String Lights vs Uplighting: Which Is Right for Your Event?
String lights and uplighting are two of the most popular event lighting choices in LA — and they create very different effects. Most events benefit from using both, but if you have to choose, understanding what each does best helps you make the right call. This guide is for LA event planners and couples who want to choose the right lighting for their event.
What string lights do
A basic overview:
Overhead effect
- Cascading from above — for the work
- Warm, ambient glow — for the work
- Soft, diffused light — for the work
- Romantic feel — for the work
Overhead effect.
Most popular styles
- Edison bulbs — vintage look
- Bistro lights — classic
- Cafe lights — versatile
- Twinkle lights — subtle
Popular styles.
Installation
- Overhead support — for the work
- Drape or hang — for the work
- Various configurations — for the work
- Customizable — for the work
Installation options.
Best uses
- Weddings — for the work
- Romantic dinners — for the work
- Outdoor events — for the work
- Vintage themes — for the work
Best uses.
What uplighting does
A basic overview:
Wall effect
- Lights from below — for the work
- Washes walls — for the work
- Color or white — for the work
- Dramatic effect — for the work
Wall effect.
Most popular styles
- Color uplighting — for the work
- White uplighting — for the work
- Pattern gobo — sometimes
- Moving heads — sometimes
Popular styles.
Installation
- Floor placement — for the work
- Battery-powered options — for the work
- Wireless control — for the work
- Easy setup — for the work
Installation.
Best uses
- Ballrooms — for the work
- Corporate events — for the work
- Modern venues — for the work
- Color theme — for the work
Best uses.
Side by side comparison
A few specific things:
Atmosphere
- String lights — romantic, warm
- Uplighting — modern, dramatic
- Both — combined effect
- Different feels — for the work
Atmosphere.
Coverage
- String lights — overhead
- Uplighting — perimeter walls
- Different coverage — for the work
- Combined covers more — for the work
Coverage.
Installation
- String lights — more complex
- Uplighting — simpler
- Both — more setup
- Different needs — for the work
Installation.
Cost
- String lights — varies
- Uplighting — varies
- Both — combined cost
- Budget dependent — for the work
Cost.
When to choose string lights
A few specific things:
Romantic feel
- Warm atmosphere — for the work
- Vintage feel — for the work
- Outdoor setting — for the work
- Specific aesthetic — for the work
Romantic feel.
Overhead focus
- Ceiling detail — for the work
- Cascading effect — for the work
- Dramatic — for the work
- Specific look — for the work
Overhead focus.
Limited wall space
- Floor-to-ceiling windows — sometimes
- Open venues — sometimes
- String lights work better — for the work
- Practical choice — for the work
Limited wall space.
Outdoor settings
- Garden weddings — for the work
- Patio events — for the work
- Tented events — for the work
- Specific venues — for the work
Outdoor settings.
When to choose uplighting
A few specific things:
Modern aesthetic
- Contemporary feel — for the work
- Clean look — for the work
- Sophisticated — for the work
- Modern venues — for the work
Modern aesthetic.
Color theme
- Brand colors — for the work
- Wedding colors — for the work
- Seasonal colors — for the work
- Coordinated — for the work
Color theme.
Wall emphasis
- Architectural features — for the work
- Highlight walls — for the work
- Dramatic effect — for the work
- Visual impact — for the work
Wall emphasis.
Indoor venues
- Ballrooms — for the work
- Hotels — for the work
- Conference spaces — for the work
- Specific venues — for the work
Indoor venues.
When to use both
A few specific things:
Maximum impact
- Different effects — for the work
- Layered lighting — for the work
- Comprehensive coverage — for the work
- Higher impact — for the work
Maximum impact.
Different zones
- Dinner area — string lights
- Dance floor — uplighting
- Bar area — different style
- Multiple spaces — for the work
Different zones.
Versatility
- Day to night — for the work
- Multiple effects — for the work
- Comprehensive design — for the work
- Strategic — for the work
Versatility.
Higher budgets
- Comprehensive design — for the work
- Maximum effect — for the work
- Worth investment — for the work
- Specific events — for the work
Higher budgets.
Combining effectively
A few practical things:
Different roles
- String lights — overhead
- Uplighting — perimeter
- Different functions — for the work
- Layered — for the work
Different roles.
Coordination
- Same installer — for the work
- Coordinated design — for the work
- Color harmony — for the work
- Effective — for the work
Coordination.
Power planning
- Total power needs — for the work
- Circuit planning — for the work
- Backup plans — sometimes
- Practical — for the work
Power planning.
Setup coordination
- Sequence matters — for the work
- Timing — for the work
- Logistics — for the work
- Effective — for the work
Setup coordination.
Practical considerations
A few specific things:
Venue
- Existing lighting — for the work
- Power — for the work
- Setup — for the work
- Logistics — for the work
Venue.
Theme
- Aesthetic match — for the work
- Considered choices — for the work
- Strategic — for the work
- Effective — for the work
Theme.
Photography
- Photo-friendly — for the work
- Consistent color — for the work
- Effective — for the work
- Quality — for the work
Photography.
Budget
- Cost-effective — for the work
- Strategic investment — for the work
- Effective — for the work
- Realistic — for the work
Budget.
Specific scenarios
A few specific things:
Wedding reception
- String lights — for the work
- Uplighting — for the work
- Combined — for the work
- Beautiful effect — for the work
Wedding reception.
Corporate event
- Uplighting — primary
- String lights — sometimes
- Strategic — for the work
- Professional — for the work
Corporate event.
Birthday party
- String lights — for the work
- Uplighting — sometimes
- Fun atmosphere — for the work
- Match theme — for the work
Birthday party.
Outdoor event
- String lights — primary
- Uplighting — sometimes
- Practical — for the work
- Effective — for the work
Outdoor event.
Working with installers
A few practical things:
Experience
- Different scenarios — for the work
- Portfolio — for the work
- References — for the work
- Quality — for the work
Experience.
Design help
- Recommendations — for the work
- Visualization — sometimes
- Mock-ups — sometimes
- Effective — for the work
Design help.
Coordination
- Other vendors — for the work
- Venue — for the work
- Planner — for the work
- Effective — for the work
Coordination.
Day-of
- Setup — for the work
- Adjustments — for the work
- Breakdown — for the work
- Effective — for the work
Day-of.
Common mistakes
A few specific things:
Wrong choice
- Doesn’t fit event — for the work
- Wrong feel — sometimes
- Considered choices — for the work
- Effective — for the work
Wrong choice.
Wrong colors
- Clashing — sometimes
- Bad combinations — sometimes
- Considered choices — for the work
- Effective — for the work
Wrong colors.
Overdoing it
- Too much — sometimes
- Distracting — sometimes
- Strategic — for the work
- Effective — for the work
Overdoing.
Inconsistent
- Some areas different — sometimes
- Unprofessional — sometimes
- Considered plan — for the work
- Effective — for the work
Inconsistent.
What we offer
Lighting Rentals Los Angeles provides string lights, uplighting, and combined lighting design for LA-area events — with custom configurations to match your venue, theme, and aesthetic. We work with you to choose the right combination and execute flawless setup. Free consultations available.
📧 Email hello@lightingrentalslosangeles.com or request a quote online. Service area: Los Angeles and surrounding communities.