String Lights!!

Look on amazon, I got a 9ft by 6ft curtain of lights for $50, they have all different sizes and types. It was shipped the next day and I received it the following, for standered shipping.

Depending on the amount of lights you need, you may even be safer using a lighting company like we are. We're having 300ft. of bistro lights set up outside over a gaming area. They have various supports that they will use in order to do this. We're also doing a GOBO machine (the customized light where you typically see the couple's name in a heart, a monogram, etc.) In total, it's about $600. They set everything up and break everything down. Just an idea!

I second the idea of calling a rental company. If you need to have an area illuminated so people can see to dance and eat dinner you need cafe lights. Cafe lights are commercial grade but they are pretty expensive. However, they are not "cheaply made" like Christmas lights and they put out quite a bit more light. We were going to do a backyard wedding, but once we found out we would have to buy these lights and it would shoot up our budget and additional $1200, we found a venue instead. Cafe lights I believe are 8-10 feet long so you can "string" them from tree to tree or across the top of a tent.

We don't have many vendor options in our area, so we are always looking online first. Due to our location all prices are jacked right up as well. Maybe I'll start looking for prices in the city.

If you buy your own lighting, keep in mind that cafe lights cannot be plugged into end to end so you must have available outlets. If you are getting Christmas lights, BUY LED - you can plug a zillion of those in together and it will not blow a breaker. Incandescent lights will blow the line after you plug in I believe 4-6 strands together. I do a massive ridiculous Christmas display every year so I can tell you the horrors of plugging too many Christmas lights in together lol!

Thank you! I am very lost and trying to find affordability in my purchase, sometimes im not even considering the struggle i might be starting for myself

String lights of any style can be tricky. They can put a lot of stress on whatever they're attached to. Plus, depending on how many bulbs, how bright, etc., you might have to run multiple circuits (not outlets, circuits). Ideally, they have a steel support cable, too. The longer the run, the more the swagging, the more robust the stands they need.

Depending on where you are, I might know of someone who can help.