site already has the twinkle lights up and ready for use, it could add up in installation fees.
- Lanterns. Especially at weddings featuring the popular rustic-chic look, lanterns are a wonderful way to enhance your wedding. Consider lining the ceremony aisle with large glass lanterns filled with floral or baby’s breath and then repurposing them as centerpieces in the reception. You can use actual candles or LED…the warm, flickering effect will be the same.
- Glass-covered lightbulbs. The look of the old-fashioned Edison bulb is quickly growing in popularity, and some couples are incorporating it into their wedding designs. Check with your floral and décor vendors to see if they offer lighting like this among their rental options.
Lighting truly sets the mood in any situation, so use it to create a soft, romantic feel or a jazzy nightclub vibe at your wedding. You’ll find that by using special lighting, you won’t need to invest in nearly as much décor to achieve the look and feel you envision!
