Lighting for Weddings

Lighting is probably not at the top of your list of things to consider about your wedding styling, but it can make a huge difference to the atmosphere of the ceremony and reception. Well-placed lighting can create a romantic or contemporary look, soften harsh venue decor (such as stark white walls), make a large room more intimate, and separate different areas of your reception. With this in mind, I've put together a few images of the typical lighting techniques found at weddings. 

Candles
Candles are definitely the most common form of lighting at weddings. Not only do they give off a lovely soft glow (and sometimes scent!), but no other light says 'romance' like candles. Despite being used traditionally in religious settings, candles have come to lose this connotation, and are also found in a lot of civil ceremonies. There are several ways you can use candles during your wedding.

How about lining the aisle with candles, to create a dramatic backdrop to your entrance?

 

Image credits - from top: http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/aisle-decor-for-a-rustic-wedding, elizabethannedesigns.com, my1950swedding.tumblr.com, trendeeflowers.blogspot.com,



As you can see from the images above, many different types of candle can be used to line your aisle - from tall pillar candles to small tealights. Candles also look really great when combined with floral displays at this point in the ceremony. When choosing candles to put along the aisle, you need to consider the style of bridal gown you will be wearing. If your dress is quite wide, or has a long train, then exposed tealight candles will pose a potential fire hazard - why not try pillar candles in hurricane lanterns instead? 

Candles are also a great addition to your wedding reception, and are often used as table decorations. The type of candle used will depend on the sort of wedding centerpiece you are having. A tall floral centerpiece works well surrounded by small tealights, whilst eclectic arrangements of votive candles can be a centerpiece of their own, and candelabras always create impact.

  






Image credits - from top: nycityweddings.com, flickriver.com,  http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/ideas-for-non-floral-centerpieces, myweddecorations.blogspot.com. 








Paper Lanterns 
 A clever way to add both lighting and colour to your wedding decorations, paper lanterns have the added bonus of being cheap to buy. They can also be very visually striking when arranged in a large cluster. Use them to add interest and texture to the ceiling of a marquee. 

Image credits - from top: hitched.co.uk,  taragettingmarried.blogspot.com, adisplacedfloridian.blogspot.com. 

Fairy Lights

Great for both indoor and outdoor weddings, fairy lights can be hung from or wrapped round practically anything. They can create a range of moods, from rustic charm when wrapped round the beams of a barn, to contemporary elegance when used in a marquee or hotel. Just make sure all their wires are neatly tucked away! 

 

Image credits - from top: justthething.co.uk, helencarterweddings.co.uk, asianweddingideas.blogspot.com.

The main thing to consider when choosing lighting is the mood you are trying to create. An intimate, vintage-inspired wedding will require different lighting to a large, contemporary celebration. Your choice of venue will also dictate what lighting you can use. Some venues will not allow certain candles, for example, because of fire safety. The colours of the room and the time of day and season you are marrying in will also impact on lighting options. The images above, however, prove that lighting is a very effective way of creating atmosphere for your wedding, and will hopefully inspire you to think about what you can use ar your own celebration. 

For help with lighting, and all other aspects of venue styling, why not hire Strawberry Soufflé to create the wedding you've always dreamed of? Email info@strawberrysouffleweddings.com to arrange a free consultation.