Many people who plan large events choose to use tent settings. These outdoor shelters can be as elegant or as simple you desire, but in all cases, you’ll need appropriate tent lighting. Lighting helps create the overall ambiance of the event, contribute to the decor, and ensure that your guests can move about safely both inside and outside the tent. Here are eight types of lights you might add to your tented event:
String Lights
Dress up your tent event’s interior with string lighting. Also known as twinkling lights, this lighting option is used for a subtle effect. While clear/white lights are the most popular, you could add colored string lights to match your other decorating touches. For example, if you have a pink-colored reception, use pink and white string lights. String lights can be hung from the tent ceiling, sides, and strung around tent poles or trees. You can get really creative with string lights by adding them to decorations or hanging them behind a pipe and drape background.
Bistro Lights
These lights are strung on a dark cord and feature a clear or specialty round bulb. They are a very versatile light that can be strung in and around a tent, among trees, from hooks or beams, etc., and they provide ample light to keep your space safe.
Paper Lanterns
Place an additional dimension of lighting in your event tent with colored paper Chinese lanterns or white globe lanterns hung from the tent’s ceilings. Lanterns come in many sizes and colors. If your rental provider does not have your preferred color, ask if they would be willing to use lanterns you purchase and attach to their lights.
Balloon Lights
Another choice is to add balloon lights. These types of lights have strobe-like blinking lights inside floating helium balloons. Some party planners place them at the tent’s entrance or buffet tables while others allow them to float freely around the tent venue.
Candles
Candlelight is one of the most flattering lights that will give your tent party a romantic ambiance. Use this type of natural lighting on tables and as part of your centerpieces. Choose from large pillar candles in glass hurricanes or small tea light candles. If you’re planning a casual event, place small candles in the bottom of white paper bags filled with sand and position along walkways and the perimeter of the tent.
Spotlights
Spotlights work to guide your party guests’ eyes to particular areas of the tent. For example, some planners use them to project light patterns or logos on the tent’s canvas walls. Spotlights can add a sense of dimension when positioned around corners and poles. Some planners use versions with twinkle lights or colored gels to add color and shadowy textures to the tent.
Gobos
Gobos are stencils that go over a light to project a certain image on the dance floor, walls or tent ceiling. Most couples like to project their names or their personalized monograms, but you can have any design you wish projected.
Bug Lights
Bug lights are similar to small spotlights as they are placed on the floor. If you plan to use these types of lights, position them around the entire perimeter of the tent. They work to add light as well as deter pesky insects from ruining your outdoor event. These lights typically work best during warmer seasons.
