24 Weddings That Really Brought The Wow Factor With Lighting

From uplighting to lanterns, image projections to illuminated backdrops, here are some of our favorite ideas.
This post was published on the now-closed HuffPost Contributor platform. Contributors control their own work and posted freely to our site. If you need to flag this entry as abusive, send us an email.

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
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
Guy Heart Studio
Blend a few different colors for this watercolor-inspired effect.

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
JQ Image
Transform a barn into a glamorous ballroom with light strands and chandeliers.

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>
Paras Events
Don't be afraid to go bold with your uplighting!

Related: 25+ of the Most Unique Wedding Themes We've Ever Seen
Aaron Young Photography
Wow your guests with a cool lighting installation.

Related: 40 Ways to Decorate Your Ceremony Aisle
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
Babb Photo
Oversized light-up letters provide a fun background for your photos.

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
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
Tanja Lippert
Floating paper lanterns are a fun and colorful way to punch up your reception space.

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
Santana Photography
Lanterns provide a warm glow over your nighttime reception.

Related: 3 Stunning Outdoor Wedding Themes
Hoffer Photography
Choose paper lanterns that contrast your uplighting.

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
Rhee Bevere Photography
An illuminated aisle is an ultra-romantic idea for a nighttime ceremony.

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
Coburn Photography
Create a beautiful backdrop for a winter wedding ceremony with images of trees.

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
Guy Heart Studio
Highlight your monogram with a wavy image projection.

Related: Creative Ways to Use Your Monogram
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
A Magic Moment
Pin lights give this dance floor a magical feel.

Related: Watch: Magician's First Dance Will Put a Spell on You

More from Bridal Guide:

By Kristen Klein for Bridal Guide

Also on HuffPost:

This Beyoncé-inspired engagement photo

Awesome Wedding Ideas

Popular in the Community

Close

HuffPost Shopping’s Best Finds

MORE IN LIFE