The big day is close, and you still have to figure out what to do about the outdoor lighting. Does this sound like you? If yes, then you’re on the right page! Be it for a small wedding in a backyard or a grand open wedding at a farm; our outdoor wedding light decoration guide will help you decide which lighting setup would be ideal.
In this article, we will be covering everything from the basics of understanding lighting themes to safety measures that ensure guests can have fun without risking a blackout. So, without any further ado, let’s get started with exploring the top 7 tips for outdoor wedding light decoration.
The Purpose of Outdoor Light Decorations In Your Wedding
At first glance, the purpose of outdoor light decorations is usually seen in terms of its functionality in brightening up the space. But, in modern weddings, outdoor lighting is not only for illumination but also for setting the entire vibe of the wedding, highlighting special places, and creating an immersive feeling.
In outdoor uses, light also creates a cozy atmosphere that makes guests feel more comfortable at the venue. Well-lit pathways, dining areas, and dance floors minimise the risk of accidents while encouraging free movement. Your lighting setup can also affect how reliable it is during a power outage to keep the party going.
Top 7 Tips For Outdoor Wedding Light Decoration
Now that we’ve covered how proper lighting can elevate the experience of a grand wedding, let us move on to discussing how you can achieve the perfect lighting setup. The 7 tips given below are easy and actionable, which guarantees that your lighting setup at the venue will be affordable yet immaculate.
1. Use weatherproof lighting fixtures
Outdoor weddings are susceptible to unpredictable weather changes, such as rain or extreme heat, which makes it important to choose weatherproof lighting equipment. These weatherproof lights not only keep your guests safe from electric hazards but also ensure that they do not stop working in such adverse weather conditions.
Weatherproof light fixtures are also wind-resistant, which helps you keep the light beams where you set them even in case of strong winds. If you happen to buy such fixtures, they also do better in storage as they are built to be corrosion-resistant and are built with durable materials.
Planning your outdoor celebration? Get more Indian wedding decor inspiration to elevate your entire venue’s look and feel.
2. Understand the layers of lighting and their importance
Much like a delicious wedding cake, lighting also has layers that serve their own purpose. Each layer adds exclusivity and grandeur to the venue, making weddings go from cozy to spectacular. Let us understand what each lighting layer does to make your wedding look unique.
Layers of lighting:
The layers of lighting that we will cover here will be divided in terms of their functionality between area illumination and decoration. The three layers that we will focus on are ambient lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting. Their descriptions and examples are as follows:
Ambient Lighting:
This is the foundational layer of outdoor lighting decorations, as ambient lighting is used to illuminate the entire venue. Since this is a functional piece of the lighting setup, customization is limited; however, this makes it easy for you to select the lighting fixtures that you would want to use. Some examples of ambient lighting fixtures are:
- LED floodlights
- String lights
- Lanterns
- Chandeliers
- Globe Lights
Task Lighting:
Task Lighting is used to illuminate specific areas at the venue that are associated with a common task or activity. This lighting layer is dual-purpose as it is used for illumination and decoration. Typically, task lighting is brighter or contrasting to the ambient lighting to highlight areas such as the dance floor, dinner tables, and pathways. Here are some examples of ambient lighting fixtures:
- Pendant lights
- Lamp posts
- LED spotlights
- Recessed lights
Accent Lighting:
Accent lighting highlights specific features or decorative elements of your outdoor wedding, adding visual interest and creating a dramatic effect. It draws attention to focal points like floral arrangements, architectural details, or the couple’s wedding cake, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the event. Accent lighting fixtures include:
- Uplights
- Wrapped string lights
- LED light strips
- Candlelights
- Neon signs
3. Have backup power sources
Having backup power sources is essential for outdoor venues, especially remote ones, as they can sometimes experience unreliable power supplies, making a contingency plan critical. Portable generators are a popular choice, providing a dependable energy source to keep your lights, sound system, and other equipment functioning without interruption.
It’s wise to choose a generator with sufficient wattage to handle your setup and test it beforehand to avoid surprises. Additionally, battery-operated or solar-powered lights for key areas should be considered a secondary precaution. Backup power guarantees functionality and peace of mind, letting you focus on enjoying your big day.
4. Order personalised lighting elements
Some lighting pieces must be custom-made, and it is best to order them in advance to ensure everything is ready for the wedding. These customised lighting pieces usually include name signs and theme-specific lighting elements. And since these elements are custom, you must remember they cannot be rented.
This is why it is best to list the minimum number of custom lighting elements to save on costs and have everything ready for the wedding. Some ambient lighting solutions may also have to be custom-made, depending on your venue. For instance, if your venue is too large, then off-the-shelf lights might not be enough to illuminate the entire space. Planning a Sangeet outdoors? Explore perfect lighting for sangeet stage decoration that adds sparkle and style.
5. Rent lighting solutions to save costs
Most ambient and task lighting solutions remain common across weddings, and thus, many venues and service providers offer renting solutions that keep the costs low. If you don’t plan on using a lighting fixture for years in other events, it is typically not advised to buy them. This is because owning lighting decorations increases the chances of damage in storage.
Rented lighting solutions are also more reliable in this regard, as they are looked after by rental companies and fixed if they don’t work right. There is also the benefit of having access to more options for your wedding, as you don’t have to be stuck with a lighting solution you bought.
6. Test all lighting fixtures before the wedding
When dealing with outdoor lighting, it is best not to guess what it will look like at the venue. Rather than that, you should set up the lighting fixtures at the venue and test them a couple of times to be sure about their aesthetics and functionality. Dome structures for outdoor events ensure both elegance and coverage. By doing this, you can account for any oversights or additional elements before the big day.
The only caveat to testing lighting equipment at the venue is the extra cost of renting the venue and lights for the testing days. Depending on your venue, they may not let you test lighting fixtures in advance due to prior bookings. This is why you should get the lighting sorted as soon as possible to avoid the chances of unplanned outages.
7. Use professional help if required
Out of all the wedding decorations and formalities, outdoor lighting is one of the most complex and challenging areas to manage. This is why it is understandable if you have difficulties figuring out how it will work out in the end. In such situations, you can take the help of qualified professionals who specialise in outdoor lighting to help you navigate the situation according to your preferences.
Usually, these wedding lighting professionals will not only help you plan the best lighting setup but will also take care of procuring the fixtures and installing them at the venue. As you can imagine, this will take a lot of the stress out of planning the outdoor lighting setup, giving you more time to prepare other decorations and arrangements for the wedding. Explore more pre-wedding celebration ideas like themed bachelorette parties.
Dreaming of a Picture-Perfect Outdoor Glow?
Bring your outdoor lighting ideas to life with expert decorators on EventBazaar.com. From garden weddings to grand celebrations, find the right vendors to set the perfect mood.
Understanding The Venue and Theme for Wedding Light Decorations
While the tips to get the best outdoor wedding lighting setup are helpful, they all depend on your venue and wedding theme. To help you understand how to do this, we have made an actionable checklist that you can use to come to a conclusion about the venue and wedding theme. For Indian weddings, lighting works best when aligned with themes like floral or traditional mandap decoration trends.
Checklist to understand the wedding venue and theme:
Review plans with the bride and groom
Once you have come to a conclusion about what the lighting will look like at the wedding, it is time to confirm the plan with the bride and groom to get them on the same page. After all, the wedding is for them, and it must match their expectations. Since you already know the requirements of the venue, you can also communicate how the plan can be changed better.
Final Notes for Outdoor Wedding Light Decoration
Planning a wedding is exhausting, but the perfect outdoor light decorations make it all worthwhile. However, as we explored in this blog, it does not have to be so stressful, as there are many tips that you can use to make the process easier.
Of course, the general tip of seeking professional help is valid, as they can handle the entire ordeal on your behalf. If you require professional assistance, EventBazaar.com has got you covered, and we can hook you up with the perfect vendors near you to plan your outdoor wedding light decorations.
FAQs About Outdoor Wedding Light Decoration
How much lighting do I need for an outdoor wedding?
The amount of lighting you need for an outdoor wedding depends on the venue size, the time of day, and the desired ambience. A general rule is to ensure sufficient lighting for pathways, seating areas, and focal points like the ceremony space, dining tables, and dance floor. If your wedding extends into the evening, plan for brighter lighting to maintain visibility and atmosphere. Consulting with a lighting professional can help determine the right balance and placement for your unique event.
What type of lighting is best for an outdoor wedding?
The best type of lighting for an outdoor wedding depends on the atmosphere you want to create and the layout of your venue. String lights are a versatile and popular choice, offering a warm, romantic glow that works well for larger spaces. Lanterns and candles can add a cosy, intimate touch to tables or pathways, while spotlights and uplighting highlight key areas like the ceremony backdrop or grand trees.
How do I power outdoor lights at my wedding?
To power outdoor lights at your wedding, you can use a combination of standard electrical outlets, extension cords, and generators, depending on your venue’s setup. Many outdoor venues have designated power sources, but if they’re limited, portable generators are a reliable backup. For smaller setups or remote locations, solar-powered or battery-operated lights can be an eco-friendly and convenient option.
How do I keep lighting safe for my guests?
To keep lighting safe for your guests at an outdoor wedding, start by ensuring all electrical connections are weatherproof and adequately insulated, especially if there’s a chance of rain. Use heavy-duty extension cords rated for outdoor use, and secure them with cord covers or tape to prevent tripping hazards. Keep lights and wiring away from water features, and avoid overloading circuits to reduce the risk of outages or overheating.