Lighting/Electricity for Backyard Wedding

I think making people carry lanterns is a poor idea. Why not use lanterns to light and line the pathways between each?

You could use these kind of lights. Would be easier than carrying around a lantern.

That makes sense. I guess I thought the lanterns could make it feel kind of cool/magical as we are going for a "Midsummer Nights Dream" feel but guest comfort comes first.

I think the latter pathway still gives the same feel! You don't want people to have to lug them around all night. Plus, people will accidentally leave them somewhere then lights are running low, maybe drop them and you have to deal with broken glass, etc.

Thank you! I always have these fantasies about how things will go and I think you're right that it would be better just to have them lining pathways, etc. Now off to find some that are perhaps on sale!

I know aggreko has some pretty quiet generators, they do everything from weddings to national golf tournaments and the presidential debates, so they may have some rental options for you.

I agree with pp. I would look into renting a nice generator. Less expensive generators can be noisy, but the nice ones are quiet (but can run a couple thousand dollars to buy.) I would run the tent lights and the sound system off of that.

I like the lights Alexis suggested to light the paths. I think it's safer as it lights the actual path up.

You could still have lanterns available to set the atmosphere and give people additional lighting.

I agree with previous posters about lighted walk ways. We are having an outdoor garden wedding in the woods and are doing a "midsummer nights dream" type feel and have lots of string solar lights, solar lantern path lights, and solar lanterns hanging in the trees. Solar has been our go to because of preference but also in terms of logistics although our reception and ceremony have outdoor electric.

@Ali Thanks for this - any recommendations for sourcing? Did you buy or rent?

We too are having a backyard wedding but a tented reception so if all else fails its going to be held in there. Stock up on lights. Amazon had the best deal for them. We are hanging lights everywhere because there is so little lighting in the yard and from the street. I say the more lights the better. If an accident happens due to poor lighting, your insurance will take the hit and that's kind of a sour way to start forever lol. Also, let the neighbours know so there won't be any complaints or unpleasantries if you have "that neighbour" who has to be nosy....

I would reach out to The Lighting Professors. I will be back with a link.

http://www.lightingprofessors.com/

We bought. Groupon has deals often for solar lights of all kind. We also purchased LED candles through Amazon and Costco. I found slightly cheaper on some never heard of websites but they didn't have reviews and after shipping cost it was pretty even.

I am playing around with glow in the dark paint this weekend. Hoping for success with that.

Glad I found someone else with a similar themed wedding.

We're stocking up on lights after the holidays - hoping to find a lot of white Christmas lights really cheap!

I'm also curious about a sound system. We have one at the reception site (which is, like yours, a bit of a hike from the ceremony location). I'm just not sure if people will be able to hear what's going on without some sort of microphone for us to use.

We were able to rent a microphone for pretty cheap. FH is getting new outdoor wireless Bluetooth speakers for Christmas (thank you cyber Monday) and depending on how we like them they will likely be used in the wedding.

Battery powered sound system for the ceremony.

Solar-powered pathway lights (your parents can always use them afterward).

After Christmas sales for string lights.

Thanks so much for all the advice! I really appreciate it. And @Ali, would love to hear more about your wedding!

Any suggestions on getting electricity to the dj? are a few extension cords enough?

I'd get a generator but I'm assuming you will need it to be split do you can use it for lights, dj, etc.
I'd really think of just hiring someone for the job. It make cost more I think it will be a ton of work not to mention safety issues and buying/renting items.