What You Need to Know About Wedding Lighting
Wedding lighting plays a big role in creating the right mood and helping your photos and videos shine. Good lighting sets the tone, guides the flow of the event, and makes every corner of the venue feel special. For couples planning their wedding in the UK, lighting is not just decoration. It is a way to make the event stand out, especially with the country’s unpredictable weather and shorter daylight hours in some months.
Outdoor weddings face challenges such as wind, rain, and shifting natural light. Indoor weddings often need careful planning to brighten large halls or add warmth to castle or barn venues. Whether your ceremony takes place under the stars or inside a grand ballroom, choosing the right setup ensures every moment is captured beautifully.
At OH MY DHOL, we have seen how the right lighting transforms not just the venue but also the mood of guests. From dhol performances to first dances, lighting connects with music, décor, and photography, giving the wedding a polished finish.
Choosing the Right Lighting Setup for Outdoor Weddings
Outdoor weddings in the UK are popular in gardens, barns, beaches, and marquees. Lighting here must work with natural elements and create a romantic feel once the sun sets. String lights, fairy lights, festoons, and lanterns are among the most used choices. They create soft ambient lighting and help guests move safely across outdoor areas.
Timing is another factor. In summer, longer daylight hours allow softer setups until evening, but in autumn or winter, the sun sets early, meaning you need stronger options like LED uplighting or marquee lighting to maintain brightness. Power supply is also important. Outdoor setups may need waterproof connections and backup generators to keep everything running smoothly.
With services like event décor and photography provided by OH MY DHOL, we ensure outdoor lighting is planned with a mix of beauty and safety. A dancing horse or dhol entrance under fairy lights creates an unforgettable scene, one that both guests and cameras remember for years.
Choosing the Right Lighting Setup for Indoor Weddings
Indoor venues such as hotels, castles, and barns in the UK come with their own lighting needs. Chandeliers bring a classic touch, while LED uplighting can change colours to match themes. Spotlights highlight important areas like the dance floor, stage, or cake table. For darker halls without natural windows, ambient layers of lighting prevent the space from feeling dull.
Indoor weddings allow greater control over brightness and colour, but technical setup is key. Lights must be placed to avoid glare in photography and to keep guests comfortable. Coordinating with your photographer or videographer helps balance the glow with the camera lens.
When OH MY DHOL provides videography and photography services, we plan the lighting design alongside the décor team. This ensures your car hire arrival, first dance, and dhol performances are captured in the perfect atmosphere.
Key Differences in Indoor vs Outdoor Wedding Lighting
-
Power: Outdoor setups often need generators, while indoor venues usually provide fixed connections.
-
Weather: Indoor lighting is safe from rain or wind, while outdoor setups must be waterproof.
-
Layering: Indoors allow flexible uplighting and chandeliers, while outdoors rely more on string and ambient lights.
-
Vendors: Outdoor events need planners familiar with technical setup and weatherproofing.
Seasonal Lighting Advice for UK Weddings
UK weddings vary by season, so your lighting should adjust too. In summer, natural light lasts until late, so subtle string lights or fairy lights are enough until evening. Winter weddings face early sunsets, making warm chandeliers, candles, or LED uplighting essential.
For cosy winter barns, combine rustic lanterns with uplighting for a warm effect. In autumn, when evenings grow darker, marquee lighting with festoons ensures guests see clearly while still enjoying romantic mood lighting.
How to Budget for Wedding Lighting in the UK
Wedding lighting costs in the UK range from £500 to £2,500, depending on venue size and setup type. Outdoor weddings tend to be more expensive because of waterproof gear and generator hire. Couples can choose between DIY setups or hiring professionals. Many UK vendors offer packages that include chandeliers, uplighting, and fairy lights in one deal.
At OH MY DHOL, we combine décor and lighting solutions within our event decor services. This allows couples to manage their budget while still enjoying a professional finish.
Expert Lighting Tips from UK Wedding Planners
Wedding planners often stress three rules for lighting: test the setup before the big day, match the lighting to photography needs, and avoid overusing coloured effects. Too much lighting can wash out photos or distract guests. A checklist should include power supply, backup options, dimming controls, and placement for speeches or dances.
Best Wedding Lighting Vendors in the UK
From London to Manchester and Edinburgh, the UK has several top-rated lighting hire companies. Couples should look for vendors with experience in both outdoor and indoor setups, especially for marquee and barn weddings. Checking reviews and service areas ensures reliable coverage.
Wedding Lighting for Photos & Videography
Lighting can make or break wedding photography. Photographers recommend layered setups—ambient lights for overall mood and spotlights for key moments. Fairy lights create stunning backdrops for portraits, while LED uplighting adds drama to dance floor shots. Placement of lighting near photo booths or ceremony stages ensures clear images.
At OH MY DHOL, our photography and videography team works closely with lighting technicians, so every shot reflects the magic of your day. We can even combine special effects like smoke grenades with lighting to make wedding photos and videos look cinematic.
Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Lighting Options
LED lights and solar-powered units are energy-efficient and reduce costs. Couples can also use candles and lanterns for sustainable, natural lighting that lowers energy use.
FAQs
What is the best lighting for an outdoor wedding in the UK?
Weatherproof festoon or fairy lights with generator backup give reliable results.
Do I need different lighting for day vs night weddings?
Yes. Day weddings need less, but night weddings require layered setups for ambience and safety.
How much does wedding lighting cost in the UK?
Costs range between £500 and £2,500 depending on venue size and complexity.
What lighting works best in a barn wedding?
Fairy lights, chandeliers, rustic lanterns, and uplighting are ideal.
Can I DIY my wedding lighting setup?
Yes, but professional help is safer for outdoor setups and larger venues.