Introduction
Your wedding day is one of the most special days of your life, and every detail matters—from the dress to the music, and especially the lighting. While flowers, table settings, and venue choices are key, the right lighting can transform an ordinary space into something magical. It sets the mood, highlights important moments, and even makes your photos look better.
But with so many lighting options available, choosing the right event lighting rentals can feel overwhelming. What types of lights should you use for the ceremony, reception, or dance floor? Should you go simple or bold? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best types of lighting for weddings so you can create the perfect atmosphere for your big day.
Why Wedding Lighting Matters
Lighting is more than just a way to see things. It shapes how a space feels. Good lighting can make your guests feel warm and welcome, while poor lighting can leave the room looking dull or too bright.
Here are a few reasons why lighting is a key part of your wedding planning:
- Mood setting: Soft lighting can create a romantic vibe, while colorful or bright lights energize the crowd.
- Photo quality: The right lighting makes wedding photos look amazing. It brings out colors, details, and emotion.
- Focus points: Lighting helps highlight key moments like your first dance, cake cutting, or speeches.
- Decor enhancement: Lighting makes your decorations pop and adds beauty to the entire venue.
Top Types of Wedding Event Lighting Rentals
Let’s explore the most popular and effective lighting options available for weddings. Depending on your venue, style, and budget, you can mix and match these lighting types for a custom look.
1. Uplighting
Uplighting is one of the most popular lighting choices for weddings. These lights are placed on the floor and pointed upward to create a wash of color on the walls, pillars, or drapes.
Best for:
- Adding drama and elegance to large spaces
- Creating colorful backdrops behind the head table or cake
- Matching your wedding theme with customizable color options
Why it’s great: Uplighting is simple to install and gives a beautiful, soft glow that enhances the venue’s features.
2. String Lights (Fairy Lights or Bistro Lights)
String lights offer a magical, warm glow that makes any wedding feel romantic and cozy. These lights can be hung across ceilings, wrapped around beams, or used outdoors for a starry effect.
Best for:
- Outdoor or garden weddings
- Tent weddings
- Rustic, boho, or romantic themes
Why it’s great: These lights are budget-friendly, and their soft glow creates an enchanting ambiance.
3. Chandeliers
Nothing says elegance like a chandelier. Whether crystal, vintage, or modern in style, chandeliers add sophistication and class to your event.
Best for:
- Ballroom weddings
- Glamorous or formal themes
- Focal points like over the dance floor or ceremony arch
Why it’s great: Chandeliers are a stylish way to elevate your wedding décor instantly.
4. Pin Spot Lighting
Pin spot lighting focuses a narrow beam of light on specific objects or areas. These lights are perfect for highlighting important wedding features.
Best for:
- Spotlighting the wedding cake, centerpieces, or floral arrangements
- Making sure key items are seen and admired
- Adding depth and focus in your wedding photos
Why it’s great: Pin spots direct attention exactly where you want it, without lighting up the entire room.
5. Gobo Lighting
Gobo lights project patterns, monograms, or custom designs onto walls, floors, or ceilings. You can display your initials, wedding date, or even floral patterns.
Best for:
- Personalizing your wedding
- Adding texture to walls or dance floors
- Creating themed effects
Why it’s great: Gobo lighting adds a unique and creative touch to your celebration.
6. LED Lighting
LED lights are versatile, energy-efficient, and come in many colors. They can be used for uplighting, stage lighting, or even to wash the whole room in color.
Best for:
- Dynamic color changes
- Eco-friendly lighting options
- Modern weddings with bold design
Why it’s great: LED lights offer flexible color options and can be controlled easily for different parts of the evening.
7. Dance Floor Lighting
To really get the party started, you’ll need the right lighting on your dance floor. This can include moving lights, strobes, lasers, or color-changing effects.
Best for:
- Keeping guests excited and engaged
- Creating a nightclub-style dance party
- Synchronizing lights with music
Why it’s great: Dance floor lighting brings energy and fun, turning your reception into a real celebration.
8. Candlelight and Lanterns
If you’re looking for soft and romantic lighting, candles and lanterns are the way to go. They work beautifully on tables, along walkways, or during the ceremony.
Best for:
- Intimate weddings
- Outdoor evening ceremonies
- Classic or rustic wedding themes
Why it’s great: Candlelight is soft, warm, and flattering for everyone—perfect for creating an emotional and romantic mood.
9. Spotlights
Spotlights can highlight important areas or moments during your wedding. Use them for your first dance, grand entrance, or speeches to draw everyone’s attention.
Best for:
- Making moments more dramatic
- Focusing on the couple during key events
- Indoor or stage settings
Why it’s great: Spotlights give your special moments a theatrical and unforgettable feel.
Tips for Choosing the Right Lighting Rentals
Here are some helpful tips when planning your wedding lighting:
- Understand your venue: Take note of its size, color, and layout. Some lighting may not be needed if the space already has beautiful natural features or lighting.
- Match your theme: Choose lighting styles and colors that fit your overall wedding theme—whether that’s romantic, modern, rustic, or glamorous.
- Mix types of lighting: Don’t rely on just one light type. A good mix can add depth and beauty to your event.
- Plan for photos: Talk to your photographer and lighting vendor to ensure the lighting will look great in photos and video.
- Work with professionals: Lighting experts can guide you in choosing the right lights, setting them up safely, and creating the perfect atmosphere.
Cost of Wedding Lighting Rentals
Lighting rental prices vary based on the type, quantity, and setup complexity. Here’s a rough guide:
- Basic uplighting packages: $300–$800
- String lights and fairy lights: $200–$600
- Chandeliers or high-end lighting features: $500–$2,000
- Custom gobo lighting: $100–$400
- Full lighting packages (ceremony + reception): $1,000–$3,000+
It’s always best to request a quote from your lighting vendor based on your venue and wedding size.
Conclusion
Lighting can completely change the look and feel of your wedding day. From romantic candlelight to exciting dance floor effects, each lighting type adds something special to your event. Uplighting, chandeliers, string lights, gobo projections, and spotlights all serve different purposes—some to set the mood, others to make memories shine.
When planning your wedding lighting rentals, think about your venue, theme, and key moments you want to highlight. Work with a professional lighting company to create a setup that fits your style and budget. The right lighting won’t just make your wedding beautiful—it will make it unforgettable.
