String lights for weddings?

Which string lights are best for weddings?

When choosing lighting for a wedding, the goal is rarely the brightest possible light. What matters most is usually the atmosphere. The light should frame the setting, add warmth to the table setting and decorations, and help create a soft and inviting mood as the evening begins.

That is why we think string lights are a very beautiful choice for weddings. They work just as well above long tables as they do in tents, pergolas, pavilions, courtyards and garden settings.

If we are to highlight what most often works best for weddings, we usually focus on two things above all: white string lights and round cable. The white string usually blends in beautifully in light-coloured settings, while a round cable is especially suitable when the strings are meant to hang freely above an area.

Short answer – what usually works best?

For weddings, we at LY Sweden usually recommend:

• white string lights for a bright and elegant overall look
• round cable when the strings will hang freely
• 1W bulbs for the softest feel
• a warm light, preferably 2200K

It is a combination that usually works beautifully in both classic and more modern wedding settings.

Why string lights work so well at weddings

The beauty of string lights is that they add a lot of atmosphere without taking over. They help frame a space, add height to the décor and provide pleasant light when daylight disappears.

At weddings, people often want to avoid lighting that feels harsh or too technical. That is where we think string lights work especially well, because they create a softer and more atmospheric expression.

They work especially beautifully, for example:

• above long tables
• in tents and pavilions
• around pergolas
• above dance floors
• between posts or trees
• in gardens, courtyards and outdoor venues

Why we often recommend white string lights

If we are to choose one option that often feels the most natural for weddings, it is the white string light.

In many wedding settings, there are already light tones in tablecloths, flowers, tents, chairs and decorations. In that case, we think a white string usually blends in more beautifully than a dark cable and makes the overall result feel softer and more thought through.

White string lights are especially suitable when:

• the décor is in white, beige or other soft tones
• the strings will be placed in a tent, pavilion or light-coloured pergola
• you want a light and elegant look
• you want the cable to be as discreet as possible

Why round cable is often the best choice

When it comes to cable type, we often end up recommending round cable for weddings.

That is mainly because of how the strings are usually used. At weddings, people often want to run them above tables, dance floors, courtyards or between trees and posts. In those cases, we think round cable gives a softer and more natural impression. It is also easy to work with when the installation is temporary but should still feel well thought out.

Round cable is especially suitable when:

• the string lights should hang freely
• the lighting should run across an open area
• you want a lighter visual expression
• the installation should feel soft and elegant

Which brightness works best for weddings?

For weddings, we usually recommend 1W bulbs first and foremost. The reason is simple: it usually creates the nicest atmosphere. The light feels warm and calm and helps create ambience without taking over the whole setting.

2W may be suitable if the area is larger or if you want a little more light above, for example, a dining table or an outdoor seating area.

3W is mainly relevant when you want clearer light in larger event environments.

For most weddings, we think 1W is the most beautiful choice.

Which light colour works best?

For weddings, we almost always prefer a warm light. It makes the setting feel softer and more alive as the evening arrives.

In general, we usually think like this:

• 2200K works very well for a warm and classic atmosphere
• Amber works when you want an even softer and more golden expression
• 2700K works if you want a slightly clearer warm light

For many weddings, 2200K is the safest choice.

Where in the setting do string lights make the biggest difference?

String lights often make the biggest difference when they are used where guests actually spend time during the evening.

For example:

• above dining tables
• above dance floors
• around a pergola or pavilion
• by the entrance or walkway
• above a lounge area
• between trees or posts outdoors

When they are placed well, they become part of the experience, not just a light source.

When can flat cable still be the right choice?

Even though we often highlight white string lights and round cable for weddings, there are definitely situations where flat cable works well. If the string lights are meant to follow a fixed structure, such as a pergola, a wall, a railing or a pavilion frame, flat cable can create a very neat result.

Our recommendation

If someone asks us what we would choose for a wedding, we usually think like this:

• white string lights for a soft and elegant overall impression
• round cable when the strings should hang freely
• 1W bulbs for the cosiest feeling
• 2200K for a warm and inviting light

It is a combination that works beautifully in many different types of wedding settings.

Common questions about string lights for weddings

Which string lights are best for weddings?

We often think that white string lights are the most beautiful choice, especially in bright and romantic settings.

Should you choose flat or round cable?

If the string lights should hang freely above an area, round cable is usually the best choice. If they should follow a fixed structure, flat cable can be a good option.

Which wattage works best?

In most cases, we recommend 1W, because it creates the softest and most atmospheric feeling.

Which light colour is best?

We often think that 2200K is the safest choice. If you want an even warmer expression, amber can be very beautiful.

Is white cable better than black for weddings?

In many bright settings, we think white cable looks better because it blends into the overall setting more easily.