Wedding Uplighting: Everything you need to know

Lighting plays a massive role in transforming a wedding venue into the vision you’ve been dreaming of. From cozy outdoor weddings to grand ballroom celebrations, wedding uplighting can create magic, mood, and memorable moments. As a photographer, I especially love additional lighting like café lights or hanging Edison bulbs. They add that extra sparkle in your wedding photos, and the best part? Uplighting is as functional as it is beautiful.

To dig a little deeper into uplighting for your wedding, I chatted with my lighting-savvy friends Tori and Tiara, who shared their experience with wedding reception uplighting and why investing in wedding lighting was one of the best decisions they made.

Are uplights really needed?

While not technically a must-have, uplights are one of those decorative elements that can completely transform a basic square room or a dark space into something magical. They add depth, color, and create a romantic atmosphere for everything from the head table to the cake table.

When used thoughtfully, uplighting colors can evoke emotion and define different moments during the night. For example, warm amber during dinner creates intimacy, while bold purples and blues can enhance the vibe on the dance floor. If you’re envisioning a moody, dreamy, or refined setting, uplighting is more than worth it.

How much does uplighting cost for a wedding?

One of the most common questions is: How much does uplighting cost for a wedding? On average, the uplighting cost ranges between $500 and $1,000 depending on your event space, location, and how many lights you need.

Here’s a breakdown:

• Cost per uplight: $25–$50
• Wired uplights: Less expensive, but require long extension cords
• Wireless uplighting: Battery-powered, more flexible, and reduces guests tripping hazards

Some lighting companies also offer bundled services through DJs or planners, which can be a more cost-effective option.

Why should you use uplights at your wedding?

Uplighting and music are a match made in celebration heaven. From concert stages to weddings, lighting defines energy and movement. If you want a true dream wedding where your venue looks and feels immersive, adding lighting helps tell your story.

It’s particularly impactful for:

• Highlighting focal points like your head table, wedding cake, or floral arrangements
• Defining transitions between moments, like from toasts to dancing
• Giving wedding guests visual cues and reference points

When Tori and Tiara added purple uplighting around their venue, it instantly elevated the space, matched their theme, and made their wedding photos look phenomenal.

How many uplight bulbs do you need?

The number of uplights you’ll need depends on:

• The size of your room
• Guest count
• Key decorative elements or areas you want to emphasize

General guideline:

• For 100 guests: 14–18 lights
• Smaller, relatively intimate receptions: 6–9 lights
• Larger venues or historic venues: May require more lights to achieve balance

You’ll want to create even coverage around the room, especially around architectural details, entranceways, and central areas like the dance floor.

How does uplighting help your wedding atmosphere?

The main magic of uplighting? It projects light upwards, creating a beautiful pillar effect on white walls or textured surfaces. This uplight effect enhances your wedding decor, accentuates floral installations, and brings out the depth in even minimalist setups.

When the sun sets, uplights maintain the visual appeal of your venue, especially if you’re in a venue with few core light sources. For outdoor weddings or dark spaces, it’s essential to provide enough light for both ambiance and functionality.

And let’s not forget — this kind of event lighting enhances dancing. A well-lit dance floor keeps energy high and the atmosphere engaging well into the night.

What happens if you don’t use uplighting?

Skipping uplighting doesn’t ruin a wedding, but it can make your venue feel less dynamic. Overhead lighting is often flat and unflattering, especially in wedding photos. Without strategic uplighting, your beautiful wedding decor may blend into the background or get lost when the house lights dim.

Modern wireless uplights can be programmed to shift hues, brighten or dim with music, or stay steady for a soft glow — features not available with static venue lighting. For Tiara and Tori, going without would have meant losing the moody glow and elegant ambiance that brought their wedding venue to life.

Do weddings require uplighting?

Technically, no wedding requires uplighting, but most modern wedding planning professionals will recommend it. Wedding reception uplighting is especially useful in formal events or any location that lacks natural light or ambiance.

Even for outdoor weddings, you can place battery-powered lights at the perimeter of your tent or garden, creating atmosphere without a big install. Uplighting is also great at blending with other fixtures or replacing them completely if you want more control over the overall vibe of your wedding decor vision.

Why is adding uplights important?

Lighting is one of the fastest ways to transform a space. Whether you’re highlighting architectural details or creating cozy zones in a large room, uplighting for your wedding makes the venue feel intentional and elevated.

It can:

• Reduce reliance on venue’s overhead lighting
• Enhance key moments like first dances or speeches
• Bring your wedding colors to life
• Make your event space feel intimate, even with a big guest list

When you compare wedding photos with and without uplighting, the difference is striking.

What are the best uplighting colors for weddings?

Choosing the right uplighting colors can be tricky — they need to support your wedding colors, theme, and venue style. Here are a few proven combinations:

• Warm white/candlelight: Classic, flattering, and perfect for ivory-themed weddings
• Bright blue uplighting: Stunning for royal-themed weddings
• Purple uplighting: Dramatic, moody, and looks amazing against white walls
• Blush uplighting: Soft and romantic, ideal for garden or intimate receptions
• Amber lighting: Warm and festive, great for fall weddings
• Gold uplighting: Rich and regal, especially when paired with wooden or stone decor
• Red uplighting: Romantic, especially for winter weddings

Be sure to preview how each color looks in your actual event space before making a final decision.

Can you DIY uplighting for weddings?

Yes — but know your limits. While DIY uplighting is appealing for budget-conscious couples, it does require planning. You’ll need to understand:

• Your venue’s layout
• Electrical needs or choose battery powered lights
• Your color palette and how it reflects on walls
• How to create a consistent effect

Many rental companies offer DIY packages, and you can rent wireless units for the weekend. Still, if you want a seamless look and stress-free setup, hiring a professional lighting company may be worth the investment.

Can additional lighting enhance your wedding vision?

Definitely. As Tiara puts it: “Lighting is one of the first things guests notice and one of the last they forget.” A good lighting designer can walk you through options based on your venue, timeline, and design preferences.

Adding lighting can elevate every photo, create depth, and set your wedding apart. From the grand reveal during dinner to highlighting anchoring points like the cake table or floral arrangements, uplighting helps your celebration feel cohesive and captivating.

What is the best uplighting to choose?

The best uplighting for weddings is LED wireless uplighting. Why?

• It’s safe and low-heat
• Offers a range of colors
• Can be placed anywhere — even outdoors
• Eliminates tripping hazards
• Works well in both small and large venues

If your venue includes uplighting or your DJ offers it, consider bundling services. Otherwise, find a trusted vendor who understands how to use light to amplify the emotion and energy of your big day.

What are the dos and don’ts of uplighting colors?

When selecting uplighting colors, communicate clearly with your vendor. If possible, show photos that match your vision. Keep in mind that:

• Soft white can look amber depending on the bulb
• Bold colors like purple uplighting or blue uplighting pop in photos but can overwhelm if overused
• Test your choices in your actual venue to avoid surprises

Choose colors that support your theme—not fight it. A professional can help you find balance and make sure your space looks intentional.

What is uplighting in a wedding?

Still wondering what is uplighting wedding style all about? It’s a lighting technique where small fixtures are placed at floor level to project light upwards. This adds drama, color, and structure to any room, creating a glowing effect along walls, columns, and focal areas.

Uplighting works beautifully for enhancing both indoor and outdoor weddings, transforming even the simplest event space into a radiant reflection of your wedding decor vision.