Let There Be Light!
Thursday, October 7th, 2010
Posted in Wedding Styling
Lighting plays a huge part in creating the right atmosphere for a wedding, but it usually isn’t something that’s high on the priority list or even thought about until the last minute. However, using lighting in the right way can make a massive difference in transforming a plain venue, and is also a great way of complementing the mood for different stages of the day – for example, a subtle and romantic glow is perfect for the ceremony, but how about going for something a bit funky for your evening party? There are lots of ways in which lighting can be used throughout a wedding, and today I want to share a few of my particular favourites.
Candles
Ok, I have to admit, I’m obsessed with using candles at weddings! I love their soft warm glow and adore the idea of a candlelit ceremony. They are, however, one of the cheapest, simplest and most effective ways of transforming your ceremony and/or reception space – do make sure you check with your venue that they are allowed, though (listed/historic buildings in particular may restrict their use). Try being inventive with votives to tie in with your wedding style or theme – how about jam jars for a rustic celebration or chintzy Victorian-style holders for a vintage feel?
Fairy lights
Fairy lights are a great way of adding sparkle to your wedding decor, and are particularly useful if your venue doesn’t allow candles. Use battery-operated fairy lights to avoid trailing cables, and wind them in topiary trees, bushes, or around pillars to frame entrances. Alternatively, entwine them with some simple foliage and wind around banisters for a simple, yet effective, way of decorating a plain staircase. I love the way that fairy lights have been used to decorate the beams of this barn…
Lanterns
Lanterns come in all shapes and sizes, and are a really versatile way of lighting your reception space. Storm lanterns, hurricane vases and candle bags are particularly useful for lighting pathways in the evening, whilst intricately designed Moroccan lanterns are essential if you’re looking to introduce an exotic/Arabian theme to your day.
One of my personal favourites, though, are Chinese paper lanterns. I just love them! Not only are they really pretty, but they’re a great way taking the bareness off large spaces like village halls or marquees. They come in variety of colours, so you can match them to your personal colour scheme, and they provide a quirky focal point for your reception. Try hanging them at different heights above the top table, or in large clusters above the dance floor.
Chandeliers
Ok, so this is one is perhaps a bit of a luxury! However, if you have the budget then hiring a chandelier as a focal point is a great way of adding a touch of glamour to a plain venue. Personally, I love the idea of an outdoor ceremony, with a crystal chandelier hanging from the trees above!
Professional Lighting
If you have the budget for it, hiring a professional lighting company to install lighting is definitely one of the best ways of transforming your venue. Spotlighting tables or focal points in the room is an effective way of creating a cosy and more intimate atmosphere – dim the lights and focus spotlights on table centrepieces. Coloured lighting is also a great way of adding to the atmosphere of your wedding and can tie in with your colour scheme. Try a soft golden glow for the day, and then bring in funkier colours for the evening.
Photo Credits:
Fairy net light:
Patricia Lyons Photography
via
SMP
Candlelit ceremony:
Project Wedding
Tea lights:
Parker J Photo
via
Once Wed
Fairy lights in barn:
Mary McHenry
via
SMP
Candle bags lining pathway:
Not On The High Street
Moroccan lantern:
Maroque
Chinese lanterns:
Lantern Boutique
,
Suzy Clement
via
SMP
and
Aaron Almendra
l via
Once Wed
Chandeliers:
Raya Photography
and
Braedon Photography
, both via SMP
here
and
here
Coloured uplighting:
Effect Event
and
Charles Cielo