Bright ideas for using light bulbs in weddings

Light bulbs aren’t something that might first spring to mind when you’re planning the decor at a wedding. But they’re definitely worth a look as their appearance and appeal lend themselves far beyond simply illuminating the reception and ceremony spaces. Here are 10 great ideas…

All that glitters

We’ve seen how magical fairy lights look at night when threaded through the branches of a tree, and this is an equally wonderful way to add a touch of glamour and shimmer during the day.

Photo: Capital Romance

Perfect pairs

At first glance these gorgeous decorating accents look like pears, artfully covered in twine and twig. But a closer look reveals they’re actually recycled light bulbs, which look just as beautiful but give greater versatility. What a bright idea…

Photo: Todd & Lindsey

Places, please

Terrariums are all the rage right now, and light bulbs offer the perfect container to create a little self-contained slice of nature. Think succulents, small plants and even Lego figurines to bring real wow factor to your placecards.

Photo: A Subtle Revelry

You light up my life

Weddings are the one day we’re it’s not only OK to get a little bit cheesy – it’s downright encouraged. And how better to do it than with a clever centrepiece which tells guests exactly what you do for each other.

Photo: Design Sponge

Unique vases

These are the ultimate example of upcycling, where something functional gets fresh appeal. Fill them with a tealight, a single bloom or even ribbons in your wedding colours to hang everywhere from the ceiling to your ceremony chairs.

Photo: London Moore: Beauty

Look up!

One light bulb on its own is just a light bulb. But when you start grouping different shapes and sizes together, the end result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Cue one stunning chandelier that will turn all eyes to the sky.

Photo: Krista Mason Photography

Your number’s up

Want to know exactly where your table is at the reception? Let these cute accents shed a little light on the subject, quite literally, with numbers hand painted on to a beautiful light bulb at heart of a rustic table design.

Photo: Kelsea Holder

Artistic endeavours

Who says art can only be found on the walls of a gallery? Not us after seeing this absolutely stunning diorama created in the smallest of spaces. We have no idea how they got everything in the light bulb, but the effort involved was so worth it.

Photo: Pinterest

Stunning showcase

Along the same lines, light bulbs can serve to offer great insights into your relationship, culture, passions and more. This mobile is a great example, with tiny origami cranes that are considered good luck at a Japanese wedding.

Photo: Carnet Parisiens

Sweet treat

Presentation is everything when it comes to wedding favours, and these ones perfectly strike a balance between the pretty (read mouthwatering) and the practical (they will slip easily into a handbag without crushing).

Photo: Celebrations at Home