There’s a reason festoon lights have become the go-to choice for event styling across the UK — they turn any space into something magical. Whether you’re planning an intimate garden wedding or a large-scale corporate gala, the right festoon lighting setup can completely transform your venue.
But getting it right requires more than simply stringing bulbs between two poles. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about using festoon lights for weddings and corporate events — from choosing the right bulbs to avoiding the most common installation mistakes.
What Are Festoon Lights?
Festoon lights — sometimes called outdoor string lights or bulb string lights — are a series of bulbs strung along a cable at regular intervals. Unlike fairy lights, they use larger, more visible bulbs that create a warm, Edison-style glow perfect for both daytime and evening events.
Originally used in seaside fairs and outdoor dining settings, festoon lights have evolved into one of the most versatile event lighting options available. Today, you’ll find them at everything from rustic barn weddings to polished corporate summer parties.
Why Festoon Lights Work So Well for Weddings
Festoon lights for weddings have surged in popularity for very good reasons. They create an atmosphere that no other lighting style quite replicates — warm, intimate, and undeniably romantic.
Here’s what makes them so effective:
- Ambience: The soft, golden glow flatters guests and creates a naturally inviting atmosphere.
- Versatility: They work indoors, outdoors, in marquees, barns, gardens, and rooftops.
- Scalability: A small garden wedding or a 500-person event can both benefit from festoon lighting.
- Photography: The warm, diffused light makes for stunning wedding photos, especially at dusk.
- Cost-effective: Compared to elaborate floral or ceiling installations, festoon lights offer great visual impact per pound spent.
According to event industry surveys, lighting is consistently ranked as one of the top three elements that guests remember most from a wedding — and festoon lights are among the most requested styles by UK couples.
How to Use Festoon Lights at Weddings
If you’re wondering how to use festoon lights at weddings effectively, the answer lies in thinking about your space before you buy or hire. Here’s a step-by-step approach:
Step 1: Map Out Your Venue
Walk the space during the day. Look for existing anchor points — trees, fence posts, gazebos, or pergolas. These will be your primary attachment points. If your venue doesn’t have natural anchors, you’ll need to hire or purchase marquee poles or cable suspension systems.
Step 2: Choose Your Configuration
There are several popular festoon light configurations for weddings:
- Canopy or overhead grid — strings run in parallel rows overhead, creating a ceiling of light. Ideal for courtyard or garden settings.
- V-shape or star burst — all strings radiate from a central point, creating a dramatic focal effect.
- Perimeter framing — lights follow the edges of the venue, defining the space subtly and elegantly.
- Zigzag — strings run diagonally in alternating directions for a more dynamic, layered effect.
Step 3: Calculate Your Quantities
A good rule of thumb: for a canopy effect, calculate the square footage of your coverage area and allow for at least 1 string per 1–2 metres of width. For perimeter lighting, simply measure the total distance and order accordingly, with 10% extra for draping and adjustments.
Step 4: Plan Your Power Supply
This is where many DIY setups go wrong. Festoon lights require a safe and sufficient power source. For outdoor use, always use weatherproof cable connections and RCD-protected sockets. For large setups, consider hiring a generator or working with a licensed electrician — especially for marquee or field weddings.
Festoon Lighting Setup for Outdoor Weddings
A successful festoon lighting setup for outdoor weddings depends on a few key practical considerations. Outdoor environments introduce variables that indoor venues don’t — wind, rain, uneven terrain, and varying temperatures.
Weatherproofing
Always choose IP44-rated or higher festoon lights for outdoor use. This ensures the lights can handle rain and moisture without presenting a safety risk. In the UK, where summer showers are never out of the question, this is non-negotiable.
Suspension Systems
Without trees or structures to attach to, you’ll need a freestanding suspension system. Options include:
- Telescopic poles with ground stakes — adjustable height, easy to install on grass.
- Scaffolding or heavy-duty stands — suitable for taller canopies or heavier cable loads.
- Guy wire systems — tensioned wires between anchor points, ideal for spanning longer distances.
Bulb Type and Spacing
For outdoor garden weddings, vintage Edison-style LED bulbs at 50cm spacing create a classic look. For a denser, more magical effect, reduce spacing to 30cm. Always opt for LED over incandescent — they run cooler, last longer, and use significantly less energy.
Festoon Lighting for Marquee Weddings
Marquee weddings are one of the most popular formats in the UK — and festoon lighting for marquee weddings is almost a given. The canvas or clear PVC roof of a marquee acts as a wonderful canvas for lighting effects.
Inside the Marquee
- Run festoon strings along the ridge pole for a central spine of light.
- Create a full canopy by attaching strings from the ridge to the side poles, fanning them outward.
- Add festoon perimeter lights along the scalloped edges for depth and definition.
- Layer with uplighting on the marquee walls to create contrast and warmth.
Outside the Marquee
Don’t neglect the approach. Running festoon lights along the entrance pathway, over a bar area, or around a firepit zone extends the atmosphere beyond the marquee itself and helps guests navigate the space elegantly after dark.
Practical Considerations for Marquees
- Confirm the marquee company’s policy on attaching lights to the structure.
- Ensure cables are safely routed and not crossing walkways.
- Use a dimmer system to adjust the mood from dinner service to dancing.
- Always test the full lighting rig before the event day.
Elegant Outdoor Lighting for Corporate Events
Festoon lights aren’t just for weddings. Corporate events — from summer parties and product launches to client hospitality evenings — benefit enormously from elegant outdoor lighting done well.
Brand Alignment
For corporate clients, consider how festoon lighting integrates with brand identity. Warm white or amber bulbs suit most events. For a more contemporary, premium feel, opt for globe bulbs with a cooler white tone. Festoon lights can also be paired with gobo projections of logos or branded colour washes for a polished, professional result.
Zone Creation
Large corporate outdoor events often have multiple zones — dining, networking, entertainment. Use festoon lighting to define each zone visually without physical barriers. A canopy over the dining area, perimeter strings around the lounge, and festoons leading guests along pathways creates structure and flow.
Scale and Professionalism
For corporate events, hiring a professional lighting company is often the right choice. They’ll handle rigging, safety compliance, power management, and pack-down — leaving your team free to focus on the experience. Many UK lighting companies now offer event lighting packages that combine festoon lights with uplighters, pin spots, and intelligent lighting rigs.
Pro Tips from Event Lighting Specialists
Based on experience across hundreds of UK weddings and events, here are the insider tips that make the biggest difference:
1. Always Do a Night Test
The way your venue looks during the day will be completely different at night. If possible, visit the venue after dark before finalising your lighting plan. What seems overly lit in daylight may feel perfectly ambient once the sun sets.
2. Use Dimmable Lights
Dimmable festoon lights allow you to shift the mood throughout the evening — brighter for the welcome reception, warmer and lower for the wedding breakfast, and soft and romantic for the first dance. This single feature dramatically elevates the guest experience.
3. Combine Lighting Layers
Festoon lights work best when they’re not the only light source. Combining them with:
- Candles or lanterns on tables for ground-level warmth
- Uplighters on trees or walls for architectural interest
- Fairy lights woven through floral arrangements for sparkle
- Spotlights on key focal points like the cake or top table
…creates a multi-dimensional lighting scheme that feels intentional and luxurious.
4. Think About Cable Management
Neat cable runs are the mark of a professional installation. Use cable clips, spiral wrap, or conduit to keep cables tidy, and always tape down any ground-level cables with safety tape to prevent trip hazards.
5. Book Early
Quality festoon lighting hire companies get booked up fast, particularly for peak summer weekends. In the UK, it’s common for popular dates in June, July, and August to be reserved 12–18 months in advance. Don’t leave it too late.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even well-intentioned festoon light installations can fall short. Here are the most common errors and how to avoid them:
- Underestimating the number of lights needed — always order more than you think you’ll need. A sparse canopy looks underwhelming.
- Ignoring power requirements — overloading sockets is a safety hazard. Calculate total wattage before plugging in.
- Choosing the wrong bulb temperature — mixing warm white and cool white bulbs on the same rig creates an inconsistent look.
- Hanging lights too high — festoon lights lose their intimacy when strung too far above head height. Aim for 2.5–3.5m above ground level.
- Skipping a lighting trial — always test the full setup before the event day to catch any faulty bulbs or connection issues.
- Overlooking wind resistance — on exposed outdoor sites, ensure your cable tension is sufficient so lights don’t sag or swing excessively in the wind.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far apart should festoon lights be hung for a wedding?
For a full canopy effect, space strings 60–80cm apart for a dense, immersive feel, or 1–1.5m apart for a lighter, airier look. For perimeter lighting, single strings along edges are usually sufficient.
Can festoon lights be used in rain for an outdoor UK wedding?
Yes — provided you use IP44-rated (or higher) weatherproof festoon lights and ensure all connections and sockets are also weatherproofed or housed under cover. Always use an RCD-protected power supply outdoors.
How many festoon lights do I need for a marquee wedding?
As a general guide, for a 20m x 10m marquee, you’ll typically need 8–12 strings of 10m festoon lights to create a full canopy. This can vary depending on bulb spacing and configuration. It’s always worth consulting with a lighting supplier who can create a bespoke plan.
What’s the difference between festoon lights and fairy lights for weddings?
Festoon lights use larger, spaced-out bulbs (typically 40–60mm globe or Edison-style) on a thicker cable, creating a bold, vintage feel. Fairy lights use tiny, closely spaced micro-bulbs on thin wire, producing a delicate, twinkling effect. Many weddings use both to layer different moods throughout the venue.
Should I hire festoon lights or buy them for my wedding?
For a one-off wedding, hiring is usually the more practical and cost-effective option. A hire package includes delivery, setup, takedown, and professional installation advice. Buying makes sense if you’re an event planner who will use the lights repeatedly, or if you want complete creative control for a very specific setup.
Conclusion
Festoon lights for weddings and corporate events remain one of the most powerful — and beautifully versatile — tools in the event stylist’s toolkit. Whether you’re planning a festoon lighting setup for an outdoor wedding in a wildflower meadow, creating a canopy of light for a marquee wedding, or adding elegant outdoor lighting to a corporate summer party, the principles remain the same: plan carefully, layer thoughtfully, and always prioritise safety.
The glow of warm festoon lights as the sun sets, with guests gathered below, is one of those event moments that genuinely stays with people. Get it right, and your event won’t just look stunning — it will feel unforgettable.
Ready to light up your event? Get in touch with our expert team today to discuss your festoon lighting hire package. We cover weddings, corporate events, and private parties across the UK — and we’d love to help make your event truly shine.