Unlike covering your wedding venue with towering floral arrangements, creative lighting can be surprisingly affordable. From uplighting to lanterns, image projections to illuminated backdrops, here are some of our favorite ideas that really bring the wow factor.

John Labbe
Create a "ceiling" of twinkling lights to reflect the night sky during an outdoor wedding.
Related: 100 Beautiful Outdoor Wedding Ceremonies
Related: 100 Beautiful Outdoor Wedding Ceremonies

Dreammakers Weddings & Events
The dramatic centerpieces combined with the purple uplighting transform this reception space into a winter wonderland.
Related: 100 Ideas for Winter Weddings
Related: 100 Ideas for Winter Weddings

Guy Heart Studio
Blend a few different colors for this watercolor-inspired effect.
Related: 200+ Color Combinations for Your Wedding
Related: 200+ Color Combinations for Your Wedding

Scott Williams Photography
Cool uplighting, candles, and chandeliers warm up an industrial loft wedding reception.
Related: Host an Urban Wedding in a Loft
Related: Host an Urban Wedding in a Loft

JQ Image
Transform a barn into a glamorous ballroom with light strands and chandeliers.
Related: 75 Ideas for a Rustic Wedding
Related: 75 Ideas for a Rustic Wedding

John Labbe
Give your reception a frosty feel with icy blue lights.
Related: 5 Things You Can Only Do at a Winter Wedding>
Related: 5 Things You Can Only Do at a Winter Wedding>

Paras Events
Don't be afraid to go bold with your uplighting!
Related: 25+ of the Most Unique Wedding Themes We've Ever Seen
Related: 25+ of the Most Unique Wedding Themes We've Ever Seen

Aaron Young Photography

Kirk Mastin of Mastin Studio
Creating a stunning photo backdrop is as simple as hanging a few strands of twinkling lights.
Related: 75 New Must-Have Photos With Your Groom
Related: 75 New Must-Have Photos With Your Groom

Babb Photo
Oversized light-up letters provide a fun background for your photos.
Related: 15 Ways to Make Your Reception More Fun
Related: 15 Ways to Make Your Reception More Fun

Put the focus on your head table with strands of café lights.
Related: 15+ Stunning Reasons to Have a Sweetheart Table
Related: 15+ Stunning Reasons to Have a Sweetheart Table

John Labbe
Your guests will feel like they've been transported to an enchanted garden with this romantic idea.
Photo Credit: 50 Ideas for a Classic Fairy Tale Wedding
Photo Credit: 50 Ideas for a Classic Fairy Tale Wedding

Tanja Lippert
Floating paper lanterns are a fun and colorful way to punch up your reception space.
Related: 25 Ways to Wow Your Guests
Related: 25 Ways to Wow Your Guests

Bethany & Dan
Jewel-toned lanterns, combined with cool uplighting, provide a soft glow.
Related: 35 Romantic Ideas for Your Wedding Reception
Related: 35 Romantic Ideas for Your Wedding Reception

Santana Photography
Lanterns provide a warm glow over your nighttime reception.
Related: 3 Stunning Outdoor Wedding Themes
Related: 3 Stunning Outdoor Wedding Themes

Hoffer Photography
Choose paper lanterns that contrast your uplighting.
Related: 130+ Spectacular Wedding Decoration Ideas
Related: 130+ Spectacular Wedding Decoration Ideas

Picotte Photography
Bring the indoors out with chandeliers over your dance floor.
Related: Classic First Dance Songs That Fit Your Style
Related: Classic First Dance Songs That Fit Your Style

Rhee Bevere Photography
An illuminated aisle is an ultra-romantic idea for a nighttime ceremony.
Related: 5 Hot Ideas for Your Ceremony Aisle Decor
Related: 5 Hot Ideas for Your Ceremony Aisle Decor

Embrace Life Photography
Add the appearance of texture on your walls with creative lighting.
Related: 10 Nature-Inspired Ideas for Fall Weddings
Related: 10 Nature-Inspired Ideas for Fall Weddings

Coburn Photography
Create a beautiful backdrop for a winter wedding ceremony with images of trees.
Related: 10 Reasons to Love Winter Weddings
Related: 10 Reasons to Love Winter Weddings

Jared Alvarez
Give your wedding a one-of-a-kind feel with a pattern projected across the ceiling.
Related: 150+ Ways to Make Your Wedding Unforgettable
Related: 150+ Ways to Make Your Wedding Unforgettable

Guy Heart Studio

Quetzal Photo
A light-up dance floor will be a fun surprise for your guests.
Related: Song Ideas for Every Part of Your Wedding Day
Related: Song Ideas for Every Part of Your Wedding Day

A Magic Moment
Pin lights give this dance floor a magical feel.
Related: Watch: Magician's First Dance Will Put a Spell on You
Related: Watch: Magician's First Dance Will Put a Spell on You
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By Kristen Klein for Bridal Guide
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