25 Ways to Transform Your Wedding With Lighting

Heather Jowett

If you want to make your wedding unique in an affordable way, Bridal Guide shows how to spice up your wedding with different lighting techniques.

Unlike covering your wedding venue with towering floral arrangements, creative lighting can be surprisingly affordable. From uplighting to lanterns, image projections to illuminated backdrops, here are some of our favorite ideas.

01
Twinkling Lights
John Labbe

Twinkling Lights

Create a "ceiling" of twinkling lights to reflect the night sky during an outdoor wedding.

02
Twinkling Lights
JQ Image

Twinkling Lights

Transform a barn into a glamorous ballroom with light strands and chandeliers.

03
Uplighting
Dreammakers Wedding & Events

Uplighting

The dramatic centerpieces combined with the purple uplighting transform this reception space into a winter wonderland.

04
Uplighting
Guy Heart Studio

Uplighting

Blend a few different colors for this watercolor-inspired effect.

05
Uplighting
Scott Williams Photography

Uplighting

Cool uplighting, candles, and chandeliers warm up an industrial loft wedding reception.

06
Uplighting
John Labbe

Uplighting

Give your reception a frosty feel with icy blue lights.

08
Suspended Lights
Aaron Young Photography

Suspended Lights

Wow your guests with a cool lighting installation.

09
Backdrop
Kirk Mastin of Mastin Studio

Backdrop

Creating a stunning photo backdrop is as simple as hanging a few strands of twinkling lights.

10
Backdrop
Babb Photo

Backdrop

Oversized light-up letters provide a fun background for your photos.

11
Backdrop
Heather Jowett

Backdrop

Put the focus on your head table with strands of café lights.

12
Lanterns
John Labbe

Lanterns

Your guests will feel like they've been transported to an enchanted garden with this romantic idea.

13
Lanterns
Tanja Lippert

Lanterns

Floating paper lanterns are a fun and colorful way to punch up your reception space.

14
Lanterns
Bethany & Dan

Lanterns

Jewel-toned lanterns, combined with cool uplighting, provide a soft glow.

15
Lanterns
Santana Photography

Lanterns

Lanterns provide a warm glow over your nighttime reception.

16
Lanterns
Hoffer Photography

Lanterns

Choose paper lanterns that contrast your uplighting.

17
Chandeliers
Picotte Photography

Chandeliers

Bring the indoors out with chandeliers over your dance floor.

18
Projections
Rhee Bevere Photography

Projections

An illuminated aisle is an ultra-romantic idea for a nighttime ceremony.

19
Projections
Embrace Life Photography

Projections

Add the appearance of texture on your walls with creative lighting.

20
Projections
Coburn Photogrpahy

Projections

Create a beautiful backdrop for a winter wedding ceremony with images of trees.

22
Projections
Guy Heart Studio

Projections

Highlight your monogram with a wavy image projection.

23
Dance Floor
Quetzal Photography

Dance Floor

A light-up dance floor will be a fun surprise for your guests.

24
Dance Floor
A Magic Moment

Dance Floor

Pin lights give this dance floor a magical feel.