28 Marvelous DIY Lighting Ideas For a Wedding Reception

From decorations to the venue and proper lighting, everything for your dream wedding can add up fast if you’re not careful. For a more affordable wedding that remains a glamorous, heartwarming experience, below are 30 DIY lighting ideas for wedding receptions.

30 DIY lighting ideas for a wedding reception

Stuck for ideas for wedding reception lighting? These 30 possibilities can help spark the right idea.

1. Curtain rain string lights

Create your own glamorous backdrop with curtain rain string lights for the perfect photo op. These shining, dangling lights can make your outfit truly sparkle for the ultimate picture-perfect moment.

2. Paper lanterns

Paper lanterns can make for great decorative lighting at your wedding. Layer a few lanterns to brighten your space with decor that can make your surroundings feel weightless and whimsical. Choose between a classic white or neutral, or add some pastels for a pop of color.

3. Galaxy projector

Galaxy projectors bring the night sky indoors at your wedding reception. The Sky Lite Evolve, for example, can transform your venue into a vast array of floating nebulas and starry sights. With the BlissLights app, you can adjust how fast the nebulas move, add different effects, and dim your lighting. You’ll create the ultimate starry night at your wedding.

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4. Edison bulbs

Edison bulbs are a great DIY wedding light option that set the mood. With these cozy, golden light fixtures, you can feel more at ease as you and your partner slow dance to your favorite tunes.

5. Uplighting

Transform your wedding reception into a glamorous runway with uplighting. All you need is a few battery-powered lights placed on the floor around the room. You’ll feel like you’re stepping out of a limo and into a swanky event – and at least the latter is true.

6. Monogram lighting

If you’re searching for event-friendly lighting, adding a lit-up monogram with your names and wedding date is a great choice. Choose between classic white text or opt for fun, bright colors to transform your traditional wedding venue into something truly unforgettable.

7. Candlelight chandeliers

If you’re looking for a glamorous yet modest overhead fixture, candlelight chandeliers can be the way to go. These fixtures are as extraordinary as any chandelier, but they’re not so huge or full of bells and whistles you can't install them yourself.

8. Tree lighting

For your wedding reception’s outdoor lighting, your options for a romantic, dim glow can be limited. One wedding lighting idea that can counter that is tree lighting. Twirl string lights through the trees in your backyard for a magical, peaceful radiance.

9. Path lights

Even after walking down the aisle, you still need to make a grand entrance at your reception. Especially if your wedding is outdoors, adding path lights will give you a radiant runway as you enter the party as official spouses.

10. Fairy lights for a centerpiece

If you’re avoiding ceiling lights as your main lighting option, you can try fairy lights. Adding them into mason jars can create a stunning decorative piece that provides great mood lighting. To go the extra mile, pair them with a few flowers for the ultimate wedding centerpiece.

11. Cake spotlight

Your wedding cake is one of the most important parts of your big day. It only makes sense to show it off with its own spotlight. Try placing some small fixtures around your cake to show off your decadent dessert.

12. Marquee light-up letters

If you want to go full out on wedding decor, you can add marquee light-up letters. Get the initials of you and your loved one’s first names, or go all out and spell out your last name if you’re planning on sharing one. These letter-shaped lights come in all sizes – some can be a few inches tall, while others clock in several feet high!

13. Neon signs

Neon signs are a great decor piece to add a pop of color to your wedding theme. They can also double as mood lighting. You can find them in almost any color on the rainbow. Choose whichever hue best casts your venue in a whole new light.

14. Glow-in-the-dark sticks

If you’re looking for a great photo opportunity to end your magical evening, give your guests glow-in-the-dark sticks. These lights can transform your dancefloor into a lively nightclub and provide a colorful touch as your photographer captures your final walk-out.

15. Candelabra centerpiece

If your wedding theme is homebound charm, you can’t go wrong with adding a candelabra centerpiece to the decor list. These lights can provide a gentle, golden glow perfect for a quiet romantic celebration.

16. Centerpiece spotlight

Centerpiece spotlights are small, battery-powered lights that focus on a specific object. They can illuminate your centerpiece for all your guests to admire.

17. Votive candles

Votive candles are a stress-free way to add a romantic glow to your wedding venue. Arrange these candles in rows as an illuminating centerpiece or place them on the ground for a glowing walkway.

If you love nature but your wedding is indoors, ivy string lights are a great choice for wedding reception lighting. Also called an LED vine curtain, wrap these ivy-light combos around poles, banisters, and more to bring the world beyond your four walls inside.

19. Round light balls

Round light balls can be hung from the ceiling or placed on the ground for unique ambient wedding lighting. You can find them in neutral or white shades as well as blues and pinks that can bring your wedding to life.

20. Hanging lantern

Hanging lanterns can add a classic, rustic charm to any wedding venue. They can create a subtle glow that keeps the lovely ambiance going all night long.

21. Sound-activated lights

Once your wedding ceremony is over, it’s time to start the party with a sound-activated light. These lights typically come with different colors and change their effects to the beat of your music. You can find them as disco lights, LED light strips, and plenty more.

22. Outdoor lanterns

Outdoor lanterns come in many different styles, shapes, and sizes to create the perfect mood lighting for your romantic evening. If your wedding venue is your backyard, you can quickly transform it into a dazzling oasis with lanterns hanging in trees. Line the edges of your dancefloor with them to bring your yard to life from the ground up.

23. Hanging tea lights

For a dainty yet sophisticated appearance, you can hang tea lights along your venue’s ceiling. Though these lights are highly affordable and set a subtle mood, you’ll likely need an overhead or centerpiece light to fully illuminate your venue.

24. Taper candles

Candle lighting may be the most romantic option available. The flickering flame can diminish the stress that can come with all the hours before the wedding. It can also get you into just the right headspace for a romantic evening with all your loved ones.

25. Glittery candles

It’s your wedding day. It only makes sense to upgrade from regular candles to extra glamorous, sparkly ones. Glittery candles are an extraordinary option that can give life to the magical wedding night of your dreams.

26. Icicle string lights

Transform your wedding venue into a glowing sanctuary with icicle string lights. You can hang these lights from your walls or the ceiling to add a touch of warm lighting to your venue.

27. Moving lights

After dinner is finished, it’s time to get your crowd onto the dancefloor. To get everyone in the mood, add a few moving lights for a fun party atmosphere. These lights come in a variety of colors and will sweep across the room. With the right light, your guests might soon do the same.

28. Light bar

Light bars are a great lighting option since they work for both dinner and the dancefloor. You can keep these lights still and shine them over specific objects. Alternatively, you can set them to move back and forth as you dance to your favorite songs.

Light up your wedding reception with BlissLights