Are you planning your dream wedding and wondering how much wedding lighting will cost you? Well, the cost of wedding lighting can vary greatly, and it can be a bit confusing to understand why. But don't worry, we are here to help! In this guide, we will give you a general idea of what you can expect to pay for your wedding lighting. By understanding the pricing for wedding lighting, you can make sure to use your budget efficiently and get the best value for your money.
Understanding Wedding Lighting Services
Before we delve into the costs, let's take a quick step back and understand the different services that are attached to wedding lighting. If you are new to wedding lighting and not familiar with terms like uplighting or pin-spotting, don't worry. Our wedding lighting services page has all the information you need to learn about the fantastic lighting options available to make your wedding shine.
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Lighting That Transforms Your Venue
Wedding lighting has the power to completely transform your venue like nothing else can. While flowers, linens, and drapes can make the room look nice, lighting can change the entire atmosphere and feel of the space. Without proper lighting, your guests may miss out on the beautiful details you have carefully chosen. With the right lighting, even a dimly-lit reception space can showcase the beauty of your centerpieces with the perfect pin-spotting. Whether it's an indoor or outdoor wedding, lighting plays a crucial role in creating an inviting ambiance. A traditional bistro look can work wonders for large, uncovered outdoor affairs.
When planning your lighting budget, it's important to be clear on what you want to achieve. Uplighting is a popular choice that works in most scenarios and can also help to hide wall colors that don't match your theme. If you want to cover something up completely, consider using pipe and drape, which offers a practical and elegant solution. Take a look at our gallery for some inspiration and ideas.
Read more: How to Get the Best out of LED Strips: Placing Indoor and Outdoor Strip Lighting
Budgeting for Wedding Lighting
The quickest way to find out how much wedding lighting will cost you is to get a quote from one of our designers. Our team responds quickly, so you won't have to wait long. However, to give you a general idea, here are some industry average numbers for wedding lighting costs:
- Uplighting for the Entire Ballroom: $700-$2000
- Monogram Gobo Light: $200-$300
- Texture Lighting: $50-$75 per light fixture/pattern
- Cake Spotlight: $30-$100
- Pipe & Drape: $7.50-$25 per linear foot (10 ft sections)
- Pin-spot Lighting: $25-$45 per light/table
- Bistro Lighting: $3-$5 per linear foot
- Chandeliers: $150-$500 each
- Pendants: $15-$25 each
- Low Fog: $200-$300
Please note that these prices do not include labor or delivery fees. Typically, labor costs range between $300 and $600, depending on the scope of the project. Local delivery usually costs between $50 and $150, depending on the distance.
What Do Most People Pay for Wedding Lighting?
To those who are new to wedding lighting, the costs may seem prohibitive at first. However, if you are investing in your venue, flowers, and other details, lighting is a must. You don't always need multiple lighting features, especially if you have a tight budget. A single feature, such as uplighting or bistro lighting, can add a gorgeous ambiance and provide the necessary lighting for your guests. For a small wedding with just one feature, it's advisable to budget around $1100-$1300. If you have a mid-sized wedding with multiple lighting features, budget between $1500-$3500. Large and multi-day events can vary significantly, so it's best to get a rough quote during the early stages of planning.
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Getting the Most Out of Your Wedding Budget
While many venues and DJs may offer lighting at competitive prices, there are a few things you should consider. Often, these low-priced options use low-quality lighting that may not meet your expectations. They may have slightly different colors due to the use of LEDs from different sources. Some venues may showcase photos of professional lighting companies' work to make their own lighting packages appear better than they actually are. That's why it's important to do thorough research and choose a professional lighting company that can provide high-quality equipment and specialized gear for different situations. Remember, your wedding deserves the best quality in every aspect, including lighting.
Wedding Lighting and Your Venue
Wedding lighting is one of the most affordable ways to transform your event space and enhance the finer details of your venue. It sets the mood, enhances the reception decor, and creates amazing photo opportunities for you and your guests. So, don't underestimate the impact of lighting on your special day.
Hiring a Pro
At the Lighting & Sound Co., we are a national design and production company based in Richmond, Virginia. We provide event production services, including lighting, live sound, video, and drape services for events of all sizes and a diverse range of clients. Our quote process is quick and easy, so don't hesitate to reach out to us to get started on creating the perfect lighting experience for your wedding.