Today I have a post and a half for you! It is positively brimming with some of the prettiest ideas for lighting your wedding reception. Did you see the post on ceremony lighting? If not, it is worth a read because for all the reasons lighting is key for your ceremony, it is just as important at your reception, possibly even more so! After all the excitement of becoming Mr & Mrs, as you let your hair down and the sun sets on your celebrations, the right lighting will create warmth for your guests, the most romantic of atmospheres, as well as some fabulous photo opportunities; and of course ensure the party continues until dawn!

Options for lighting your wedding breakfast and reception are almost endless, bound only by the limits of your imagination. Much will depend on your venue (indoors or out; barn, garden or intimate venue) as well as the atmosphere you are trying to create. But to get your creative juices flowing here are some of the most gorgeous and imaginative lighting ideas I could find…..

Chandaliers

OK, so this one may seem a little obvious but does anything say glamor quite like a chandalier?? And they don’t have to be the grand, opulent crystal type to look fabulous – I love how in the third image the rustic chandalier has been wrapped in fairy lights!…..

 Lara Hotz Photography via Chic Vintage Brides

Jeff Loves Jessica via Style Me Pretty

Heather Hawkins Photography via Wedding Chicks

Taylor Lord via 100 Layer Cake

Lanterns

For a more rustic look lanterns are a great alternative to chandaliers. black and bold, Moroccan, mismatched or more modern, they are the perfect lighting for a barn or marquee reception…..

Ashley Seawell Photography via Elizabeth Anne Designs

 Morgan Trinker via Southern Weddings

Ozzy Garcia via Once Wed

Dear Wesleyann via Elizabeth Anne Designs

Jodi Miller Photography via Belle the Magazine

Braedon Flynn Photography via Style Me Pretty

Candles

If however you are looking for a more budget friendly but equally effective lighting alternative,you really can’t go wrong with the simple candle. There is nothing quite like their soft warm flickering light and with a little help and creativity from your chosen florist they can make quite the breathtaking centrepiece…..

Ann & Kam Photography & Cinema via Style Me Pretty

Bamber Photography via Style Me Pretty

Autumn Wilson Photography via Style Me Pretty

Oh! Darling Photography via Style Me Pretty

Lightbulbs

It is so often true that often the most simple ideas can be the most effective. Plain old lightbulbs can look so pretty when used with a little imagination…..

rad and in love via Style Me Pretty

And look at how pretty they look with a few flowers and all lit up…..

Studio Impressions  via Style Me Pretty

Natasja Kremers via Ruffled

Creative

To save a few pennies and for real wow factor though get creative!…..

Brett and Jessica via Bridal Musings

Via Society Bride

Jenny Hardy via Pretty Nostalgic

Next Exit Photography via Style Me Pretty

Kate Headley via Knot For Life

What do you think? Aren’t there just some heavenly ideas here? Who knew something as simple as twisted fairy lights hung from trees in string could look that spectacular??

Amy

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