Uplighting: Yay or Nay

I don't think it's worth it. If you are getting it for free, then go for it. But if you have to pay extra, don't bother.

Totally worth it in my opinion. Worth more than almost any other decor item because it sets the tone for the whole room.

Our uplighting was included with the venue space, and I was surprised at how much it transformed the room. If it works with your budget, I would go for it. I'm trying to attach pics, but they won't upload :/

I think it does make everything look very nice, but I don't know if we would have spent the money on it. Ours was included with the venue and DJ. They were supposed to be purple, but were just white the day of. Not the end of the world, but purple would have looked nicer. Glad we didn't pay for them since they weren't right! Lol. But, if you have the money and won't miss it, sure. But if funds are tight, then go ahead and forego it. $250 can get you a lot of something else.

If you can afford it I defnitely would do it! i think it adds so much to the venue!

I agree with what others have said. No, it's not necessary in the strictest sense; meaning that if you don't have the money to spend on it, then don't worry about it). However, if you've got the money, then it may add a nice little something to your space.

Talk to your photographer and your coordinator (or whoever your point of contact is at the venue), and see what they recommend. If your venue is kind of drab looking (like mine), then uplights could certainly help jazz it up a bit; if your venue already has a lot of character and charm, then uplights might actually take away from that.

I paid $600 and wouldn't think twice about it. I LOVED the uplighting

I love uplighting- I think it REALLY makes a huge difference- 250 is a pretty good deal- I say do it if it's in your budget.

We're paying for uplighting, not sure how much it is but I think it's worth it.

We were having the same issue and decided to go for it. After seeing pictures, it really can transform a room. Maybe you can save on decorating because the space will be so pretty with the up lighting. I think the picture you showed of it looks great!

Only do it if it's within your budget. But I totally agree that up-lighting can definitely transform a space and create the mood. We visited lighting companies that offer light changing throughout the night to coincide with dinner, special dances, etc. But I think we'll go with something much simpler and stick with a single color, amber, to make the room look more intimate.

Like previous posters said, it depends on your venue. We wanted uplighting with our original venue, but our new venue has much more interesting lighting (chandeliers, sconces). Try googling your venue and see if you can see any reception pics from it, with uplighting vs without. I did that a lot with both my venues - good inspiration for how to set up your space, specifically!

I was having the same dilemma. I was unsure if I should get them, but I just love the way it makes the room look so we are getting them.

So glad for this post! Have been debating!

I personally think uplighting is necessary unless you're having a daytime/outdoors wedding. Our ceremony will be at night so we'll be using uplighting to give the space a warm glow.

When I worked as an event designer I always recommended it. We even tossed extra lights in the truck and would add them in for free if we felt it would accent an architectural element in a naturally pretty venue, or highlight a piece of decor. I'm definitely having it, but if your budget is tight, and it's the difference between enough passed apps or lights, you likely won't miss the lights. The other thing many ballrooms can do is pin spot centerpieces. It makes an incredible difference, but a much larger line item than a few par lights around the walls. For those interested in saving a few $$ and doing it themselves, a par 36 (not led) rents for $10-25 at most lighting companies, and you can set them up with a colored gel and pick them up yourself. Set them against the wall pointing up so the beam is diffused and not harsh. Be sure to tape down your cords!

Before purchasing a package through your DJ, find out how many lights are included and also check with other places in the area. I called around today to two event rental places, and I can rent uplights for $40/light from one place, or for $25/light from another. We can pick them up on Friday and return them on Monday for that rate.

We had DIY uplighting, and loved it.

My DJ included uplighting with his cost. Our colors were navy, gray, and hot pink and I chose to have a neutral amber color for the uplights. It wasn't necessary, but it definitely added a nice touch.

Our venue charged a discounted rate (over outside vendors) for uplighting (amber) and pin-spots (27 tables) of $1100. It was worth every penny. Here's a photo of the ballroom (not our wedding - I can't find our proofs disc right now). The chandeliers were further dimmed during the dancing.