Average Wedding Lighting Costs<\/span><\/h2>\n
Wedding lighting costs will vary drastically from event to event. It all comes down to your <\/span>chosen venue<\/span><\/a>, desired style, and <\/span>overall budget<\/span><\/a>. Because these factors are so different for every wedding, it’s hard to determine how much you should budget. <\/span><\/p>\n
Some couples decide to do lighting on their own, and others choose to bring in a professional. If you’re going with a lighting designer, here are the average prices you can expect to pay for wedding lighting, excluding labor and delivery, according to industry experts:<\/span><\/p>\n
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Uplighting for an entire ballroom: $700-$2500<\/span><\/li>\n
Gobo lighting: $200-$500<\/span><\/li>\n
Texture lighting: $50-$75 per light fixture<\/span><\/li>\n
Spotlight: $30-$100<\/span><\/li>\n
Pinspot lighting: $25-$45 per light\/table<\/span><\/li>\n
String lights: $3-$5 per linear foot<\/span><\/li>\n
Chandeliers: $150-$300<\/span><\/li>\n
Pendants: $15-$25 per<\/span><\/li>\n
Projector, Computer, and Screen to manage lighting: $200-$600<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Talk to your <\/span>wedding planner<\/span><\/a> or venue <\/span>coordinator<\/span><\/a> for pro lighting designer recommendations. When getting a quote or interviewing lighting designers, be sure to ask if labor and delivery is included in the price quote, so you’re not left with any <\/span>unexpected expenses<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n
DIY Wedding Lighting Costs<\/span><\/h2>\n
If you’re going the <\/span>DIY route<\/span><\/a>, start by digging through your at-home stash. Maybe you have Christmas lights or candles hidden away that can help bring <\/span>your vision<\/span><\/a> to life. It’s also wise to ask family and friends to pitch in any extra lighting they may have before purchasing any new items. <\/span><\/p>\n
If you do decide to take lighting into your own hands, consider buying lights and candles in bulk and repurposing them at events leading up to the wedding such as your <\/span>engagement party<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>bridal shower<\/span><\/a>, and <\/span>rehearsal dinner<\/span><\/a>. You can even use them in your home after the wedding day—we love decor that doubles as a functional wedding keepsake. <\/span><\/p>\n
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image by Upon Two Weddings<\/a>. See more of this real wedding here<\/a>.<\/p><\/div>\n
Questions To Ask Your Lighting Designer And Venue<\/span><\/h2>\n
It’s important to do a walk-through of your wedding venue with your lighting designer so they can understand the needs of your specific space. Try to schedule your walkthrough around the same time as your event so you can get a sense of what the lighting is going to be like on your wedding day. <\/span><\/p>\n
During your walk-through, don’t forget to ask your lighting designer and venue coordinator the following questions. <\/span><\/p>\n
Questions For Your Lighting Designer<\/span><\/h3>\n
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How much time do you need to set up and take down?<\/span><\/li>\n
How much power will you need for the entire lighting setup?<\/span><\/li>\n
Will the designer be on-location during the wedding for operation and\/or maintenance concerns?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Questions For Your Venue<\/span><\/h3>\n
If you’re hiring a lighting designer, they will likely ask these questions during the walkthrough. But if you’re opting to <\/span>DIY<\/span><\/a> your lighting, don’t forget to ask your venue these questions that’ll impact your ability to create the perfect ambiance on your wedding day. <\/span><\/p>\n
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Where are the outlets located?<\/span><\/li>\n
How much power can the built-in outlets accommodate?<\/span><\/li>\n
What type of lighting is already provided?<\/span><\/li>\n
Are there any types of light sources that are prohibited, such as open-flame candles?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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Tips For Outdoor And Indoor Wedding Lighting<\/span><\/h2>\n
If your <\/span>wedding ceremony<\/span><\/a> is taking place indoors, you’ll need different lighting than you would with an epic sunset background. The time of day, amount of natural lighting, and your ideal wedding vibe will all impact your lighting choices. Here’s what you need to know for each option.<\/span><\/p>\n
Indoor Lighting<\/span><\/h3>\n
For an indoor wedding, you’ll need to know what lighting is already in the venue so that you can simply add to it or work around it. Uplighting is great for accentuating architectural features or changing wall colors to match your <\/span>palette<\/span><\/a>, and color washing can help create different moods in different rooms throughout the venue. This is where a lighting design pro will be your best friend! They’ll help figure out what existing fixtures will work and what to add to achieve the look you want.<\/span><\/p>\n
Outdoor Lighting<\/span><\/h3>\n
For an outdoor wedding, power is going to be your biggest struggle. For example, if you’re getting married at sunset, you’ll also want to make sure all pathways to the venue, to the parking lot, and to the bathrooms are lit for guests after the sun has set. All of those lights will require a lot of power. <\/span><\/p>\n
For a small <\/span>backyard wedding<\/span><\/a>, you can use simple string lights in and between trees and votive candles on every table. But, if you’re having a big outdoor celebration in a courtyard or tent, you’ll want to call in the professionals. They may bring in generators for more power, which will save you the hassle of trying to hang lights in high places.<\/span><\/p>\n
Creative Wedding Lighting Ideas <\/span><\/h2>\n
Now that you’re equipt with all the behind-the-scenes logistics, it’s time for the fun planning to begin. Whether you’re looking for soft, romantic lighting or extravagant glamorous lighting, here are some creative wedding lighting ideas to spark <\/span>inspiration<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n
1. Ceremony Aisle And Backdrop Lighting Ideas<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Images by Lauren Mihae<\/a>, Ivory & Beau<\/a>, Julia Garcia-Prat Photography<\/a>, and Elisabetta Riccio<\/a>.<\/p><\/div>\n
2. Reception Table Lighting Ideas<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Images by Ana & Jerome Photography<\/a>, Brooke Taelor<\/a>, Sarah Everything Photography<\/a>, and Jackie Rangel Photo<\/a>.<\/p><\/div>\n
3. Use Colorful Uplighting In Your Reception Space <\/span><\/h3>\n
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Image by Elisabetta Riccio<\/a>. See more of this real wedding here<\/a>.<\/p><\/div>\n
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