Winter weddings in the UK are magical – think frosty mornings, twinkling fairy lights, and cozy atmospheres. But with daylight hours at their shortest, ensuring your venue is beautifully lit is crucial. If you’re planning a winter celebration in the West Midlands, here’s how hiring professional lighting can transform your big day, plus practical tips for managing those shorter days.
Why Lighting Matters More in Winter
Unlike summer weddings, winter events face an early sunset—sometimes as early as 4 pm. This means your ceremony, photos, and reception could all unfold after dark. The right lighting doesn’t just brighten a space; it sets the mood, highlights key moments, and keeps everyone safe.
Types of Lighting to Consider
1. LED Uplighters & PAR Cans
LED uplighters and PAR cans are perfect for creating ambient washes of colour on walls, pillars, or behind your top table. They’re energy-efficient, easy to set up, and can be tailored to your wedding theme. Learn more about uplighting for weddings.
2. Fairy Lights & Festoon Lighting
String lights instantly add warmth and romance. Drape them across beams, around dance floors, or outdoors for magical photo backdrops. If your venue doesn’t supply these, hiring is a cost-effective option.
3. Spotlights & Pin Spots
Highlight your cake, centrepieces, or important décor with focused spotlights. This draws attention to key features and enhances your photographer’s results.
4. Dance Floor Lighting
If you want to keep the party going, consider hiring moving heads or LED effects to energise the dance floor. These work especially well with winter’s early darkness.
Safety First: Lighting for Function as Well as Style
Dark corners and trailing cables can be a hazard, especially with older venues or outdoor areas. Use wire floor covers and strategic lighting to keep walkways and exits clearly visible. The Health and Safety Executive has more on safe event planning.
Tips for Managing Shorter Days
- Plan Your Timeline: Schedule your ceremony earlier to make the most of natural light for photos.
- Visit Your Venue at Dusk: See how the space looks as darkness falls and identify where extra lighting is needed.
- Test Equipment in Advance: Always do a trial run with any hired lighting to avoid surprises on the day.
- Ask About Setup: At JET Equipment Hire, we offer free delivery, setup, and strike within the West Midlands, so you can focus on your day (and not on tangled cables).
Why Hire Instead of Buy?
Hiring lighting equipment means you get professional-grade gear, expert setup, and peace of mind – without the hefty upfront cost or storage worries. Plus, you can mix and match equipment to suit your venue and vision.
Ready to Light Up Your Winter Wedding?
JET Equipment Hire offers a range of lighting options, from LED uplighters to safety covers and dance floor effects, all available with flexible day or weekend rates. We serve Coventry, Solihull, Birmingham, and across the West Midlands – perfect for local couples looking for hassle-free, high-quality service.
Get in touch for a free quote or to discuss your winter wedding lighting needs. Let’s make sure your big day shines, whatever the weather or time of year!
