Feature photo by Thirteenth Moon Photography . Knots ‘N Such is a Raleigh wedding planner & florist.

One of my favorite wedding elements has to be lighting. There are so many beautiful and creative options to choose from….Each as unique and symbolic as the love being expressed. In this week’s blog, we’re putting a spotlight on 9 ways to illuminate your wedding day. 

1. Sky Lanterns

Photo by PBD

At #1… Sky lanterns are a symbol for play and festivities in Asian cultures. So how do these beautiful floating symbols actually work? They’re typically made of a very thin paper on a light weight frame. A small flame from a candle or other flammable item heats the air inside the lantern causing it to rise into the sky, sorta like a hot air balloon. What a lovely way of symbolizing the beginning of a marriage!

2. Floating Candles

Photo By Natalie E. Photography

Taking the #2 spot is floating candles. Floating candles of all sizes and shapes are now on the market. They also come in a variety of colors. My favorite is classic white or ivory in a clear glass vessel. Such an inexpensive but elegant way to create a romantic ambience for your reception!

3. Pinspot Lighting

Ever thought of illuminating your cake and centerpieces? This is known as pinspot lighting, #3 in our list. Think of how much you pay for these gorgeous creations. Then think of how they fade into the background when the lights are dimmed in the room! Using pinspot lighting, you can make them stand out and show their beauty all evening. You’ll notice most of the high end venues include pinspot lighting in their ceilings, but for any venue, you can bring in a professional lighting company to provide this.

4.  Twinkle Lights

Photo by Casey Rose Photography

Coming in at #4… Twinkle lights litter Pinterest, right?! There’s a good reason for that. They can make nearly any item shine and look amazing! I’ve decorated trees with them, put them inside vases, bottles, jars, and cloches, and wrapped tables and columns with them! The only limit is your own imagination on this one. I particularly love wrapping posts or columns with them and adding drapery over it. Oh la la!

5. GOBOs

Taking the spot at #5 is GOBOs. Funny word for a not so funny decor element! Your lighting company or DJ can provide a variety of shapes and designs through which to shine light onto your dance floor. They can also create a custom shape for you. Most popular is the monogram. How special to have your new family monogram in the center of the dance floor or above the cake table!

Photo by Casey Rose Photography

6. Chandeliers 

Who doesn’t love a romantic chandelier in nearly any kind of space?! Number 6 adds instant class and elegance to your wedding, whether you use them under an arbor for the ceremony, in the ceiling of a tent, or over the dance floor!

7. Hanging Candles

That’s right, you can hang candles these days! I have the cutest little holders that just beg to be used anywhere and everywhere! I’ve used them on walls behind cake tables, on manzanita trees lining the ceremony aisle, and under pergolas for cocktail hour! They’re amazing and add a simple and gorgeous touch!

8. Uplighting

Your DJ is your ultimate source for uplighting, #8 on our list. And don’t think that means it’s only bright flashing dance lights. Continuous uplighting in a white or amber on the walls is elegant and classy around the perimeter of your reception room. Many venues are including these as well, which makes their rental packages so enticing!

9. String Lights

Photo by Chris Harburg Photography

The #9 spot goes to a wide variety of string lights.  Some popular forms include xmas lights, market lights, fairy curtains, lighted garlands, and Edison lights. Many of these lights also can be found in nearly every color imaginable. String them around your tent, over your deck, over the dance floor, around the arbor, or anywhere you can imagine!

To see my work, visit the Poppy Belle Design Gallery. Interested in what I can do for your wedding? Contact me here!