For the soon to be bride there are two different types of lighting to consider on your journey to the altar; lighting that’s pretty to the eyes and lighting that actually serves a purpose. So, if you’re thinking about setting aside a little extra cash to help illuminate your big day you’ll want to keep reading. 30a Wedding Co. A-list photographer Rae Leytham and hubby Wesley Leytham tell us how to light up the night on your wedding day.
A bride and groom dance under a lavender colored reception. Photo Credit: Rae Leytham Photography
FUNCTIONAL VERSUS AESTHETIC LIGHTING
According to the husband and wife team (and one of 30a Wedding Company’s veteran photography companies) there are a lot of different ways to use lighting, but there’s different scenarios that call for it.
“Most ceremonies do not require artificial lighting unless they occur outside near sunset or in a dark ballroom,” said Rae Leytham, owner and photographer for Rae Leytham Photography. Her and her husband Wesley travel to weddings across the southeast, but focus their efforts mainly on beautiful 30a.
“The reception is where the guests will be hanging out until well after dark, so it’s always beneficial to light up the night in creative ways to help enhance the evening.”
A wedding reception riddled with twinkle lights at dusk. Photo Credit: Rae Leytham Photography
There are many different ways to use artificial lighting according to Leytham.
“Sometimes it’s used to bring colors to the room that coordinate with florals and linens to add drama,” said Rae. “Other times it’s to enhance areas that normally wouldn’t be noticeable, like drapery on the ceiling or walls.”
“Lighting up florals on a table or creating color in the room is purposeful lighting,” said Wesley Leytham.
A captivating wedding cake in the reception area. Photo Credit Rae Leytham Photography
A few spotlights around the room shining on wedding staples like the cake and decor will give your reception the WOW factor that sets it apart from the rest.
“At minimum, highlighting the key aspects of your reception like the cake creates a wonderful effect while showcasing the details you put so much thought into,” said Rae.
A few strands of bulbs help accentuate the theme during a wedding reception. Photo Credit: Rae Leytham Photography
Some lighting, like strands of bulbs, don’t serve a purpose except to create an atmosphere where there otherwise would be none.
“While spotlights shining down from the tops of tents and rooms can be aimed at table centerpieces to light up florals and make them more visible to guests.”
Spots lights help light up some of the nights most beautiful decor. Photo Credit Rae Leytham Photography.
MAKE LIGHTS WORK FOR YOU
“It doesn’t take much artificial lighting to have a big effect,” said Rae. “Something as simple as some strands of bulbs can have a huge impact on the mood of your reception.”
When your budget is small, lights still allow you to highlight your wedding’s best features in a big way.
A wedding reception under the stars. Photo Credit: Rae Leytham Photography
“Start with the strands of bulbs and use them to enhance outdoor guest areas or high ceilings in large rooms,” said Rae. “If you have a tent they can be attached to the framework to make a grand statement from ground to ceiling.”
Don’t let your big day go dark. Nothing transforms a wedding quite like the right lighting.
