Do You Need Uplighting at Your Minnesota Wedding?

What Is Uplighting?

Uplighting is exactly what it sounds like. Lights are placed around the room and aimed upward onto the walls. Instead of having bright overhead lighting, you can add color and warmth around the perimeter of the space. The result can completely change the atmosphere of your reception. A plain white wall can become a warm amber. Make a dark venue feel more inviting. Adding lighting can also add energy. You can choose colors that fit your wedding vibe.

Why Do Couples Add Uplighting?

It Changes the Entire Room

You don’t necessarily need a ton of décor to make a reception space feel different. Strategically placed lighting can add depth and make the room feel more finished. It’s especially helpful in larger spaces where walls can otherwise feel empty.

It Creates a Different Feeling at Night

Your reception might look one way during cocktail hour and completely different once the sun goes down. That’s where lighting really starts to matter. Warm lighting can create a cozy atmosphere during dinner. Then your DJ can transition into more energetic dance-floor lighting once the party starts.

It Looks Great in Photos

This is something couples sometimes don’t think about. Your reception lighting becomes part of your wedding photos and video. Uplighting can add color and depth to the background of your first dance, speeches, grand entrance, and dance floor. Instead of a dark wall behind you, you’ve got a room that looks intentionally designed.

Do You Need It?

It really depends. If your venue already has beautiful architectural lighting, large windows, chandeliers, or a lot of built-in character, you might not need additional uplighting. But if your reception space is fairly plain, lighting can be one of the easiest ways to change it. Think about your venue before deciding.

Uplighting vs. Dance-Floor Lighting

The majority of Twin Cities DJs will include dance floor lighting. Dance-floor lighting is pointed in the direction of the dancefloor, is more dynamic and moves with the music. Uplighting is additional decor lighting that lines the walls and adds color and atmosphere. If your goal is to make the reception room look beautiful, uplighting may be what you’re looking for. If your goal is a packed dance floor, you’ll probably want to talk to your DJ about dance-floor lighting, too.

What Color Should You Choose?

This is where you can have some fun. You can match your wedding colors or choose something completely different.

Some popular choices include:

• Warm white
• Amber
• Soft pink
• Purple
• Blue
• Deep red
• Green

You don’t necessarily have to light the room in your exact wedding color, either. Sometimes a subtle complementary color looks better than matching everything exactly.

Does Every Venue Work With Uplighting?

Not necessarily. The layout and walls of your venue can affect how well uplighting works. You’ll also want to make sure your lighting company knows what is allowed at the venue and how the lights will be placed.

This is another reason it’s helpful to work with a professional who knows wedding venues and has experience setting up lighting for receptions. Complete Weddings and Events has been around for 40 years. We have been setting up lights at venues for a long time and can help take the stress out of that part for you.

When Is Uplighting Most Worth It?

I’d especially consider uplighting if:

• Your reception room has plain walls
• Your venue is large
• You want a specific color palette
• Your reception is in the evening
• You want your photos to have more depth
• You want the room to feel more dramatic
• Lighting is an important part of your overall wedding design

So… Do You Need Uplighting?

No. But if you’re looking for a relatively simple way to make a big visual difference, uplighting is worth considering. Your flowers, linens, and décor create the room during the day. Lighting brings it to life once the sun goes down. And that’s when the party really starts.

Planning your Minnesota wedding? Complete Weddings + Events offers DJ entertainment and professional lighting, along with photography, videography, and coordination, so you can create a reception that looks great and keeps the party going.