Adding Lighting for Weddings: Create An Elegant Glow

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Why I Think a Good Wedding Glow Feels So Good

I don’t know what it is about soft lighting, but the second the sun dips and a warm glow turns on, everything feels different. Calmer. More romantic. More intentional. I think a glow feels so good because it wraps around the room and gently smooths everything out — the tables, the flowers, the faces, the laughter.

When you’re planning a wedding, you might focus on flowers, the dress, the food, the music. But lighting quietly carries the mood of the entire evening. The right wedding lighting design can make a simple venue look elevated, make photos look cinematic, and make guests linger longer.

Whether you’re planning a backyard wedding, rustic barn celebration, garden ceremony, or indoor ballroom reception, thoughtful wedding lighting ideas can completely transform your space — without adding chaos to your budget.

Let’s walk through creative, practical, and beautiful ways to add lighting to your wedding so your evening glows in the most elegant way.

12 Types of Wedding Lighting That Instantly Elevate the Mood

There are so many wedding lighting options available now, especially flameless and LED choices that are safe, affordable, and venue-approved. Below are twelve ideas you can mix and layer for depth and dimension.

1. LED Candles

Flameless LED candles are a wedding favorite because they offer the look of candlelight without fire risk. Many venues require flameless options, and these solve that instantly.

They work beautifully on reception tables, lining ceremony aisles, or clustered around the sweetheart table. Choose warm white for a soft romantic effect rather than cool white.

Practical tip: Mix heights. Use 4”, 6”, and 8” candles together so the glow looks natural instead of flat.

2. LED Fairy Lights

Tiny twinkle lights create a dreamy atmosphere and photograph beautifully. They can be woven into centerpieces, wrapped around railings, or placed inside jars for soft light.

Fairy lights are incredibly versatile and budget-friendly. I personally love them tucked into glass containers with flowers because they feel whimsical and sweet without being overdone.

3. Solar Chandeliers

For outdoor weddings, solar chandeliers are both eco-friendly and convenient. They charge during the day and glow automatically at night.

Hang them from tree branches, pergolas, or tent poles. They work especially well for garden weddings or rustic venues where you want something a little unexpected.

4. Decorative Lanterns

Lanterns bring structure to your lighting. You can place them along walkways, at the altar, or framing the dance floor.

Choose finishes that match your wedding style:

 • Matte black for modern weddings

 • Gold for romantic or classic themes

 • White or distressed wood for rustic charm

Add LED candles inside to keep them venue-approved.

5. String Lights (Café Lights)

Café string lights create a canopy effect overhead. They’re perfect for outdoor receptions and tented weddings.

Stretch them across a backyard or courtyard and suddenly the space feels intimate and warm. They also define the dance floor beautifully.

6. Uplighting

Uplighting adds depth to walls and architectural details. Soft amber or blush tones can completely change how a venue looks.

If your venue feels plain during the day, uplighting in the evening can create dimension without adding decor clutter.

7. Hanging Edison Bulbs

For industrial or rustic weddings, exposed bulb lighting adds character. These look stunning over farm tables or dessert tables.

Keep the bulb tone warm — 2200K–2700K is ideal for a soft romantic glow.

8. LED Neon Signs

Custom neon signs are popular for wedding receptions and photo backdrops. They add personality and serve as decor and lighting in one.

Soft white or blush tones feel elegant, while bright colors lean playful.

9. Light-Up Marquee Letters

Initials, last names, or simple words can anchor a reception space. Place them near the entrance or dance floor.

They work best as accent lighting rather than primary lighting.

10. Paper Lantern Clusters

Lightweight paper lanterns can be hung in clusters for an airy feel. They’re especially lovely for garden weddings or tented receptions.

Mix sizes to create visual interest.

11. LED Pathway Stakes

Guide guests safely from ceremony to reception with LED pathway lighting. This is practical and beautiful.

Choose warm lights to keep the glow cohesive with the rest of your design.

12. Fairy Light Backdrops

If you want a romantic ceremony backdrop or photo booth wall, curtain-style fairy lights behind sheer fabric create an ethereal effect.

This layered look works beautifully for indoor weddings or sweetheart table backdrops.

In-Depth DIY: Creating LED Fairy Light Centerpieces in Jars or Painted Crates

This is where things get fun and hands-on.

If you love a cozy, slightly creative project (I always do), this DIY wedding lighting idea adds personality and glow in one.

Option A: LED Fairy Lights in Glass Jars

Step 1: Choose Your Jars

Select clear glass jars — mason jars, vintage-style jars, or simple cylindrical vases.

Height suggestion:

 • 6–8 inches tall for table centerpieces

 • 10–12 inches for statement pieces

Step 2: Select Warm LED Fairy Lights

Look for:

 • Warm white tone

 • Thin silver or copper wire

 • Battery-operated pack with 6–8 hour run time

Test them before installing.

Step 3: Prepare Florals

You can:

 • Add fresh flowers around the outside of the jar

 • Place dried florals inside

 • Wrap greenery around the jar neck

If placing florals inside, use waterproof LED lights.

Step 4: Insert Lights

Gently coil the fairy lights loosely inside the jar. Avoid packing them tightly — air between the strands creates more sparkle.

Place the battery pack discreetly:

 • Under greenery

 • Wrapped with ribbon

 • Hidden in a small decorative pouch

Step 5: Style the Base

Set the jar on:

 • A wood slice

 • Linen napkin

 • Round mirror tray

 • Painted crate

Layering texture adds depth to the glow.

Option B: Painted Crates with Fairy Lights and Flowers

This is such a sweet idea for rustic or garden weddings.

Step 1: Choose Wooden Crates

Select small wood crates (approximately 8–12 inches wide).

Step 2: Paint Softly

Use soft neutral tones:

 • White wash

 • Blush

 • Sage green

 • Cream

Let paint dry completely.

Step 3: Line with Fabric

Add linen, burlap, or gauze fabric inside to soften the wood edges.

Step 4: Add LED Fairy Lights

Place a strand of warm fairy lights inside the crate and gently fluff them.

Hide the battery pack behind flowers or under fabric folds.

Step 5: Add Florals

Layer:

 • Greenery first

 • Focal blooms

 • Smaller accent flowers

The lights should peek through, not overpower.

Step 6: Test in Low Light

Dim the room and check the glow. Adjust spacing if needed.

Why Many Venues Require Flameless Options

Most wedding venues have strict safety policies regarding open flames. Insurance requirements, fire codes, and historic building regulations often prohibit real candles.

Flameless LED lighting:

 • Reduces fire risk

 • Prevents smoke damage

 • Keeps wax off linens

 • Makes cleanup easier

If you’re planning a wedding in a barn, museum, hotel ballroom, or garden venue, assume you’ll need flameless options unless told otherwise.

And honestly? With today’s technology, most guests can’t tell the difference.

Practical Tips for Wedding Lighting Success

Layer Your Lighting

Think in layers:

 • Overhead (string lights, chandeliers)

 • Mid-level (lanterns, wall uplighting)

 • Table level (LED candles, fairy lights)

This creates dimension and avoids harsh shadows.

Consider Timing

Sunset matters. If your ceremony ends before golden hour, lighting becomes essential once it gets dark.

Check sunset times for your wedding date and plan accordingly.

Think About Photography

Soft, warm lighting photographs best. Avoid overly cool or blue tones.

Talk to your photographer about:

 • Flash preferences

 • Low-light performance

 • Dark dance floor shots

Test Before the Big Day

Set up one full sample centerpiece in advance. Turn off the lights in your home and evaluate the glow.

I like to see it at night because sometimes lights look brighter in a store than they do in a room.

FAQ: Wedding Lighting Questions Answered

How long do LED fairy lights last?

Battery-powered fairy lights typically last 6–12 hours depending on:

 • Battery quality

 • Number of LEDs

 • Whether they have timer settings

Always use fresh batteries for your wedding day.

Should I bring backup batteries?

Yes. Bring extra batteries for:

 • Every centerpiece

 • Lanterns

 • LED candles

Assign someone responsible to monitor lights during the reception.

Are solar lights reliable?

Solar lighting works best for outdoor weddings with full sun exposure. Cloudy weather may reduce brightness or runtime.

If using solar chandeliers, consider backup battery lighting just in case.

When should we test everything?

Test:

 • One week before

 • The night before

 • During venue setup

Check battery levels, timer functions, and brightness consistency.

What color temperature is best?

Warm white (around 2200K–2700K) creates the most romantic and flattering effect.

Cool white can feel harsh and clinical.

Bringing It All Together: Designing an Elegant Glowing Evening

When you layer soft wedding lighting — fairy lights in jars, flameless candles in lanterns, string lights overhead — the space starts to feel intimate and magical.

Guests relax into the glow. Conversations linger. The dance floor feels inviting.

I truly think lighting is one of those design details that quietly carries the entire experience. It doesn’t shout for attention. It just makes everything feel beautiful.

As the sun sets and your reception begins, that soft golden glow becomes part of the memory — warm, romantic, calm.

An elegant, glowing evening where everything feels just right is exactly what you want.

Wishing you the best at your beautiful wedding! ✨

Warmly,

Jenna