Light and romance go together. Think candlelight dinners, moonlit walks, shared sunsets—The list goes on. It only makes sense to let light work its magic at an event that celebrates your love story: your Wedding.

Lighting, harnessed strategically, can set the perfect ambiance for your big day. Lights are an impressively effective way to make your wedding space feel warm and romantic, vibrant and festive, or elegant and refined.

In this article, you'll find tips for using lighting to set the mood for your wedding, along with a look at creative lighting options and some of the trends in wedding lights that we've been observing.

Love in the Spotlight: Lighting for Your Ceremony

With the right lighting, you can transform your wedding ceremony site into a breathtaking backdrop for your vows, exchange of rings, and first kiss as a married couple.

Here are a few lighting tips to help you create a stunning and memorable wedding ceremony.

Setting the Mood

Lighting can greatly impact the mood and atmosphere of your ceremony. Consider what kind of vibe you want to create and choose your lighting accordingly. For example, if you want a romantic and intimate atmosphere, try soft, warm lighting.

Combine Light Sources

Mixing different light sources can create a beautiful and dynamic look. Consider using a combination of overhead lighting, floor lamps, and string lights to create a multi-dimensional look.

Don't Forget About the Aisle

The aisle is an important part of the ceremony, so make sure it's well-lit.

You can use aisle runners or place lit candles or lanterns along the aisle to create a warm and inviting pathway.

Highlight special moments

Use lighting to highlight special moments during the ceremony, such as the unity candle, the exchange of vows, or the first kiss.

For the unity candle lighting, for example, you could have two spotlights trained on the ceremony table where the unity candle set is placed. As you each take a candle and together light the center unity candle, those focused spotlights will illuminate you both during this symbolic gesture.

During the exchange of vows, project a soft oval of uplighting around where you and your future spouse will be standing. This pool of warm light will gently spotlight you both as you recite your heartfelt vows to one another.

And for that first newlywed kiss, time it so that just as you go in for the kiss, a monogram gobo pattern or hearts gobo shines down directly on you from overhead. The perfect lighting accent to commemorate sealing your marriage with a kiss!

Using intentional, focused lighting in these key moments draws all eyes to the significance of what's happening. It elevates and spotlights these ceremonial highlights in a beautiful, memorable way.

Consider Your Wedding Venue

Your venue can greatly impact your lighting choices. Consider the size and shape of the space, as well as any architectural features that you want to highlight or conceal.

Test it Out

Before your wedding day, test out your lighting setup to make sure it's working properly and creating the desired effect.

Consider LED Lights

LED lights are energy-efficient, last long, and produce minimal heat. They are also very versatile and can be used to create a variety of different looks and effects.

Cocktail Hour Lighting

During cocktail hour on your wedding day, you'll want the lighting to be a bit brighter than your ceremony lighting to allow mingling and socializing.

Try mixing and layering different lighting elements like:

-Statement overhead lighting fixtures or chandeliers

-Stylish lamp lighting on cocktail tables

-Uplighting in wedding colors behind bars or food stations

-Market string lights hung overhead or along railings

Wedding Reception Lighting

When it comes to reception lighting, feel free to select bold lighting choices. Uplighting, patterns, and fun lighting accents can make the party feel magical.

During your wedding planning, consider lighting details like:

-Bright white or colored uplighting along the walls and dance floor

-Patterned lighting projected on walls, ceilings, or floors

-A custom monogram wedding logo pattern on the dance floor

-A stylish chandelier or suspended lighting over tables

-Accent lighting on cakes, desserts, or other display areas

Outdoor Wedding Lighting

An outdoor wedding gives you a beautiful natural backdrop, but proper lighting is key after sundown.

Popular outdoor lighting options for weddings include:

-Strings of bulb lights or lanterns overhead

-Loads of votives or low candles lining paths and areas

-Uplighting to highlight trees, sculptures, or a similar focal point

-Dance floor lighting or patterns to energize the celebration

Creative Lighting Ideas

Don't be afraid to have fun with your wedding lighting. Your creative choices will help make your wedding feel more personal and memorable. They can also wow your guests.

Here are some imaginative lighting ideas to consider:

-Neon signs: Having a fun neon sign custom-made with your names, initials, wedding hashtag, or a cheeky saying can make for great photo ops and an eye-catching lighting accent.

-Draped lighting curtains: Create a dreamy, romantic backdrop by draping strings of fairy lights, LED curtains, or other draped lighting effects behind areas like the sweetheart table or band stage.

-Floating lighting accents: Suspend or hang unique lighting fixtures like lanterns, globes, or custom pieces at different levels to create visual interest and ethereal lighting effects.

-Illuminated furnishings: Rent LED or illuminated furniture pieces like benches or ottomans for cool lighting accents that also serve a purpose.

-Shadow projections: Set up unique shadow projections on walls or other surfaces using patterned lights, custom cutouts, or greenery for a romantic, artistic lighting look.

Wedding Lighting Trends

Some of the hottest lighting trends for weddings include:

-Dramatic statement lighting pieces as focal points

-RGB and LED uplighting that can change colors

-Natural light combined with candlelight

-Fairy or encore lighting draped on ceilings or creating backdrops

With some planning and creative touches your lighting design can take the romance and beauty of your wedding day to new levels.

The Bell Tower on 34th, one of the leading luxury wedding venues Houston has to offer, is known for our beautiful garden setting, waterwall, and elegant, Mediterranean decor.

Our southwest Texas venue serves couples from throughout greater Houston.

Learn more about holding a wedding here.

The Bell Tower on 34th

901 W 34th St, Houston, TX 77018

(713) 868-2355