The right lighting can transform any wedding or event into a magical experience, setting the mood and accentuating the beauty of every structure and decor detail in ways you can’t imagine until you see.
It is also rarely recognized as an essential in wedding planning, which you know is a visual shame if you have ever attended an event with specialty lighting.
In this guide, we are going to delve into the world of lights and explore some basic terminology. While we will barely be scratching the surface in this post, I hope it will inspire you to research deeper and continue to look into all of the options that are available to you.
So, pour yourself a glass of wine and let’s ‘light up the night’!
Candlelight
Candelabras
Ornate candle holders, often with multiple arms, adding a touch of vintage elegance to tables and venues.
Tea Lights
Small and versatile, these tiny candles create a warm and intimate ambiance, perfect for accenting centerpieces or lining pathways.
Taper Candles
Slender, elongated candles with a pointed end, designed for fitting into candle holders and often used for elegant and formal occasions.
Pillar Candles
Sturdy, cylindrical candles that come in various heights and diameters. Versatile for creating height variations in centerpieces or as standalone decor elements.
Votives
Small, cylindrical candles often placed in decorative holders or votive cups. Ideal for accent lighting on tables, along aisles, or as part of centerpiece arrangements.
Floating Candles
Candles designed to float in water, often placed in bowls or vases. Create a serene and enchanting atmosphere in centerpieces or decorative pools.
LED Candles
Flameless candles that emit a warm, flickering light. Safe alternative for venues with restrictions on open flames or for outdoor events.
String Lights
Fairy Lights
Delicate, twinkling lights often used to create a whimsical and enchanting atmosphere, especially in outdoor settings.
Bistro Lights
Hanging string lights with exposed filaments, creating a cozy and romantic feel reminiscent of a European café.
Lighting Terminology
Under-Table Lighting: Placing LED lights beneath tables to create a soft and glowing effect, adding a modern and futuristic touch.
Spotlights: Focused beams of light that highlight specific elements such as floral arrangements, the wedding cake, or the dance floor.
Up-Lighting: Placing lights on the ground to project upward, adding color and drama to walls, columns, or architectural features.
Pin Lighting: Focused beams that spotlight specific details like centerpieces or floral arrangements, providing a customized and dramatic effect that enhances the overall visual appeal of the venue.
Gobo Lighting: Personalized projections of monograms, patterns, or images onto walls, ceilings, or dance floors, adding a unique and branded touch to the event.
Ambient Lighting: General, overall lighting that sets the mood and ambiance of the event.
Lighting Washes: The even and broad distribution of light that creates a soft glow and enhances the overall atmosphere of a space.
Draping with Lights: Using fabric drapes combined with lighting to create a soft, romantic backdrop or canopy.
Task Lighting: Focused lighting that illuminates specific areas or tasks, such as reading or eating.
Color Temperature: The warmth or coolness of light, measured in Kelvins (K), influencing the overall feel of the lighting.
Dimmer: A device that allows you to adjust the brightness of the lights, providing control over the atmosphere.
Fixture: The housing or casing for a light source, such as a chandelier or wall sconce.
Mercury Glass: A type of glassware with a silvered, reflective coating on the inside, creating an antique and distressed mirror-like finish; commonly used as votive holders, vases, or as part of centerpiece arrangements.
Hurricane Glass: Glass cylinders (or ‘hurricanes’) that enclose candles for added safety, providing a wind-resistant option for outdoor events without compromising the visual impact.
As you plan your wedding or event, consider the transformative power of lighting. From the soft flicker of candles to the vibrant glow of up-lighting, each element contributes to the overall visual appeal. Experiment with different lighting styles and combinations to create a luminous celebration that leaves a lasting impression on you and your guests.
Remember, the Bella Vie Team is here for you for every need you have, including those you haven’t thought of yet!
Helping you select the right lighting options and connecting you with professionals who specialize in this field is just the beginning of the many things we can do for you.
Always, always feel free to reach out to us for tips and advice, no strings attached! We will be happy to point you in the right direction.
Until next time,
Ciao, Bellas!
