A sunset on the shores of Tahoe South can bring a soft, colorful ambiance to your outdoor reception. Photo Credit: Beach Retreat & Lodge at Tahoe
When you plan a wedding you quickly learn the devil is in the details. A chocolate cake is no longer just a chocolate cake. It’s devil’s food or German chocolate or Swiss chocolate or milk chocolate with a dark chocolate ganache ribbon. How about flourless? Do you like a dense crumb? What are your feelings on soufflé? Eighteen questions in and you haven’t even gotten to the frosting.
Tempting though it may be to wave the I don’t care towel early on and get whatever you get, there are some details you may have never considered when it comes to a wedding that will make a tremendous difference in your experience, not to mention your photos. Lighting is one of them. So go ahead and shrug your shoulders when it comes to the density of the crumb of your cake, but give your lighting options some real thought because the lighting can help dictate the entire feel of the reception. Here are a few bright ideas you may want to consider.
Twinkle twinkle little star
If you are having an outdoor wedding reception, it should be a crime to not have twinkle lights or globe lights strung up around your reception site. A literal crime! Especially if you are surrounded by towering pine trees in Tahoe South. If you don’t have to fight the urge to gasp when you imagine your outdoor wedding reception lighting, you need to get in touch with your wedding planner, because it’s not right yet. Twinkle or globe lights are the biggest factor in transforming an outdoor reception site into a woodland fairy tale.
Round lanterns strung along the top of a tent can add an element of fun with a warm glow. Photo Credit: Zephyr Cove Resort | Lake Tahoe Cruises
Get a little unexpected
If you’re having an outdoor wedding reception, no one is going to expect you to have a chandelier over the head table or the middle of the dance floor. So think about it! And if you’re having an indoor reception, lanterns may not be the most obvious choice for table lighting. But why not? They’re unique and quaintly old-fashioned, built to last just like your union. Play around with expectations and you might just hit on the detail that makes your reception.
Billowy, crisp white tent with fancy chandelier adds a touch of class. Photo Credit: Indigo / The Landing Resort & Spa
Going big
If you’ve got a wedding planner, consider putting him or her to work on some mood lighting during your reception. A warm amber glow during dinner will help guests feel cozy and intimate, while a bolder shade like deep orange, magenta or cobalt blue will help amp up the party atmosphere when it’s time to burn down the dance floor.
Dramatic lighting effects can set the party mood in motion. Photo Credit: Hard Rock Cafe Lake Tahoe
Romance on a budget
If you’d love to add some ambiance to your reception but your budget is frankly tapped out, go ahead and think cheap: votive candle cheap. Bought in bulk, these glorious little candles can be purchased for thirty cents apiece and regardless of whether you DIY little laced-up Mason jar holders, arrange branch centerpieces with hanging votives or simply set them out on trays, you’ll cast a warm glow on the loving faces surrounding you on one of the best days of your life.
The glow of candles adds a sense of warmth and romance to your reception. Photo Credit: Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel
Think outside the bulb
There are ways to make the most of your lighting that actually have nothing to do with the lighting. When choosing your place settings and glassware, look for pieces that will catch lots of light and reflect it prettily, like tinted glasses, metallic-rimmed place settings, or centerpieces with subtle glass or crystal details.
Romantic lighted backdrop at The Ridge Tahoe. Photo Credit: Divided Line Media
Poke around on Pinterest (of course) to see which lighting options you love the most, and don’t forget to ask your wedding planner what he or she would recommend. Your planner will know the venue inside and out and know how to give you the wedding of your dreams using details like lighting that you may never have even thought of.
