What Type of Lighting Should We Get for Our Outdoor Wedding?

Dancing beneath a starry sky in a whimsical garden, walking along the soft sandy beach, or blissfully celebrating your special day in a rustic barnyard, are just a few of the many outdoor settings offered in the Greater Boston Area. While the decadent cake, vibrant floral centerpieces and the wedding band may all be ready to go, working on the outdoor lighting might still be necessary. From the bulbs to the candles, outdoor lighting is key when it comes to setting a romantic mood on your wedding day. If you’re still looking for the perfect outdoor lighting for your Boston wedding, read on for some tips from the professionals at BG Events & Catering. 

Boston Wedding Venue Lighting Packages

Now that you’ve selected the Boston wedding venue, it’s time to ask them about their lighting packages. This may seem unimportant but if you choose chandeliers or bulbs that can’t be accommodated with the power options, you may need to purchase more lighting. Avoid the additional costs by asking the wedding venue about the number of circuits while also being mindful of the power needed by other sources such as a DJ. Consider the following questions: 

• Can we have open flames at our Boston wedding venue?
• Are we required to put down path lighting?
• Can we anchor suspension cables for overhead lighting?

LED Bulbs for Your Boston Outdoor Wedding 

LED lighting has certainly increased in popularity over the years, especially for the outdoors. LED technology allows for softer, more romantic lighting and utilizes significantly less energy than traditional light bulbs. Keep in mind that LED bulbs mixed with traditional light bulbs will have an entirely different glow than a wedding lit with all LED bulbs. You may not see the same warmth if you fill the space entirely with LED lights. 

Light Up the Boston Event Space

Many wedding planners and couples prioritize lighting the tables, dance floor and DJ booth or wedding band area for obvious reasons. Once this has been accomplished, consider lighting other areas of the venue such as a few trees surrounding the property with rope lighting. Hanging a few string lights from trees or around the tent can go a long way and create a beautiful glow without adding much cost.

Have Fun with Outdoor Wedding Lighting

Now that you’ve handled the basics, it’s time to really get into the details. There are a wide variety of lights to choose from, all of which give a different ambience. Explore below to get inspired!

1. Lamps & bistro lighting for a cozier setting.
2. String & draped lighting - Often seen in barn spaces but absolutely breathtaking in an outdoor industrial space. These lights work brilliantly on exposed beams, pipes or poles. 
3. Fairy lights for of course, a fairytale style wedding. Drape these along trees for a mystical vibe. 
4. Christmas lights - Affordable and easy to hang, white or off-white Christmas lights paired with lanterns can completely transform the outdoors. 
5. Steel lanterns - Placing these on a table near outdoor seating creates a more intimate atmosphere. 
6. Chandeliers - If you wedding venue allows for it, hanging a chandelier on a large tree branch will surely maximize the glamour at your wedding.
7. Fire pit - Whether in the city, on the beach or in a rusting space, a fire pit is a great way to bring a since of home to the wedding.
8. Geometric lighting - This type of lighting looks absolutely stunning when hung over long, banquet tables.
9. Industrial bulbs - Hanging Edison light bulbs from the trees over the dinner table is another way to create an elegant theme. Think garden party.
10. Rustic candles are one of the most common ways to make your wedding space more romantic. Used with white tapers and a lot of greenery, candles can be used to make the outdoors much more elegant. 

If you need assistance with choosing lighting for your wedding in Boston, contact the team at BG Events & Catering. Our staff has years of experience providing wedding planning and decorating services. We can help you choose floral centerpieces, entertainment, the venue space, and the right lighting.