15 Wedding String Lights for Your Big Day (2024)

There is just something about tiny, twinkling lights that exudes romance. So what better way to decorate for your wedding day? You can use them to spotlight the vows you worked so hard to write, or highlight your reception dinner to give it a delicate, backyard vibe. No expensive, OTT installation needed — just a few strings of white lights will give you all the enchantment you want. Plus, when your guests see the glow, they’ll know exactly where the party is at. These 15 string light decor ideas will make you start daydreaming of your own sparkling event. Let’s get lit!

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1. Whimsical White: Just because your wedding isn’t full of glitzy glam vibes doesn’t mean that romantic string lights are a no-go. The flowy tulle and crisp white awning seen here are adorned with lights that perfectly complement the vintage vibe of this rustic reception. (via Julianne Brasher Photography / Junebug Weddings)

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2. Backyard Beauty: If you’re kicking it outdoors for your reception, use strings of lights to illuminate the space (and keep the party rocking) as soon as the sun goes down. (via Ryan Flynn Photography)

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3. Backlit Backdrop: Say your vows in front of hanging string lights to stand out in the most romantic way possible. (via Braedon Flynn / Green Wedding Shoes)

4. Star Light: Dancing is *so* much better when it’s under the stars. You can create your own constellations indoors with large-bulbed string lights draped on every wall.

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5. Light Chandelier: This ceiling sparkle is the best way to have a super glam chandelier over your reception without breaking the bank. Hanging it in the middle of the room will surely make it the star of your decor. (via Kerry Bartlett / Style Me Pretty)

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6. Industrial Candlelight: Exposed brick is a gorgeous setting for a ceremony, but it’s made a serious dream with candlelight and large-bulbed string lights draped loosely. (via iZO Photography / Polka Dot Bride)

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7. Tree Lights: Let Mother Nature lend a hand by securing bunches of string lights to tree branches. Your outdoor reception will radiate under these dreamy drops of light. (via Vasia Photography / Style Me Pretty)

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8. Boho Backdrop: Space your string lights farther apart to achieve a boho backdrop that pops off the wall. (via Stacy Paul Photography / Boho Weddings)

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9. Dinner Delight: Light up your community dining table with strategically placed lights to give it a more intimate feel. (via Love Is a Big Deal / Green Wedding Shoes)

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10. Enchanting Lights: There is something endlessly delightful about string lights at an outdoor wedding. They give off a fairy-tale vibe that couldn’t be more apropos for your happily ever after. (via Anna Kim Photography / Junebug Weddings)

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11. Festive Lights Rose Gold Lantern Fairy Lights ($10): Warm up your reception space with these geometric rose gold lights that will bring a touch of industrial design to your modern wedding decor. The twinkling statement lights would also be an adorable way to highlight your sweetheart table.

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12. Paradise Beach Wedding: Sometimes you have to let the ocean scenery and beautiful sunsets speak for themselves with this less-is-more approach. Channel this couple’s look by keeping things fresh, modern, and relaxed by using string lights as the major decor attraction. (via Tec Petaja / Town and Country)

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13. Daylight: No harsh lighting here. Let these tiny lights glow even during your daytime nuptials for some soft, romantic feels that can’t be matched — except by your love, obvi. (via Sarah Kate / Style Me Pretty)

14. Light Up: Is it us, or is this couple insanely radiant in this light? The straight and plentiful string lights allow them to glow brightly as they celebrate the best day of their life.

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15. Crisscross Dream: Zigzagged string lights are perfect atop a more casual fête, but can easily be amped up to suit any dreamy affair. (via Hello Miss Lovely / Ruffled)

Follow us on Pinterestfor more gorgeous ideas for your wedding reception.

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15 Wedding String Lights for Your Big Day (2024)

FAQs

How much does it cost to hang string lights wedding? ›

String Lighting

Most typically cost between $3 and $5 per linear foot, but you may need to pay more for the cost of installation and any extra equipment, like extension cords. You may also want to install chandeliers for a romantic and glamorous look.

How do I know how many string lights I need? ›

First, Measure Your Space

Part of what makes patio string lights so appealing is the natural curve created by the strings. To make sure you have enough length to account for the swag in your light strings, add 2 - 6 feet of length to your measurements and purchase strings that coincide with those final numbers.

What is the best lighting for a wedding? ›

Chandeliers make any setting feel more intimate, while pink color-wash lighting will give your whole space a romantic, rose-colored glow. At the end of the evening, ask guests to send lanterns into the night sky with a wish for your future.

What is the maximum span of string lights? ›

Most patio light strands have male and female plugs on each end. Manufacturers specify how many strands you can connect end to end — usually it's up to five strands of the shorter ones (less than 48 feet) and three to five strands of the longer ones (100 feet).

How much should I budget for wedding lighting? ›

Q: How much does wedding lighting cost? A: Expect to spend between $800 and $4000 on average for custom lighting decor for your wedding depending on the complexity of the options you choose.

How many string lights can you put together? ›

Divide 210 by the number of watts each string uses, and this will give you your number of strings you can successfully daisy-chain per outlet. For a 20-watt strand, that's 10.5 string lights connected in series.

What is the best distance between string lights? ›

However, if you are wanting patio lights for a larger outdoor area, consider stringers where the bulbs are 12" to 24" apart depending on how dense you want your lighting to be. Hanging string lights in larger outdoor spaces with limited hanging points requires careful planning.

How many hours do LED string lights last? ›

LED fairy lights last up to 50,000 hours. This is the equivalent of almost 6 years.

Do string lights use a lot of electricity? ›

Some traditional bulbs on string lights might use a lot of electricity. The outdoor string lights installed by Outdoor Lighting Perspectives are energy-efficient LED. Outdoor string lights with LED bulbs are 90% efficient, versus incandescent bulbs, which operate at a maximum of 20% efficiency.

What is the most beautiful color for a wedding? ›

For a regal wedding palette, consider an emerald green, white, and gold color combo. The emerald shade lends a royal feel that can be elevated with velvet tablecloths and gold metallic accents. This color palette also works great for rustic weddings. The hues will pop in wedding venues like barns and farmhouses.

How to brighten up a dark wedding venue? ›

The best methods to bring about this type of lighting is by including lots of candles in your decor and by bringing in some string lights or fairy lights. Candles can be added nearly anywhere at both your reception and ceremony venues. Use it in floral arrangements, candelabra and on tables.

What color uplighting for a wedding? ›

Warm colors like red, orange, and yellow can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. A warm, soft light can evoke a sense of passion, making them suitable for an intimate or energetic ambiance. Perfect for setting the mood for love and laughter.

How do I figure out how many string lights I need? ›

String Lights

For columns or trees, measure once around and multiply that by how many times you'll wind your light around. Once you determine the total length, divide that by the length of a single strand for the quantity you'll need to purchase.

How to choose string lights? ›

If you live in an area with a lot of bad weather, wind, or trees that can damage your lights, consider shatterproof options first. Another safety consideration with outdoor patio lights is heat. Incandescent string light bulbs get hot to the touch within seconds. Most LED bulbs do not.

How far can string lights span without support? ›

Outdoor string lights can be as short as 10 feet or as long as 400! Shorter runs won't need a support wire. But if you're going 100 feet or more, extra support is a must. The point of a guide is to remove tension.

How much do wedding lights cost? ›

Wedding Festoon Lighting (Fairy Lights/Twinkle Lights) Costs

Costs for hiring string lighting of this nature are roughly £45 to £55 per 100 metres of string lights for a three-day wedding hire period.

How much does it cost to run a string of lights? ›

If you're looking at a strand of 100-light C9 LED lights at 4.8 watts, it will cost you about 12 cents, while a 25-light strand of C9 incandescent lights at 175 watts costs about $4.41. For the 25-light LED C7 strand at 21 watts, your cost is about 52 cents, while the incandescents at 125 watts will cost about $3.15.

How much does it cost to leave string lights on? ›

If you have a typical modest Christmas display on your home, your energy costs would be approximately $10-$15 for incandescent lights, or around $2 for LEDs for the holiday season. The savings improve with every addition to your holiday display.

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