this is the code for the render ad
Outdoor Weddings

Tent Lighting Ideas

Hi everyone -

I've read through some of the recent posts about DIY lighting outside but I was wondering if anyone had experience or ideas about lighting needs inside a tent. Our wedding is in July (sun sets at 8:30) with the ceremony at 3 and the reception ending (officially) around 8 probably. Weather permitting, we'll have the tent walls up the whole time (tent will be about 40 x 80).

We have about 35 paper lanters with battery tea lights, but that wont be bright enough for the tent, I don't think. We're happy to rent lights if that's the best option but I don't really know what the alternatives are! I can't imagine battery tea lights in paper lanterns would be bright enough, unless we had a TON...Thoughts? Experiences?

Re: Tent Lighting Ideas

  • Are you having a dj? Some dj's bring lighting (ours did) to provide some light.

    Since your reception is scheduled to end before sunset, I'd think that a few candles (LED or real) on each table, along with the paper lanterns would probably be enough to bridge the lower sunlight period from about 7 pm to 8 pm.

    Also, if you are renting your tent, many rental companies will add white Xmas style lights for a fee.
  • I work at tent rental store, and I get this question alot. The best way to light your tent is uplighting. If you can get some small spotlights to shine onto the interior top of the tent, then it will reflect down and give you alot of lighting. Another suggestion is perimeter lighting around the exterior of the tent. Best of luck!
  • uplighting is a good choice.  if the dj is bringing lights you could also have those as a back fill.  not sure what your centerpieces are but lighted sticks add a nice soft touch as well
  • Thanks! We're having a contra dance for our reception dancing so I don't think they'll be bringing much if any lighting, but it's a good thing to check in with them about!  I'm thinking that I'll look into "theatrical lights" (because whenever I look up "spotlights" it comes up with those huge flashlights).

    Thanks for all the suggestions and if there are more I'd love to hear them!
  • We had perimiter lighting provided by the tent company (I can't remember if we paid extra for that or not) and it was totally bright enough.  Be careful with lighting that you have to hang yourself, many tent companies don't allow it, hence the popularity of up-lighting or perimeter lights. IMO, either would be fine for your situation. 
    We're currently on a 15 month trip around the world!
    **Check out our travel blog**
    image
    Planning Bio Married Bio
  • We are also having around an outdoor wedding with a 40x80 tent. Only we are planning ours for late evening in September. We bought a bunch of paper lanterns and are using 'christmas' lights off set between them. (I think we bout around 40ish). We are also using christmas lights in our centerpieces and around the serving tables to try and light it up as well. Figure led lights will help.
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards