Planning the perfect wedding involves attention to every detail, and lighting is one of the most transformative elements. Uplighting, often overlooked, can take your wedding venue from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether aiming for a soft romantic glow or bold, vibrant hues, the right amount of uplights can completely change the atmosphere of your ceremony and reception. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key factors to consider when deciding how many uplights you need, from venue size and layout to colour choices. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to use uplighting to create the wedding atmosphere of your dreams.
Why Uplighting Should Be a Priority in Your Wedding Lighting Plan
When I got married at Vogue Ballroom, I didn’t realise how impactful uplighting could be in setting the tone for the whole wedding. While the focus was on the dress, the food, and the music, adding uplighting to the mix turned the whole venue into something else entirely. It wasn’t just about making things visible; it was about creating an atmosphere—one that felt intimate, romantic, and full of life.
Uplighting isn’t just a decorative addition—it can completely transform the energy of your wedding. The soft, flattering light brings warmth, highlights the venue’s best features, and makes everything feel just right.
How Uplighting Transforms Wedding Venues and Enhances Photos
I’ve seen it firsthand how uplighting completely changes a wedding venue. One wedding I worked on had a venue with high ceilings and stark white walls. When the uplights were strategically placed, it didn’t just make the room glow—it made the whole space feel alive. The warm amber lights we chose for the reception made the entire room feel more welcoming and intimate. It was like walking into a perfectly curated environment, not just an event space.
And then there’s the photography. Uplighting helps capture the ambience of the wedding beautifully, and I’ve noticed how well it shows up in photos. The right lighting makes everyone look their best, enhances the colours in the décor, and gives wedding photos an elegant, timeless quality.
Uplighting vs. Traditional Lighting: What’s the Difference?
You might be wondering, “Why not just stick to traditional venue lighting?” Traditional lights often provide basic functionality—enough to see where you’re going, but not much more. On the other hand, uplighting goes beyond just illuminating the space. It creates a mood. It highlights specific features of the venue, adds colour, and brings warmth to the room.
When I was at my wedding, the traditional lighting did nothing for the vibe. But once the uplights were turned on, everything changed. The walls of the venue suddenly became a part of the décor, and the entire room felt cozier, more inviting. This is what traditional lighting can’t do. It’s not about merely lighting the room—it’s about crafting an atmosphere.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Uplights for Your Wedding
Deciding how many uplights you need for your wedding isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. There are a few crucial factors to consider to get the exact effect you’re aiming for.
Size and Layout of the Venue: How Big is Your Wedding Space?
When choosing the right amount of uplighting, the size of the venue plays a key role. I worked with a couple whose venue was quite spacious, and they almost didn’t use enough uplights. When we went through the space together, I realised that, because the venue had large, open areas and a high ceiling, they needed more uplights to create the intimate, warm atmosphere they wanted.
As a rule of thumb, the larger the space, the more uplights you’ll need. If you have multiple rooms or unique features like alcoves or levels, those will need extra attention. In these cases, don’t just go by the guest count—measure the room, consider the layout, and factor that into your lighting calculations.
Desired Effect: From Subtle Accent to Full Coverage
What kind of atmosphere are you aiming to create? For a soft, romantic feel, you’ll need fewer uplights placed in key spots. For a more dramatic effect, you might want to place more lights throughout the room. I worked with a couple in Melbourne who wanted a subtle glow, and we used about 12 uplights for their 100-guest reception. It was enough to provide an elegant, ambient backdrop without overwhelming the room.
However, if you’re looking to make a bolder statement, you’ll need more uplights. For a large venue, say one with 200 guests, 30-40 uplights might be necessary to get the full, vibrant wash of colour you want.
Architectural Features: Highlighting What Matters Most
Uplighting is perfect for accentuating the architectural features of a venue. When you’re walking into a grand venue with stunning columns or a beautiful archway, those are features you want to highlight. I remember a wedding I attended at a venue in the Melbourne CBD with grand, freestanding columns. The uplights placed at the base of these columns made them pop, creating a striking visual effect.
Think about your venue’s layout and what you’d like to highlight. Columns, walls, and even windows can become works of art with the right uplighting placement. Keep in mind that the more features you want to highlight, the more uplights you’ll need.
Practical Guidelines for Calculating How Many Uplights You Need
There’s no universal number of uplights that will work for every wedding. However, a few general guidelines can help you estimate how many uplights to rent or purchase for your big day.
Uplight Estimates Based on Guest Count
A common question I get from couples is how many uplights they’ll need based on guest count. While it’s not an exact science, here’s a rough estimate:
- For 50 guests: You’ll need at least nine uplights for accent, 14 for moderate coverage, and 20 for full coverage.
- For 100 guests: Expect to need around 14-18 uplights for accent lighting, and possibly up to 24 if you’re aiming for full coverage.
- For 200 guests: A larger venue requires anywhere from 25 to 50 uplights, depending on your venue size and layout.
These numbers can vary, of course, depending on how much light you want in the room. For a more intimate atmosphere, you can get away with fewer lights.
Square Footage and Uplight Calculations
Another useful way to estimate the number of uplights needed is by considering the square footage of your venue. Here’s a breakdown based on typical room sizes:
- 1000 sq ft (25 guests): 6 uplights for accent, 8 for moderate, and 12 for full coverage.
- 2000 sq ft (45 guests): 8 uplights for accent, 16 for moderate, and 23 for full coverage.
- 5000 sq ft (100 guests): 22 uplights for accent, 35 for moderate, and 50 for full coverage.
It’s a good idea to visit your venue ahead of time and walk through the space to see where the lights will be placed. Use that to help you refine your estimates.
DIY vs. Professional Uplighting: Which is Right for You?
When it comes to wedding uplighting, you’ve got a couple of choices: You can either rent the lights and set them up yourself, or you can hire a professional lighting company to take care of everything for you. Both options come with their own set of benefits, but it really depends on your budget and how much time you want to invest in the planning process.
Benefits of DIY Uplighting Rentals
If you’re on a tight budget, renting uplights for a DIY setup can be an affordable option. I worked with a couple a few years ago who rented uplights for their wedding at a venue in Fitzroy. The process was simple: they calculated how many lights they needed based on their venue’s size, chose a colour palette, and arranged the uplights according to their layout.
One of the things they loved was the ability to personalise everything. The venue, which was a sleek, modern space, was a little cold at first. But with a few uplights strategically placed around the room, they were able to warm up the space and create a really inviting, romantic vibe.
However, there are some considerations with DIY lighting. It’s not just about picking up the lights and turning them on. You’ll need to understand your venue’s layout and power outlets, decide on light placement, and ensure you have enough lights to cover the entire space. Plus, you’ll need to handle setup and takedown, which can be stressful on the wedding day.
If you’re up for a bit of DIY work, the rental process is relatively straightforward. Many rental companies offer calculators and other online tools to help you figure out how many lights you need. However, keep in mind that you’ll still need to make sure everything is done on time and functioning correctly.
Why Hiring a Professional Lighting Designer Could Be Worth It
On the other hand, hiring a professional lighting designer can take a lot of the guesswork out of the equation. When I worked with a couple last year who hired a lighting designer, the difference in quality was incredible. They had an older venue with intricate details, and the lighting designer knew exactly how to use uplights to highlight the architectural beauty of the space.
Professionals can do much more than just place lights around the room. They’ll also:
- Help you determine the precise number of lights needed based on your venue and your vision.
- Offer high-quality equipment with proper brightness levels and colour adjustments.
- Ensure everything is set up on time and works seamlessly with other vendors like your photographer and videographer.
- Provide custom lighting effects, such as colour changes throughout the evening, that can create a dynamic atmosphere.
A good lighting designer will think about all the details: how the lighting complements your décor, the kind of mood it will create, and how it will affect the photos. Plus, most professionals take care of setup and breakdown, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
While hiring a pro is a bit more of an investment, I’ve seen the impact it can have, especially when it comes to ensuring your wedding lighting is perfect for both the event and your photos.
Types of Uplights: Which Is Best for Your Wedding Lighting Design?
With so many options available, choosing the right type of uplight for your wedding can feel overwhelming. But it’s an important decision since the type of uplight you choose will affect everything from the intensity of the light to how easy it is to place in your venue.
LED vs. Halogen: Which Light Type Should You Choose?
There’s a significant difference between LED and halogen uplights, and the one you choose will depend on your goals for lighting, as well as your venue’s power setup.
- LED Uplights: These are the industry standard today, and for good reason. They use much less power than halogen lights, which means they’re safer, more energy-efficient, and less likely to overheat. They also have the added bonus of being able to change colours easily via a remote or controller. Whether you’re looking to have a warm amber glow throughout the evening or a bold colour change for the dance floor, LED uplights are incredibly versatile. They also don’t give off as much heat, making them easier to manage in a crowded space.
- Halogen Uplights: These lights used to be the go-to choice, but they have some drawbacks. While they can get much brighter than LEDs, they tend to consume a lot of power and can get hot, potentially posing a fire hazard if they’re placed too close to flammable materials. They’re also less energy-efficient, so you’ll need to ensure you have enough power outlets available to support them.
For most weddings today, I recommend LED uplights. They give you the flexibility to customise your lighting with a range of colours and effects, while also being safer and more energy-efficient.
Wired vs. Wireless Uplights: What’s the Difference?
Wired and wireless uplights each have their own set of pros and cons. Depending on your venue and preferences, one may work better for you than the other.
- Wired Uplights: These are generally less expensive than wireless options and are a good choice for venues where you have easy access to power outlets. However, you’ll need to plan your layout to accommodate the cables and ensure there’s enough power supply. I worked with a couple who had their reception at a venue in the Melbourne CBD, where wired uplights worked perfectly because they had ample access to power outlets.
- Wireless Uplights: Wireless uplights, which run on rechargeable batteries, offer much more flexibility. You can place them anywhere, without worrying about visible cables or proximity to outlets. They’re perfect for venues with limited electrical outlets or for outdoor weddings where cables would be a tripping hazard. These lights are also easier to move around, which can be a real advantage if the layout of your venue changes on the day of the wedding.
In my experience, I’ve found wireless uplights to be a fantastic option for weddings with unique layouts or outdoor settings. They allow for greater creative freedom when it comes to light placement and design.
Colour Choices for Uplighting: Setting the Perfect Mood for Your Wedding
Now that you’ve got the type of uplight sorted, it’s time to decide on the colour. The colour of your uplights can play a significant role in setting the overall mood of the wedding.
Popular Uplight Colours and What They Say About Your Wedding
Choosing the right colour for your uplights can really bring your theme to life. It’s not just about personal preference—it’s about the overall vibe you want to create.
- Amber/Warm White: This is the go-to colour for many weddings. It creates a soft, romantic glow that’s flattering on everyone and works beautifully with any colour scheme. Amber uplights will give your venue a warm, inviting feel, perfect for a formal dinner or an intimate reception.
- Blue: For a modern, chic feel, blue uplights can create a cool, calming atmosphere. If you’re going for a sleek, contemporary look, blue lights can add the perfect touch.
- Purple: Purple uplights are associated with luxury and sophistication. They can add a regal touch to your wedding, especially when paired with gold or silver accents.
- Gold: If you’re looking to make a bold statement, gold uplights are a great option. They add a touch of elegance and pair beautifully with white or neutral décor.
Choosing Colours That Look Great in Photos
When I worked with a couple last year, they were set on using green uplights, but after discussing the potential impact on photos, they changed their minds. Green can sometimes cause people to look sickly in photos, which isn’t something anyone wants on their wedding day. Instead, we opted for soft pink and amber, which not only created a stunning atmosphere but also looked beautiful in their photos.
It’s always a good idea to test out colours before the big day, especially if you’re aiming for a specific look in your wedding photos. Consult with your photographer and lighting designer to ensure the colours you choose will enhance your photos rather than distract from them.
Customising Your Uplights for Maximum Visual Impact
One of the best things about uplighting is its flexibility. You’re not limited to one colour throughout the evening. Many couples choose to change the colours as the night progresses. For example, you can start with soft amber tones during the ceremony and then switch to a vibrant blue or purple once the reception begins. The ability to customise lighting effects will make your wedding feel dynamic and give it that extra bit of flair.
Getting the Right Amount of Uplights for Your Wedding
At the end of the day, the number of uplights you need will depend on a few key factors: the size and layout of your venue, the atmosphere you want to create, your budget, and whether you choose to go the DIY route or hire a professional. After working with many couples in Melbourne and beyond, I can say that lighting can make a bigger impact than you might think.
Key Takeaways for Planning Your Uplighting Setup
To ensure that your uplighting enhances your wedding and makes the most of your venue, here are some quick takeaways:
- Consider your venue size and layout: Larger venues with high ceilings or unique features like columns will require more uplights for full coverage.
- Decide on your desired effect: Do you want a soft glow for an intimate vibe or a bold wash of colour for an energetic feel? This will impact how many uplights you need.
- Factor in the type of uplights: LED uplights are the most energy-efficient and versatile, while wireless options offer the most flexibility in placement.
- Think about colour: Choose colours that will set the right tone for your wedding and complement your décor. Test them beforehand to ensure they look good in photos.
- DIY or Professional?: If you have a specific vision and want to ensure everything goes smoothly, a professional lighting designer can help bring your ideas to life. If you’re on a budget, DIY lighting rentals are a great way to save costs while still creating a beautiful ambience.
By following these guidelines and working with your venue, lighting designer, or rental company, you can create an atmosphere that feels exactly how you envision your big day to be—memorable, beautiful, and truly magical.
Let’s Get Straight to the Point
Uplighting is a powerful and cost-effective way to enhance the atmosphere of your wedding venue. The number of uplights you need depends on factors like the venue size, desired ambience, architectural features, and budget. Smaller venues may require 6-20 uplights, while larger spaces might need 25-50 or more. The type of uplights (LED vs. halogen, wired vs. wireless) and colour choices (amber, blue, purple) also play a key role in setting the right mood. You can go the DIY route or hire a professional lighting designer for expert results. Proper planning ensures your uplights create the perfect wedding atmosphere.
