10 Gorgeous Lighting Ideas You've Never Seen Before

Light up your reception with these creative fixtures!

10 Gorgeous Lighting Ideas You've Never Seen Before

By Erin Migdol

unique-wedding-ideas-for-lighting-design-at-the-reception
Photo: Samuel Lippke Studios

pink and white reception

Say goodbye to ordinary candles and traditional chandeliers! With a little creativity, there are many unique ways to light the reception that you won't see at every other wedding. A variety of textures can be paired with lightbulbs and candles, turning light fixtures into bona fide décor pieces that will amaze your guests. Branches, crystals, and even fruit can add a new layer of excitement to your lighting scheme.

Any wedding planner will tell you that lighting is a key component of the celebration; without proper lighting, even beautiful décor will look lackluster. In fact, many would argue that great lighting can even make simple flowers and design look like a million bucks! Below, discover 10 incredible lighting methods that elevated the reception designs of these real weddings!

Lovely Lampshades

lampshade centerpieces on gold and silver table

Instead of lighting tablescapes with mounds of candles, place contemporary lamps down a long table! Photo by Liz Banfield & Adrienne Page; Linens by Nüage Designs

Fruity and Fabulous

lighting fixture of grapes and candles

This spectaular lighting fixture is covered in grapes and glass globes lit with candles. Don't forget: You can decorate your celebration with not only flowers, but fruit, too! Photo by Elisabeth Millay Photography; Consulting by DFW Events; Floral design by Jackson Durham Events

Light the Way

branches wrapped with string lights

Line a hallway swathed in fabric with branches wrapped in string lights. Purple uplighting casts a moody glow, especially for a winter wedding! Photo by Aaron Delesie Photographer

Rustic Lanterns

rustic lanterns lit with candles

Group lanterns of various rustic styles and sizes, and place them on the floor for a casual, quirky style. Photo by Heather Kincaid; Consulting by Alex Events Inc.

Sculpted Globes

lightbulb inside a globe of twigs

Twigs are sculpted to form globes, then lit with lightbulbs – perfect for an outdoor reception. Photo by Heather Kincaid; Consulting by Alex Events Inc.

Crystal Ball

crystal globe lighting fixture

Hang crystal spheres illuminated from within from the ceiling for a sparkling glow. Photo by Dalal Photography

Beautiful Birdcage

chandelier in birdcage

Dress up chandeliers by surrounding them with ornate birdcages. This combination will add the perfect layer of design for a rustic wedding! Photo by Elizabeth Messina; Consulting by Mindy Weiss Party Consultants; Rentals by Revelry Event Designers

Lightbulb Installation

lightbulbs hung from ceiling

Ideal for rustic barn weddings: Hang bare bulbs from the ceiling, intermixed with lightbulbs housed in mason jars. Photo by Michael Segal Photography

Stars and Stripes

string lights and stars decorations

Fabric forms an open-air tent, with string lights providing overhead light. Stars complete this beachy look! Photo by Samuel Lippke Studios; Floral and event design by White Lilac Inc.

Green Lanterns

lanterns decorated with vines

To give lanterns a more natural look, cover them in delicate green vines. Photo by Fred Marcus Studio

Opening photo by Karlisch Studio; Consulting by DFW Events; Floral design by Jackson Durham Events

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