7 Wedding Lighting Ideas To Transform Your Venue - Wed Mayhem
5 min

7 Wedding Lighting Ideas To Transform Your Venue

7 Wedding Lighting Ideas To Transform Your Venue

We’re here to shed some light on a secret: Adding elements of lighting into your wedding is a relatively inexpensive – and underutilized – way to make a big difference. Wedding Wingman Ashley McHone of Always Flawless said lighting is a money-saving hack that can not only take your wedding to the next level, but transform your venue into a space that’s uniquely you.

Candles:

Adding candles to your venue is an easy way to set a romantic tone. The low light creates a sense of warmth and intimacy (even if battery operated) to any venue. From a budget-friendly votive candle-lit dinner with your guests to gussying up tables with sophisticated candelabras, candles do double duty as sources of lighting and decor.

String/Fairy Lights:

String lights are a tried-and-true staple in the wedding industry. Not only are they one of the more affordable lighting options, but they are extremely versatile. Often they are draped across the ceiling, but they also work as table centerpieces, in arches, or paired with drapes. They can bring a whimsical, fairytale-esque glow and frame the space of any venue – inside or out.

Lanterns/Pendant Lights:

Speaking of creating an ambiance from above, lanterns and pendant lighting give a warm welcome to your guests. Whether you’re looking for functionality or design, adding elements above your guests will make your space feel more intimate, no matter how big your venue is. This is also an easy way to incorporate your theme throughout your whole space.

Chandeliers:

Nothing says happily ever after like chandeliers! If you want to spend a little bit more on lighting, they will definitely impress your guests and make a statement. With so many style options, you’re bound to find one that fits your wedding vision. Accentuate focal points in your space by hanging them above your sweetheart table or dance floor, or place them sporadically throughout your venue.

Neon Signs/Marquees Signs:

Add some fun in your space with the colorful glow of a neon sign or a retro vibe of a marquee sign. Create an Instagram-worthy backdrop for the day of love with cute sayings such as “Better Together,” “All You Need is Love,” or “Til’ Death.” Guide your guests to your bar or cake with a “Cheers” or “Let There Be Cake” sign. We also love when couples choose to have custom-made signs with their new last name or letter, plus you’ll get a fun wedding souvenir out of it!

Uplighting:

Light fixtures are placed on the ground and shine up against the walls of your venue to fill the room with light. Often uplighting is placed around the perimeter of the space. In indoor receptions, uplighting in the evening can add depth and elegance. You can play around by adding colors in these lights. This is an easy way to transition a space from dinner to dancing by changing the tone to have a more fun, party atmosphere. If you’re hiring a DJ, make sure to ask them if they will be providing uplighting.

Fireworks/Sparklers:

If you want your wedding to go off with a bang, surprise your guests with a light show! Before going forward with this wow-worthy event, make sure to look into local laws in your event destination and run it by your venue. For a more affordable option, we love when couples give their guests sparklers or paper lanterns to let off for their send-off

Meet Your Wedding Wingman!

Ashley McHone is a wedding planner and designer who founded Always Flawless Productions nearly ten years ago. With hundreds of incredible weddings under her belt, Ashley joined Wed Mayhem to help couples dive into this crazy process with a plan.

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7 min

Spoil Your Squad: 20 Unique Bridesmaid Gift Ideas

A happy bridesmaid makes a happy bride! Your bridesmaids have been by your side not just throughout the wedding planning journey but the entirety of your friendship. They have put in time, effort and money to make your day special. Given this, many brides choose to gift their bridesmaid with something as a token of appreciation. Gone are the days of tacky gifts that will just be shoved in the back of a closet. Instead, we rounded up a list of our 20 favorite personalizable, practical and unique bridesmaid gifts. 

If a purchase is made from the links provided, Wed Mayhem may receive a commission. Prices reflect the date posted, refer to company website for up to date pricing.

01

Stanley Engraved Tumblr 

stanley cup
Courtesy: Etsy

The latest craze in water bottles is the 30-ounce Stanley Tumblr, which is selling out fast for all the right reasons. It features a removable straw, handle and tapered body making it the perfect fit for cup holders. What’s more, this Etsy seller offers personalization in up 20 fonts on seven different color Stanleys: eucalyptus green, fog gray, jade green, citron green, pool blue, rose quartz and cream. We promise this will become an everyday staple in your bridesmaid’s life. 

02

Mya Triple Stick Burst Earrings Brass

Mya Triple Stick Burst Earrings Brass
Courtesy: Ink + Alloy

Earrings make for a fun and exciting gift that your friends will love to wear. This statement pair, crafted by skilled artisans in India, is the perfect addition to any bridesmaid’s jewelry collection. Some of your bridesmaids may never think to buy these for themselves, making them an even more thoughtful gift. The brassy neutral tone of these earrings makes them versatile and easy to pair with any outfit. Give the gift of effortless style with these beautiful and high-quality earrings.

03

Bridesmaid Proposal Box

Bridesmaid Proposal Box
Courtesy: Etsy

If you’re looking for a thoughtful and stylish way to ask your bridesmaids to be a part of your special day, consider this gift box. It’s a simple yet meaningful way to pop the question. The box comes in four beautiful colors – pink, mocha, sage, or sky – and is personalized with their name. Inside, they’ll find a customized card, “I can’t tie the knot without you” hair ties, a personalized champagne flute and mirror, a polka dot pen, two scrunchies, a foam rose, and a jelly hair clip. It’s a complete package that your bridesmaids will love!

04

Permanent Bracelets

Courtesy: Canva

Why not elevate the classic friendship bracelet and opt for permanent bracelets for you and your bridesmaids? This trend is becoming increasingly popular, with jewelers welding the ends of the chain instead of using a clasp. But don’t worry, you can still remove and reattach them with the right scissors. What’s great about this idea is that it’s both a bonding experience and a chance for personalization. You can each choose your preferred chain and get the perfect fit for your wrist. 

05

Leather Jewelry Case

leather case
Courtesy: Etsy

We think a jewelry case is a genius gift! Whether it’s packing for your bachelorette trip or their getting-ready bag for the morning of your wedding, this practical present will keep all their jewelry organized and tangle-free. Choose between six colors: white, pink, dark brown, light brown, dark green, light green, hot pink, blue, black or gray and personalize the case with their name and birth flower. 

06

Margarita Bundle

Margarita Bundle
Courtesy: Bright Cellars

What could be better than treating your i-do crew to a glass of their favorite wine or margarita? How about both, in the form of a delicious agave wine cocktail delivered right to their doorstep! This ready-to-drink cocktail is not only vegan-friendly and gluten-free, but it also boasts a classic lime and fresh strawberry flavor. You can choose from a package of 4 bottles, 6 bottles, or 12 bottles! 

07

Take the Edge Off Herbal Tincture 

herbal tincture
Courtesy: Apothekary

For your sober sisters! Here’s a great option for your bridesmaids that are forgoing drinking on a health and wellness kick or are pregnant! This herbal tincture can help alleviate tension in the head and muscles, soothe restlessness and irritability, and even promote sleep when taken in higher doses. What’s more, it’s designed to taste like white wine, making it all the more enjoyable.

08

Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag

Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag
Courtesy: Lululemon

This belt bag is undoubtedly one of the most popular accessories of the year and makes for a fantastic gift idea! We’re big fans of gifting matching bags, as it’s a stylish way to coordinate your bridesmaids’ looks for your bachelorette trip. These bags are perfect because they’re spacious enough to fit all the essentials and incredibly versatile, which is great because it can be tricky to choose something that matches everyone’s personal style. We think it’s a fantastic idea to gift everyone matching black bags, with the bride’s bag being white to stand out.

09

Diptyque Candle with a Custom Label

Diptyque Candle
Courtesy: Etsy

Diptyque candles make for an exceptional gift with their irresistible, fresh fragrance that captures the essence of a green riverside garden. While they may be pricier than the average candle, they’re a luxury item that most people wouldn’t buy for themselves. To take it up a notch, consider getting customized labels to replace the iconic label with your friends’ names, adding a fun and personalized twist to the gift!

10

Phlur Eau De Parfum Discovery Set

Phlur Eau De Parfum Discovery Set
Courtesy: Anthropologie

Diptyque candles make for an exceptional gift with their irresistible, fresh fragrance that captures the essence of a green riverside garden. While they may be pricier than the average candle, they’re a luxury item that most people wouldn’t buy for themselves. To take it up a notch, consider getting customized labels to replace the iconic label with your friends’ names, adding a fun and personalized twist to the gift!

11

Pearl Dangle Earrings

Pearl Dangle Earrings
Courtesy: Amazon

The best way to make sure your bridesmaids jewelry isn’t too flashy on your wedding day is to gift them with something they can wear! These earrings strike the perfect balance between chic and minimalistic and with pearls currently being on-trend they’re fashionable and timeless. You can’t beat Amazon’s rush shipping and reasonable prices!.

12

Pottery Kit

pottery kit
Courtesy: Amazon

Looking for a unique gift for your bridesmaids who seem to have it all? Check out this pottery kit that they can enjoy at home! It’s a great activity to inspire creativity and can be done solo or as a fun group project. The kit is beginner-friendly and includes all the necessary tools and instructions, making it easy for anyone to craft their own clay masterpiece. Not only is this a thoughtful and stress-relieving gift, but it also offers an opportunity to try out a new hobby that your friends might never have considered before.

13

Summer Fridays Lip Butter

lip butter balm
Courtesy: Sephora

Looking for a practical and universally appreciated gift? Consider gifting the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm! This is not your typical lip balm; it’s made with high-quality, clean ingredients like shea and murumuru butter, vegan waxes, and plant-based oils that are both safe and effective for all skin types. Your friends will love this luxurious and nourishing product!

14

18k Letter Gold Necklace

18k letter gold necklace
Courtesy: Sephora

A personalized initial necklace is a timeless gift that never goes out of style. This 18k gold option is not only affordable at $30 but also of high quality. Its elegant and simple design makes it a versatile accessory that can be paired with a variety of outfits. Adding the personal touch of each bridesmaid’s initial makes it a special group gift. Whether you want to match at your bachelorette party or see your bridesmaids continue to wear it, this necklace is sure to be a favorite.

15

Velour Wrap Robe

velour wrap robe
Courtesy: Nordstrom

While robes are a traditional and classic bridesmaid gift, let’s be real – they can often come off as tacky and end up being shoved in the back of a closet, never to be worn again. Why not invest a little more in a robe that they’ll never want to take off? The Skims robe, created by none other than Kim Kardashian herself, is sure to make your bridesmaids feel extra special and become a staple in their daily routine.

16

Eternity Roses

eternity roses
Courtesy: Nordstrom

Although flowers are a wonderful gift, their beauty is fleeting and lasts only for a few days. If you’re looking for a more enduring option, consider gifting Eternity Roses instead! These highly coveted roses may be pricier, but they’re definitely worth it, as your besties can enjoy their luxurious blooms for over a year with proper care.

17

Kate Spade Picture Frame

kate spade frame
Courtesy: Ink + Alloy

In the digital age, a framed photo makes for a sweet and sentimental gift. We adore this Kate Spade frame for its unique design featuring curved gilt edges that your friends will love to display. Whether you choose a photo of just the two of you or a group photo of the bridesmaids, it’s a wonderful way to capture a special moment in time and create a lasting memory that will be treasured for years to come.

18

Spa or Nail Service

spa
Courtesy: Canva

Consider gifting your bridesmaids with a relaxing spa or nail appointment. It’s a great way to show your appreciation, especially if you had plans for a spa day during your bachelorette party or can organize a group outing to the nail salon before your wedding. Instead of spending money on a gift they may not use, invest in a memorable experience. If they’re unable to be there in person, send them a gift card!

19

Matching Pajamas

pajamas
Courtesy: Abercrombie

Elevate your bridal prep with matching pajama sets for you and your bridesmaids! This set from Abercrombie offers a stylish twist on traditional silk pajamas, with intricate lace trim on the bust, adjustable tie front, and mesh lining for ultimate comfort. The adjustable straps ensure a perfect fit for everyone. Plus, the neutral color complements any wedding theme.

20

Hair Mask

hair mask
Courtesy: Abercrombie

Make sure your girls’ hair is looking its best on your wedding day with a hair mask! This hair mask is suitable for all hair types and will leave their hair soft, shiny and nourished. It’s especially great for damaged and dry hair as it helps prevent split ends and breakage. This is a thoughtful gift that will help your bridesmaids prepare for the wedding day heat-styling.

Meet Your Wedding Wingman!

Subscribe To Get Your Wedding Planning Checklist!

Unsubscribe from newsletter at any time.

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