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Updated Oct 14, 2024Here's the Deal With Uplighting for a Wedding (We're Answering All of Your Questions)
There's more to this design element than electric-blue hues.
Wedding uplighting can get a bad rap. Sure, it can definitely come in the form of the bright blue and purple strobes that were really pushing the party atmosphere at your cousin's circa 2006 banquet hall affair, but it can also be soft, subtle and elegant. Wedding uplighting done right has the power to bring out the details of a historic venue or splash a white room with color and warmth while simultaneously drawing eyes away from other elements in the space you aren't crazy about. And truly, if you want a bass-thumping, clubby transformation, go for those reds, purples and blues—your guests won't leave the dance floor. Read on for some expert-backed advice on deciding if wedding venue uplighting is the right choice for you.
In this article: Definition | Finding Rentals | FAQ | Ideas
What Is Uplighting?
Wedding uplighting is when ceiling-facing event lighting is placed around the perimeter of a space to create ambience and depth, explains wedding planner Amber Anderson of Heavenly Day Events in Austin, Texas. "These lights are situated discreetly on the ground and they project light upwards, creating a pillar effect of lights," she says. This type of event lighting can be done in any color, pushing the overall wedding style (find yours with The Knot Style Quiz) and color scheme forward.
By placing led uplight sources on the ground level and pointing them up, the resulting illumination highlights the wedding venue space and creates drama, explains Kevin Dennis, owner of Fantasy Sound Event Services in Livermore, California. Lighting companies see this LED light trend typically used in evening wedding receptions, both indoor and outdoor.
"This creates more of an ambient lighting feel, and it can enhance the architecture, decor or overall vibe of the wedding," says Dennis. "Not only does it set the mood as the reception transitions from dinner to cocktails and dancing, but also it's the perfect solution for keeping an area well lit for guests to mingle."
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How to Find Wedding Uplighting Rentals Near You
Use The Knot Vendor Marketplace to find wedding uplighting rentals in your area instead of frantically Googling "wedding uplighting rentals near me." Just input your wedding location, head to the "Decor" section and then click "Lighting." You'll then see a checklist of specific lighting types to filter by. Mark "Uplighting" and then cross "rent my wedding uplighting" off of your wedding lighting checklist
Wedding Reception Uplighting Frequently Asked Questions
Don't stay in the dark about wedding uplighting. You've got questions, we've got answers on if you need it, what it could cost, color choices and more.
Why Is Uplighting Important and What's the Purpose?
Lighting is one of the most effective ways to elevate your wedding decor and uplighting can feel especially worth it for a wedding when used strategically. "This is a great solution for venues where the existing lighting isn't the most flattering or even in outdoor venues where there isn't the option for hanging fixtures," says Dennis. Uplighting can also wash the space with a softer illumination, so if the currently trendy flash wedding photography isn't for you, this is a sure way to have your shots captured sans flash.
Another purpose of uplighting is to make your space shine, day or night. "Most couples tour venues in the daytime, where detail is obvious and decor may not seem as important," she says. "However, as the sun goes down, rooms lose their luster and need assistance with keeping things grandiose."
Do You Need Uplighting at a Wedding?
Wondering: "Is uplighting necessary at a wedding?" While need can be subjective, uplighting does bring dimension to a wedding venue, especially one that has ornate details you'd like to shine or one with a simple style. "Ballroom weddings most certainly take advantage of uplighting," she says. "And if your space lacks detail or lighting, it may also be a good candidate for uplighting." Outdoor weddings also could benefit from some extra illumination from the ground up.
Uplighting will also give you a bit more freedom than existing lighting will, but still can work in tandem with existing fixtures. Plus, it's totally customizable and—even though you see it often with soaring ceilings—it works with large and small venues. "Not only does uplighting highlight the venue in ways traditional lighting cannot, but also it removes any worry of harsh fluorescents that can negatively impact your decor and overall space," says Dennis. "Uplighting sources can also be programmable to be dimmed or change colors, so it can complement your palette with a wash of amber or soft ivory—even something a little more avant-garde like a pink or deep red." That said, Dennis notes that extensive uplighting may not be necessary during daytime nuptials unless you're unhappy with the current lighting of your indoor space.
How Much Does Uplighting Cost for a Wedding?
For couples with money in mind, Anderson points out that wedding lighting can make a major impact on your space without eating into your wedding rentals budget too much. Although the average cost of uplighting for a wedding depends on a number of factors, the determining element that impacts the final cost most is your wedding venue. The location's size and existing lighting will influence how much lighting is required to bring your wedding decor vision to life. "What's needed for a relatively intimate reception for 50 people will not be enough to light a reception for 150," Dennis says. "It's important to understand that guests won't be able to appreciate the hard work and attention to detail that went into your wedding planning if you don't provide enough light in a dark space."
Dennis mentions that couples can expect professional lighting to start at $1,800 in California, though the right lighting company can work with you to discuss what's possible within your budget. For each individual uplight, Anderson says that they typically range from $25 to $50 per piece.
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Can You DIY Uplighting for Weddings?
To be blunt, DIY uplighting for a wedding reception isn't a good idea, just add a lighting company to your wedding vendor checklist. Tapping a wedding decor professional, like one from The Knot Vendor Marketplace, will guarantee you'll have the right number of uplights, the correct placement and the best uplighting colors for your wedding's aesthetic. It's a much better option than asking Siri "How many uplights do I need for a wedding?" at 2 a.m. Though, to give you a general idea, Anderson says that one light should be placed at every anchoring point or pillar in the room and on average, she uses six to 12 at a time.
"As with anything, wedding DIY needs to involve a person that is solely dedicated to the project, skilled at the task and willing to troubleshoot during the wedding if anything goes wrong," says Anderson. "DIY projects are not the responsibility of vendors, planners or venues."
Additionally, many wedding DJs offer uplighting as an add on. "This is the best option if you don't already have a lighting company coming for other elements," Anderson says. "Uplighting bears little cost burden, so my belief is that it's better to have a professional handle this component."
What Is the Best Uplighting?
Known as some of the best uplights for a wedding, LED is a popular choice among professionals. "LED uplighting for weddings is also deemed the safest since they put off little heat in comparison to how brightly they shine," says Dennis. "Additionally, anything wireless is going to be the most recommended, especially if you want to eliminate the possibility of guests tripping over long extension cords throughout the night."
But above all, Dennis says it's crucial to make sure your materials are safe to use for long periods of time, in any weather. "It's a common misconception that all uplighting can be used outdoors, so keep this in mind and opt for waterproof lights, even if the likelihood of rain is slim," he adds.
What Are Uplighting Color Dos and Don'ts?
One of the appeals of wedding uplighting is that you can select different colors for any combination that you want. Whether you're drawn to receptions with a moody deep purple or sultry amber, there's a bevy of wedding uplighting colors to select from.
To ensure you're getting the best wedding uplighting color for your event, Anderson recommends that you be very communicative in the exact color you're envisioning. Showing a photo of your desired hue while you're asking your rental questions will help you stay aligned. "Often soft white comes out as amber, so make sure you're on the same page with the tech," she says. "Couples are often surprised to learn you can also dim them, change colors throughout the evening and even move them around if you'd like." Your pro might even have example shots of a venue with wedding uplighting before and after, so you can get a good handle on how the color changes the room.
Anderson doesn't suggest moving the uplighting throughout the night, but there are certain times of transition where what color of uplighting you choose for your wedding can change, like from dinner to dancing.
Wedding Reception Uplighting Ideas
Get ready to glow. From funky disco brights to those that bring a warm, subtle illumination, these wedding uplighting ideas will help showcase your space.
1. Elegant White Uplighting
Subtle, white uplighting at a wedding—like at this chic black-and-white affair—adds just enough illumination to accent other light sources. Chandeliers and flickering candles across the long tables are apt additions to this look.
2. Blush Nook Uplighting
Blush uplighting for your wedding feels soft and brings a romantic warmth to a space. At this wedding, the couple chose to add uplighting to differentiate this seating space from the rest of the room. You could also consider using white uplighting around the room, but use blush to set aside special areas.
3. Moody Purple Uplighting
A rich purple hue feels moody instead of clubby and drapes the altar area in a mysterious glow. We love how this romantic wedding uplighting picks up the rich purples and magentas in the flower arrangements too.
4. Bright Blue and Purple Uplighting
Now this is purple and blue uplighting for a wedding done RIGHT. It shimmers around the room, bouncing off the disco balls, and brings a dance-club vibe while staying whimsical and fresh.
5. Rich Amber Uplighting
Since this wedding is already cloaked in bright jewel tones, lighting in saturated colors might feel too heavy-handed. Amber uplighting for a wedding is the perfect solution. It illuminates the space and provides a similar glow to the candles, chandeliers and string lighting placed around the venue, and also brings out the detail in the wood-paneled walls. This color would make wonderful uplighting for a barn wedding too, given its warm tone that plays well with natural materials.
6. Architecture-Accenting Uplighting
You can use wedding uplighting to show off some stunning features of your venue, like this couple did with these columns in the Prospect Park Boathouse. It also frames the small dining table area and makes the airy space feel more intimate.
7. Outdoor Uplighting
Yes, you can have uplighting for an outdoor wedding. And it looks cool too. This vibey purple uplighting draws attention to the courtyard space of this venue, framing it for the father-daughter dance.
8. Whimsical Uplighting
Uplighting + image projection = a really cool wedding look, especially if a celestial motif is what's being displayed on the ceiling. It looks absolutely magical paired with a heavy dose of pale blue illumination.
9. Floral-Focused Uplighting
Situating lights underneath flowers—especially if they're white or neutral—will help their texture shine. This purple look so striking cast on this variety of blooms.
10. Gold Uplighting
Gold uplighting feels rich and elegant at a wedding. This couple opted to place a filter over each light to cast a lace-like pattern across the tent's ceiling.
