Having a wedding that goes into the nighttime can be a true blessing, if done right. Whether you have fireworks illuminate the night sky or your guests dance the night away under the dance lights, having a night wedding (or at least the reception go into the night) is pretty amazing! Not to mention fun and beautiful.

But when it comes to photo opportunities, how do you light up the photos? When it comes to table decor, how do you give light so your friends and family can actually see what they are eating? There are so many cool ways to use candles in a wedding that you may have not thought about, but would maybe be the perfect accent you need! So if you want to light up your reception or wedding ceremony a bit, read on for some unique ideas for incorporating candles and lights into your big day.

 

1. Hanging Lights

Want that Tangled feeling? Add some hanging lanterns to your ceremony or reception venue to give it the light and spice it needs! Is your wedding or reception indoors? Do not freak out. You can totally do this look inside and it will give it the elegant touch it needs, even though it is not outdoors. But if your wedding is outdoors, use this idea to light the way for guests.

 

2. Light Up the Aisle.

Have the aisle be as radiant as you will be when you make your way towards the altar! Whether you have candles resting on the floor next to the guest seating, or you have mason jars hanging with candles lit in your backyard, having the aisle lit up accents the pathway. It also gives it a romantic and homey feel to it that a normal, non lit path would not do. So if the lights are going to be dimmed or the sun will be setting, candles are a must have for the aisle!

 

3. Light the Way.

While more for decoration, lights and candles on the stairs are an elegant decoration and great addition, as well as a great photo opportunity for the bride and groom. If you are having a rustic, barn wedding or a shabby chic wedding theme, then candles and logs are a great creative combination that you should keep in mind.

 

4. Light Up the Altar.

This is one that many brides may not think about. But why not have a lit backdrop or candles surrounding your altar or arch? If you are having an outdoor wedding, then consider having hanging lanterns at your altar. If you are having an indoor wedding, consider having a white backdrop with lights decorating it or hanging in front of it somehow.

 

5. Candles and Centerpieces.

One of the most typical ways of including candles is by having them as your centerpieces on your tables. This is fun because you can get super creative with how you have the candles laid out! You can put them in decorative vases, scattered on the table with flowers, or fancy-schmancy ones with garland. Want some more awesome centerpiece ideas? Click here for the wonderful world of Pinterest.

 

6. Fun Photo Ops

While most brides would curse the darkness for photos because well, it is dark, they should instead embrace this romantic lighting that they can use to their advantage! Backdrops are super cool, as well as lights tree wrapped lights, hanging lanterns and lights, and simple candle lighting. As the bride, indulge in some individual shots with lights, but also capture some with your honey as well.