Getting ready to host an event at your home or in one of the many great venues in St. Louis? Let’s talk about outdoor event lighting, and lighting rental. There are many different types of events that benefit from professional outdoor lighting. For starters, events that will primarily be taking place indoors still need good lighting in order to set the mood, direct guests, and create a certain impression. Whether you’re throwing a dinner party at home or a formal event at a venue, outdoor lighting can help elevate the experience for all those involved.

Outdoor event lighting for St. Louis homes and venues

At home, outdoor lighting is especially important to set the scene and keep guests safe in the dark. The type of outdoor lighting you put in place for an event signals the mood and helps your guests get into the spirit of things. Of course, with event lighting rental for your St. Louis home, you can get just the right type of lighting for your gatherings. 

But that’s not all: outdoor lighting is also essential for events hosted at venues. Whether you’re planning an elegant wedding at a historic estate or just throwing a big bash at a local bar, outdoor lighting is key for creating an ambiance that will make your event really stand out. It helps to add some sparkle and shine to any outdoor gathering so that you can truly celebrate in style and make your event one to remember!

How to choose the best outdoor lighting for your event

Outdoor lighting for an event is different from permanent outdoor lighting systems. 

Activities and areas

For your St. Louis event, you really want to think about what people will be doing and the best type of lighting to enhance each activity. Imagine that you’re planning a wedding reception at a rented venue with both indoor and outdoor spaces. There might be a buffet, a drink station, a full-service bar, a dance floor, seating, a cake table, and a gift table. Those are all different areas that require different levels of lighting. For the buffet, lighting should be directed downward onto the food and bright enough that guests can easily see what’s offered. The dance floor, on the other hand, should be dimly lit with a party feel that gets people comfortable and relaxed. 

Traffic flow

The other key consideration is traffic flow. No, we’re not talking about cars but about foot traffic. How do people move from one area or activity to another? One common frustration with events is getting stuck in a line or a crowd. If someone is just trying to get to the facilities, you don’t want them to cut across the dance floor or have to maneuver around the buffet line. Good event lighting, both indoors and out, can help you create clear signals for guests and help direct movement in a way that’s more streamlined. And outdoor event lighting does help with car traffic too: lights for the parking area and clearly lit walkways to and from entrances make guests safer and help things flow.

Advantages of outdoor event lighting rental

There are a lot of things you can DIY for your St. Louis event. And, yes, outdoor lighting is one of them, but there are many advantages to renting outdoor event lighting instead. Of course, we may be a little biased, but here’s the thing: lighting is one of the things you really want to get right. 

Some event rental companies will rent the outdoor lighting you need, but don’t offer installation. That’s okay for simple setups. For something more involved, give us a call for everything from outdoor lighting design to installation for your St. Louis event. 

You can avoid all the hassle of buying equipment or renting it, picking it up, and figuring out how to set up everything just right. Furthermore, by working with an experienced professional who knows all about outdoor event lighting, you’ll be able to take advantage of a wide range of options for different types of lights and designs. Whether you’re looking for something subtle or something that really makes a statement, you can find the perfect outdoor lights for any occasion with some help from professionals who know what they’re doing. 

Getting the most out of outdoor event lighting rental in St. Louis

Here are some tips for getting the most out of your outdoor lighting rental:

• Have a budget in mind. Different lights have different price points or rental costs. Knowing what you have to work with will help narrow down your options and make sure you get the most value for your money.
• It is crucial to communicate. Let the lighting professionals know your priorities. For example, if you are looking for something that can set the mood at your outdoor party, then you might want to focus on decorative or ambient lighting such as string lights or uplighting for trees and focal points. Conversely, if you simply need additional illumination for navigation or safety reasons, then functional lighting such as floodlights or high-powered spotlights might be more appropriate.
• Ask about different ideas or options you may not be aware of. For example, if space is limited and stakes won’t work in your location, there may be other ways to secure outdoor lighting without having visible hardware like poles or mounting brackets. Additionally, outdoor event lighting rentals often come with their own power sources and controllers, so don’t hesitate to ask about additional accessories that might simplify setup or expand functionality.

Finally, if you really want to get the most out of your outdoor event lighting rental, it can be a good idea to ask for a demo before making any final decisions. Seeing how certain lights function in real time and how they work together can give you invaluable insights into how they will actually look during your event. We’d love to help create the perfect outdoor lighting for your St. Louis event. Get in touch for a free consultation and demo.

If summertime in St. Louis brings out the music lover in you, here’s your summer bucket list. Whether you want to kick up your feet and release that inner dancing diva or sit back with a cold brew while you listen to tunes, there’s something you’ll love here. With so many parks, live music shows, and outdoor concerts in St. Louis, you’ll find plenty of options to get in the fresh air, make new friends, and let the music take you away.

Whitaker Music Festival

This free evening outdoor concert series is a St. Louis favorite. It features a select and wide array of musical styles. It’s held on the lawn of the Cohen Amphitheater in Missouri Botanical Gardens. 

When: Every Wednesday in June and July from 5pm to 9pm; music begins at 7pm.

Cost: Free entry, but advance reservations required. Food items are available for purchase after 5pm.

What to know: Sitting on the lawn chairs and blankets are allowed. Picnics are permitted after 5; you can bring food and drink or buy them in the gardens. Pets, barbecue grills, and smoking are not allowed.

Faust Park 35th Annual Summer Concert Series

The Summer Concert Series offers the opportunity to listen to local musicians while having fun with family and friends at Faust County Park in Chesterfield. 

When: Every Tuesday in June and July, with the last show on August 3. Gates open at 5:30pm, and the concert is from 7 to 9. 

Cost: $5 per person or $45 for a season pass. 

What to know: Tickets are non-refundable. Snacks, sodas, beer and wine available for purchase at the concession stand. Food trucks and local restaurants also offer a variety of food choices. Lots of fun stuff for kids (face painting, balloon twisting, games, and bubble bus) at The Commerce Bank Kids Zone.

Union Station Monthly Concert Series

A free summer concert series of fun entertainment at St. Louis Union Station. Extend the fun with a ride on the St. Louis Whale or a visit to the nearby St. Louis Aquarium.

When: The 2nd Friday of June, July and August from 5–9pm. 

Cost: Free to attend; parking costs vary. Food and beverages are available for purchase. Tickets are required for St. Louis Whale and St. Louis Aquarium.

What to know: Dogs are allowed outside. Lawn chairs and blankets are permitted to sit. Parking is available on 20th Street in downtown St. Louis or at the parking lot at Union Station, and parking costs vary by location and time of day. Guests can ride the St. Louis Whale from until 10pm or visit the St. Louis Aquarium from till closing at 8pm.

Hot Summer Nights Concert Series

This free outdoor summer concert series is in the historic Frenchtown area of St. Charles. You’ll find the festivities on the 600-900 block of North Second Street, and there’s plenty to do nearby. 

When: Every second Saturday for June, July, August. The event’s start time is 6pm and the music starts at 7pm. 

Cost: Free to attend; food trucks and local breweries will have plenty of food selections and beverages nearby.

What to know: Bring your lawn chairs. 

Maplewood Summer Concert Series

A free outdoor concert series that brings everyone together for an evening of music and entertainment. This friendly neighborhood series is fun and friendly. It’s held at Ryan Hummert Park in Maplewood.

When: The 4th Wednesday of the month from June to September, from 6pm to 8pm.

Cost: Free to attend; local vendors will have food and drink options nearby for purchase.

What to know: Guests can bring their own food and drink. It’s a good idea to bring lawn chairs or a picnic blanket, too. 

St. Louis has a fantastic collection of local bands and musicians with a long history of promoting musicians from Scott Joplin to Mel Davis, Chuck Berry, and Pokey Lafarge. And summertime means outdoor concerts and live music in the park from one end of St. Louis to the other. Take a break from building that backyard oasis, get those dancing shoes on and get out there! 

Summertime in St. Louis means summertime gatherings from birthday bashes to post-game poolside parties. If you’re getting ready to host a summer backyard party, there are a few ways to take it from okay to over-the-top. And it doesn’t have to mean more work for you. In fact, our favorite party hosting tips are the ones that make things easier for the host. After all, the more you can relax and enjoy your guests, the more fun everyone has. 

Tell guests what to expect

Everybody has more fun when they’re comfortable, and everybody’s more comfortable when they know what to expect. When you extend the party invitations, include all the pertinent info: timing, theme, food, and what to wear. Is it a pool party? If it’s a barbecue, are there vegetarian options? What’s the timeframe for the meal? Is it casual or swanky? A laid-back gathering of close friends or a big popping block party? Make sure guests understand the pertinent details and can pick up the atmosphere from your invite, so they’ll feel prepared and ready to have fun. 

Mix up a big batch cocktail

If you’re hosting more than a dozen guests, a big batch cocktail will save lots of time and keep the drinks flowing with ease. We love fruity and fresh options for summer, like this pomegranate mojito or Red Stag lemonade. Or keep it classic and simple with this two-ingredient Tom Collins in a pitcher. Don’t forget an option or two for the non-alcoholic crowd: jazz up a tart lemonade with frozen berries, or offer a refreshing orange slush punch. 

Think about seating

Take stock of the outdoor seating you have available, clean it off, and start arranging. If you’ll need more seats, evaluate your interior furniture. One easy option is to press dining chairs and kitchen stools into service for the party. Have a shady area under a tree or awning? Spread beautiful blankets on the ground and let people sprawl in comfort. 

Rent what you need

Sometimes we relegate rental options to those really major events, like a wedding or huge retirement party. But there’s no reason you can’t rent what you need for smaller backyard bashes, too. Renting seats, for example, is an inexpensive option — folding chairs start at less than $2 each. You may also be able to rent a cooler, speakers, tablecloth, and a large grill. And don’t forget about the outdoor lighting for the perfect nighttime party atmosphere. If you don’t have the lighting you need for the event, get in touch and we’ll talk you through some great options. 

Keep it breezy

The bane of a summer backyard party? Bugs. Nobody wants to fight a swarm of flies for a drink refill or slap mosquitoes while they’re trying to chat. Fans are the best way to keep bugs away from party areas. Plus, a cooling breeze is a great idea for St. Louis summertime parties. Mosquitoes are weak fliers, so even if the fan is low, it can create enough airflow to keep them away. Place fans strategically to keep the air moving through different areas of the party. A tabletop fan for the food and drinks is also a good idea.

Master the party music playlist

The music may not be the focus, but it certainly is a big factor when it comes to the party atmosphere. Michael Antonia, owner of Flashdance, a production company in Los Angeles, suggests going heavy on classics: Rolling Stones, Beatles, Steve Wonder, Michael Jackson. Build a playlist of well-known bands and songs people know, then mix in some new tunes here and there to keep it fresh and exciting.

Designate areas for activities

Think about the different activities going on throughout the party. That means more than party games; you also need to think through the logistical activities like refilling drinks, serving food, having quiet conversations, playing with kids, and eating. Arrange seating in a few different areas so people can gather in small groups. Set up a play area for kids with bubbles, sidewalk chalk, and kid-friendly drinks in a cooler. Hang signs and use banners to indicate what each area is for, and use walkway lighting to direct traffic flow and create perimeters. 

Cook ahead, or get it catered

Minimize cooking time during the actual event as much as possible. Firing up the grill at the peak of the party can add excessive heat. And you don’t want to be inside trying to finish up those dishes while your guests are out on the deck or porch. So think through the menu and the preparation. If you’re planning to grill, move the grill itself off to the side. Depending on the party timeline, you might want to do most of the grilling ahead of time, and heat things up just before serving. Choose easy, make-ahead sides or look into catering or purchased options to keep it simple.  

Party into the night

We love a summer brunch or a lazy afternoon at the pool, but if you know anything about St. Louis summers, you know that the humidity and heat can really dampen the festivities. If your summer backyard party will happen during one of the hottest months, make it an evening event. You can kick things off in the late afternoon if you want time for swimming and outdoor games. Then, as the sun dips behind the trees, kick on the outdoor lights, turn up the tunes, and serve up the food. With some well-designed lighting, you and your guests can fully enjoy a great party atmosphere well into the night.

Want to plan a great outdoor event? Consider the lighting. 

Appropriate outdoor event lighting is one of the most versatile, cost-effective ways to make a big impact. Whether for a wedding, corporate conference, or 50th-anniversary party, choosing the appropriate lighting can completely transform a space. Here are a few important factors to consider and some creative uses of event lighting to take any special event to the next level.   

How the right lighting improves outdoor events

The lights used at an outdoor event venue are essential to set the scene, create the mood, and define how the space is used.  

Set the scene

If you are planning a wedding, incorporate candles and low-intensity lights to create a sense of intimacy. For a corporate fundraising event, use large, bright lights to create a high-energy atmosphere. Lighting can encourage people to mingle in large open spaces, or divide a large space into distinct areas for cozy conversations. 

Direct guests

Outdoor event lights can highlight or disguise certain features. Spotlights draw the eye to the impressive features of an event venue, such as a dramatic water feature or an elaborate winding staircase. Bistro lights and downlighting can lead guests to different activities like charcuterie tables and photo booths. Pathway lights make it easy for guests to navigate lines, entries, and event facilities. 

The right lights create flow in a venue and become part of the event experience. For example, strings of bistro lights can highlight the pathway leading into a venue, or can be draped on shepherd’s hooks along paths encouraging guests to explore. 

Enhance the experience

With the right kind of outdoor lighting, you can transform any venue into the desired space for all types of events. Different colors, lighting types, and lighting effects can help create the immersive experience every event planner hopes to accomplish. 

Tips for better outdoor event lighting

When planning outdoor event lighting, here are the most important factors to consider:

• Type of event
  Weddings, anniversaries, corporate events, and more are all going to have different lighting requirements. Each event type and theme will require different lighting setups. String lights add warmth, charm, and a touch of romance to a more intimate gathering.  Large colorful spotlights would be more appropriate for the stage at a concert fundraiser. An event in the country might require an external power source or battery-operated lights.

• Size of the venue

The size of the event space will ultimately determine how much lighting you need. Larger, more complex areas require more robust lighting solutions compared to smaller sites. Remember, though: there’s no rule stating that the entire space needs to be lit. Focus on the areas where key activities take place. Schedule plenty of time in advance to visit the event venue and take photos and measurements. 

• Access to electricity

The available electrical power at an outdoor venue can determine how a space is lit. Outdoor venues in cities and suburban areas may come with their own lighting and will generally have enough outlets and power to accommodate most lighting requests. However, rural venues like vineyards, farms, and plantations may limit an event’s lighting options or require external power like a generator. Also, keep in mind how far away the outlets are from where the lights are set up. Can the power system handle a large load of wires and lights connected to it?  Are extension cords needed? 

• Season/weather

Inclement weather is easily overlooked with outdoor events. Is there rain in the forecast? Does the event take place during a time of year when high wind gusts are possible? Is fire danger high due to drought? Consider which precautions to take to prevent damage or loss of lighting during someone’s special moment.

• Specific attractions and venue highlights

Outdoor event lights can be a great tool for drawing attention to various event features. Brighten up a children’s play area with string lights in whimsical colors.  Whether it’s a special photo bridge or an area where games will be played, outdoor event lighting can set the stage for any special event or attraction for your party. 

• Rules and limitations of the venue

Does the venue allow open flames like candles? If the event is in the courtyard of a church, do they permit bright spotlights or color-changing lights? If the event is on the beach or near a wildlife refuge, there may be special considerations for unique locations. 

• Prepare for the unexpected

Bring extra light strings, bulbs, batteries, solar lights, and even an extra charger for your cell phone if you are controlling lighting features from an app. 

Lighting ideas for outdoor events

Outdoor event lighting can be a powerful tool when designing an event space. Here are a few lighting ideas that have become popular in recent years. 

1. Uplighting in trees for visual interest

Many outdoor venues have beautiful trees, fountains, and other features. Uplighting brings out their natural beauty, drawing attention to specific branches and emphasizing shape or size.

2. Uplighting to create a photo opp

Uplighting provides depth and intrigue to photo backdrops, providing the perfect setting for guest photos. Highlight grandiose architectural columns, add texture to draperies, and coordinate event colors.

3. Twinkle lights as an outdoor ceiling

In recent years, twinkle lights have been a favorite at weddings. When used in large quantities, twinkle lights create a firefly or fairy-like atmosphere that is warm and whimsical. Create a “tent” over the dance floor. Give the illusion a ceiling in a large open outdoor space to provide a more cozy feel.

4. Bistro lights over the pool

Bistro lights are decorative string lights often found at many outdoor street cafes, restaurants, patios, and backyards. They are easy to use, versatile, and create a sense of familiarity and intimacy. String them across a pool, creating a dazzling reflection. Modern bistro lights can be set to different colors and intensities and programmed to change on a preset schedule.

5. Spotlights to highlight important areas

Spotlights are a fun and useful way for lighting stages, head tables, and other important features for any outdoor event. As a bonus, you can have different colors and effects with spotlights. You can use spotlights for uplighting or downlighting.

6. Pathway lights to guide guests

Outdoor venues generally lack the ample lighting needed to easily navigate an event space. With floor and pathway lights, event planners can guide guests to different parts of the venue and create a welcoming ambiance that aligns with the venue and theme. 

Outdoor event lighting can truly make or break an event. They help create the mood, define the space, and create a truly unique experience for everyone that attends. We love helping our clients find the perfect lights for any venue and every event. Get in touch today for a free consultation.  

There’s a lot to consider when it comes to outdoor lights for a wedding venue. You want to create the right amount of visibility without ruining the mood. You want guests to be comfortable and safe, and able to see what they’re doing. And you want the atmosphere to be magical and unique to the particular wedding’s theme and feel. Here are a few common questions about outdoor lights for weddings that are important for venue owners, event and wedding planners, and the wedding party themselves to consider. 

Why are lights important for a wedding venue?

Weddings bring together a lot of people for a wonderful celebration. And nothing dampens the celebratory mood more than a disaster or accident. You certainly don’t want guests to trip and fall because the footing wasn’t clear or the pathway was unlit. Outdoor surfaces can be challenging, and navigating them in darkness isn’t a good idea. So, wedding venue lights are important for a very practical reason: safety. 

Beyond that, however, the lighting used in a wedding venue does so much to create the mood. Lighting is a powerful part of the atmosphere. You can have the perfect wedding decor, but if the lighting is too bright, glaring, and angled the wrong way, it won’t feel magical–it will feel blinding! On the other hand, inadequate lighting can make a magical space feel dingy, dim, and even creepy. 

When should you consider the outdoor lights for a wedding? 

The sooner, the better. There’s a lot of planning that goes into a wedding, and like any other aspect, the sooner you can line up suppliers, plan installers, and coordinate with the rest of the wedding details, the easier it is.

Venue owners: consider what’s missing in your exterior lighting options before the wedding season is in full swing. It’s best to have time for a professional lighting company to come to the venue, hear your vision, and create a custom design for the perfect lighting system. 

Wedding planners: communicate with venue owners about what you envision for each part of the wedding. Ask about fixtures that are built-in, if brightness is adjustable, and what options are available in how the different types of lighting are set up. If the venue itself doesn’t include lighting options (or doesn’t have the kind of lighting you want), you might need to line up an event lighting company.  

Who’s responsible for providing outdoor lights for a wedding venue? 

It depends; the venue owner or the wedding planner, typically. For venue owners, the more lighting options you can offer the better. You can improve your event packages with a variety of lighting options, and it’s a one-time investment that keeps paying off. Low-voltage LED lights are energy-efficient; and with high-quality fixtures, which usually have a lifetime or significant warranty, there’s not much risk. You’ll be able to offer guests more options for creating the kind of event they want. 

How do you light an outdoor wedding?

There are all sorts of outdoor lighting options you can use for weddings. You’d start by seeing what exterior lights are available at the wedding venue:

• Are there spotlights in the parking area?
• Are walkways clearly lit?
• Is there landscape lighting to show off great features and create visual interest?
• Are perimeters clearly marked with lighting?
• Are entryways lit and easy to find?
• Is any of the lighting adjustable? 
• How is the lighting controlled? 

It’s a good idea to visit the venue around the time the wedding will happen, and notice how the shadows and lighting needs change from dusk to later in the evening. Do you notice any shadowy corners, poorly lit pathways, or rough surfaces without visibility? 

Consider where the main events of the​​ wedding will take place and what kind of lighting you want. During the ceremony, all eyes are on the wedding party. You want to use strategically place spotlights to create clear visibility without blinding anyone. You can also work with ambient lights (such as string lights or downlighting) to enhance the feel without adding much brightness. For the reception, focus on lighting up the main areas of activity: the head table, the food table, the bar, and the dance floor. 

Here are some ideas:

• Have string lights hung under the tent and wound around support poles. 
• Have spotlights angled downward and mounted on trees to create pools of light.
• Hang an outdoor chandelier over the head table. 
• Have bistro lights hung over the bar and immediate surrounding area to create a small, cafe-like space.
• Use color-changing, adjustable lights around the dance floor and adjust the color as the night goes on.
• Position uplights at the base of poles, near floral arrangements or structures. Space them evenly to create a uniform look.
• Use string lights and walkway light fixtures to create perimeters.

How much lighting do you need for an outdoor wedding?

That’s a tough one to answer because so much depends on the size of the wedding and the layout of the venue. In general, though, we find that customers tend to underestimate the number of fixtures. It’s often a better look to use more fixtures, closer together but on a lower brightness setting. This creates a more uniform look, helps eliminate shadows and dark spots, and lights up the venue without creating glare for your guests. 

Remember that you can use a mix of lighting: what’s already available at the wedding venue, what you have a professional exterior lighting company help with, and what you do yourself. If you’re in the St. Louis area, we can help with design and installation of the best outdoor lighting for your wedding venue. Get in touch today for a free consultation.