9 String Light and Fairy Light Ideas for Your Wedding

Planning a wedding is a whirlwind of decisions, from the cake tasting to the playlist that will get everyone out on the dance floor.

But there’s one element that truly sets the mood and transforms a space from everyday to magical: the lighting. Get it right, and you’ll create an atmosphere your guests will talk about for years. Get it wrong, and that beautifully designed venue might not shine to its full potential.

String lights and fairy lights are your secret weapons for creating a warm, romantic, and utterly enchanting wedding day. They're versatile, budget friendly, and pack a huge visual punch. Here are some of the best string and fairy light ideas to add even more magic to your already-magical day.

What to Consider When Planning Lighting for Your Wedding

Before you start adding dozens of string lights to your online cart, let’s cover a few key points. Thinking through these details first will save you headaches later on.

First, chat with your venue. What are their rules? Are there restrictions on what you can hang or where you can plug things in? Some historic venues, for example, have strict policies to protect the property. Also, find out where the power outlets are located. You’ll need to know this to plan your layout and determine if you’ll need extension cords or perhaps opt for battery operated lights.

Next, think about the time of day and the setting. An outdoor ceremony in the late afternoon requires a different lighting approach than an indoor evening reception. For outdoor events, you’ll need to make sure your lights are waterproof and durable enough to handle a little wind or unexpected drizzle.

The season matters too. A cozy winter wedding might call for warm, golden lights, while a summer celebration could feature bright, twinkling fairy lights. You may want to talk to your photographer about how your lighting choice will affect your photographs, too.

Finally, consider your overall wedding theme and budget. Are you going for a rustic barn vibe, a classic ballroom feel, or a bohemian garden party? Your lighting choices should complement your decor, not compete with it. And with decor constituting about 9% of all overall wedding expenses, you’ll want to think carefully about how your lighting fits into your budget.

9 String Light and Fairy Light Ideas

Ready for some inspiration? Here are nine creative ways to use string and fairy lights to make your wedding day sparkle.

1. Create a Memory Lane Entrance

Imagine your guests arriving and walking through a softly lit pathway that tells your love story. Line the walkway to your ceremony or reception with shepherd's hooks. Instead of hanging lanterns, drape delicate firecracker lights along the path.

These Brightown Outdoor Firecracker Lights have tiny, starburst-like clusters of LEDs that create a magical, scattered glow. You can use clothespins to attach photos of you and your partner at different stages of your relationship along the strings for a personal touch that’s both beautiful and meaningful.

2. Design a Draped Ceiling Canopy

Transform a plain ceiling or create an "open air tent" feel outdoors with a canopy of lights. This works beautifully over the dance floor or the main dining area.

Use classic, warm white globe lights to create a timeless, bistro style effect. You can drape them in straight lines for a clean look or in swooping scallops for something more romantic. These Brightown Globe String Lights are perfect because they're connectable, allowing you to cover a large area seamlessly.

3. Craft a Wishing Tree

Instead of a traditional guest book, create a stunning focal point with a wishing tree. Find a small, sculptural tree (either real or artificial) and place it near the entrance of your reception.

Fill a nearby table with small cards and pens for guests to write their well wishes. Then, wrap the branches in delicate curtain lights. The cascading effect of these YOLIGHT Wishing Ball Curtain Lights will look stunning as your guests hang their messages on the branches throughout the night.

4. Illuminate Your Centerpieces

Bring your table settings to life by incorporating lights directly into your centerpieces. This is where battery operated fairy lights are a game changer. You can weave them through floral arrangements, coil them inside bell jars or terrariums, or place them in vases filled with water beads for a submerged, glowing effect.

These versatile Battery Operated Fairy Lights are ideal because the thin, flexible wire is easy to hide, and you won’t have to worry about tripping hazards from cords running to each table.

5. Fashion a Faux Firefly Forest

For an outdoor wedding in a wooded area, you can create the illusion of a forest filled with fireflies. Use a mix of different types of fairy lights to achieve a natural, layered look.

Wrap a few tree trunks with standard string lights, then hang curtain lights from lower branches to create weeping willow style light falls. A set of LED Curtain Backdrop Lights would work perfectly for this. The effect is breathtaking, especially as dusk turns to night.

6. Add Sparkle to Your Sweetheart Table

Make your sweetheart or head table stand out with a special lighting treatment. Run a table runner made of greenery or sheer fabric down the center, and weave in a few strands of delicate fairy lights.

These simple Battery Operated Firefly Lights are subtle enough not to overwhelm the space but will cast a lovely, romantic glow on you and your new spouse.

7. Build a Ceremony Backdrop Wall

A wall of lights makes a spectacular backdrop for your ceremony, especially for an indoor or evening wedding.

You can hang sheer fabric panels and layer them with curtain lights for a soft, diffused effect. Using a large set of these Battery Operated Curtain Lights makes setup simple without needing to be near a power source.

8. Highlight Architectural Details

If your venue has beautiful features like exposed beams, grand pillars, or a stunning staircase, use lights to draw attention to them and add dimension to the space.

For a fun, modern twist, use multi-colored lights. These Dazzle Bright Connectable Lights offer different color modes, so you can set a soft, romantic glow during dinner and switch to a vibrant, fun look for dancing.

9. Light Up Your Grand Exit

End the night with a memorable and photo worthy grand exit. Have your guests form two lines and give them something to hold that lights up the path.

Instead of sparklers, which can be a safety concern and are prohibited at many venues, consider giving them wands wrapped in short strands of fairy lights.

Alternatively, you can create a glowing tunnel for you to run through by having guests hold up long strands of lights, like these Ollny Outdoor String Lights.

Create the Wedding of Your Dreams

String and fairy lights offer an affordable, versatile, and beautiful way to personalize your venue and make your special day truly shine.

Whether you create a canopy of stars, a glowing memory lane, or twinkling centerpieces, these little lights will add a huge dose of romance and magic to your celebration.

FAQ

How can I use fairy lights for an outdoor wedding?

For an outdoor wedding, make sure you use waterproof, commercial grade lights that can withstand the elements. You can wrap them around tree trunks, drape them from branches to create a canopy, line pathways to guide guests, or hang them inside a tent to add warmth and ambiance. Battery operated fairy lights are perfect for centerpieces and decor where outlets aren't accessible.

What are the best fairy light wedding reception ideas?

Some of the best ideas include creating a stunning backdrop behind the head table with curtain lights, draping them from the ceiling over the dance floor, or weaving them into your table runners and centerpieces for a touch of sparkle.

What are the best fairy lights for a wedding indoors?

Indoors, you have more flexibility. Delicate, plug in fairy lights are great for wrapping around pillars, draping across mantels, or creating backdrops. For table decor, battery operated fairy lights on thin copper or silver wire are ideal because they're easy to shape and hide, creating a seamless, magical look without messy cords.