Let's begin with how to hang your lights, this can change based on venue. Hanging lights on the wall or ceiling will be almost the only two options if you are renting your wedding venue. They will not allow any damage to the wall from drilling or hammering, which we all understand. But how do you get the desired look without any damage? Well, one option is using adhesive hangers. The 3MM Command series is a great choice. These will hold up to 7.5 pounds per hanger. Although this might not work for the commercial light curtains, the traditional ones will be just fine. You will have no damage, they will mostly blend to the wall and they are very easy to install and remove. Another options is to hang them from the drop ceiling. Most churches and other venues have drop ceiling, with the individual panels that are very easy to lift up. You can lift them up and tie fishing line or very thin wire to hang a heavy duty set of lights. You won't see the wire and it really won't take that much time to hang them.
The next important step is finding a power source for all your lighting. This can prove to be a difficult task. Hanging lights from a drop ceiling or a wall will make it difficult to hide wires and even find outlets for your lights. It is best to draw out a picture of the room, noting all outlets in relation to your lighting projects. Even draw where your extension cords will have to go so that will be hidden for your big event. I would recommend making your own custom extension cords. You can buy bulk wire and plugs. All you have to do it measure the exact length that you will need and put the plugs on your wire. It really is very simple. One more tip for extension cords, keep them out of high traffic areas. If you cannot avoid it, you might want to tape them to the floor. You don't want anyone to trip.The final step is how to hide your wires. No one wants a big ugly extension cord sticking out in all of their wedding photos. Hiding them is not a very hard task to conquer. If your venue has carpet, tuck the wire along the wall or against furniture and try to tuck it into the seams. It will almost disappear.If your venue has hard wood or tile floors, run the wire along the wall and only come away when you absolutely have to. Tape the wire down or even cover with a pretty throw rug.
Voila! Your extension cords are hidden and your venue is lit. I hope this has helped to prepare for you the task that is lighting a wedding. Don't forget to plan ahead, don't spend money until you have an exact plan of what you need.
Check out our selection of electrical supplies for making extension cords and other products here.
