18 Ways to Use Chandeliers in Your Wedding Décor

The options for wedding décor are truly endless. Between deciding on your altar style, your escort card display, and all of the components of your table settings, you can mix and match so many design ideas to land on the perfect aesthetic. But one element of wedding décor that’s often overlooked? How to dress up the ceiling of a boring tent or add more light to a space.

Chandeliers are a totally timeless detail that can be added to a huge variety of spaces to enhance your wedding décor. Whether you're hoping to dress up a chandelier that your venue may already have installed, you’re wanting to light up an outdoor evening reception, or you’re even looking for a unique way to incorporate chandeliers into your ceremony, we’ve got you covered.

Incorporating a chandelier is a gorgeous way to enhance a space, and it may be just the look you’re searching for. Read on 18 of our favorite ideas for using chandeliers in your wedding décor.

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Celebrate With a Single Chandelier

wedding chandelier — PHOTO BY BRIAN MARCUS OF FRED MARCUS STUDIO

Ready to make a statement? Host your reception dinner outside with long, family-style tables. Then, dress up the space with a single stunning chandelier. By hanging it from a tree overhead, this look makes it seem like the chandelier is simply floating in midair.

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Party With Plenty of Florals

floral chandelier — Photo by DANA FERNANDEZ PHOTOGRAPHY

Can't get enough of fresh blooms? You can add them to your centerpiece, and then take it one step even further! We love the lush look of a bold floral chandelier with plenty of romantic greenery.

03 of 18

Play With Pampas Grass

pampas grass chandelier — Photo by Jana Williams photography; Planning and design by Amy Abbott Events

It's safe to say pampas grass is here to stay, but we love to see it used in new and unique ways. To enhance the boho vibe of a space, consider a major pampas grass installation in the form of a chandelier. It'll add plenty of texture to command attention.

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Showcase Simple Buds

unique chandelier — PHOTO BY CHRISTY CASSANO

Not a fan of traditional chandeliers? That's okay! Come up with a unique look and totally own it. We love the way these orbs showcased single buds and twinkling lights for a playful touch.

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Add a Touch of Whimsy

While the hanging greenery at this reception made a statement, it's the Sputnik chandeliers that took it to a new level. The interesting space-inspired design added a hint of whimsy to an otherwise romantic aesthetic.

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Pair Iron With Greenery

greenery and iron chandelier — PHOTO BY FORGED IN THE NORTH

If you get lucky and find a venue with chandeliers already in place, embrace it! This destination wedding held at a French chateau provided the perfect base to build off of with added greenery for an intimate, rustic vibe.

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Light Up Your Altar

chandelier altar — PHOTO BY IVASH STUDIO

Chandeliers aren't just meant for the ceiling, and this look definitely proves it. If you love the way chandeliers provide light and a bit of shimmer, why not play with them in different ways. We can't get over the way one couple used them as an altar backdrop.

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Go for Geometric Gold

geometric chandeliers — PHOTO BY KRISTIN LA VOIE

Planning an aesthetic that's a bit more modern? A black and white color palette is absolutely stunning, and it's enhanced even further with touches of gold. Consider incorporating geometric shape-inspired chandeliers to make a statement.

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Add Plenty of Greenery and Light

chandeliers and greenery — Photo by David Bastianoni

Is it possible to have too many chandeliers hanging over your reception tables? We think not! It's your wedding, and you can have plenty if you want to. A grand display of lit-up crystal and lush greenery was the perfect touch to make this reception space that much more romantic.

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Choose a Ceremony Chandelier

hanging floral chandelier — Photo by Kate Headley

Something totally unique for your ceremony? Think about a chandelier! But chandeliers aren't just about light. They can be made up of overflowing greenery and blooms, too.

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Mix and Match

variety of chandeliers — PHOTO BY KYLE JOHN

Who says you have to decide on just one type of chandelier? For a unique look, choose plenty of options. This reception showcased a number of shapes and textures for a whimsical vibe.

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Hang Pretty Blooms

A farmhouse or barn-style wedding can be taken to a whole new level of elegance with the addition of flowers, and a chandelier is a perfect way to achieve that. But if a circular chandelier is not for you, consider switching it up. We can't get over the romantic look of this floral chandelier showcasing dangling larkspur.

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Add an Antique Touch

neutral chandelier with greenery — PHOTO BY LISA POGGI

While shiny crystal chandeliers are stunning, they're a bit more modern. To add a subtle vintage touch to a reception space, seek out antique chandeliers. They'll look that much better when draped in beautiful greenery.

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Create an Escort Display

escort display chandelier — PHOTO BY MEG SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY; DESIGN BY JENNA LAM EVENTS; CALLIGRAPHY BY JANIS ANZALONE

There are so many unique ways to present an escort display, but this one just might take the cake! Why not create a piece of hanging décor at the same time? One couple chose to have each guest's name and table number calligraphed, and then they were hung to create a chandelier for a creative display.

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Embrace Existing Installations

iron chandeliers — PHOTO BY MELISSA OHOLENDT PHOTOGRAPHY

If your venue already has chandeliers hung from the ceiling, you're in luck. If you don't want to dress them up too much with fresh flowers or greenery, ask about other options. We love the look of embracing an iron chandelier and adding simple candles for a moody glow.

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Utilize Garlands of Greenery

chandelier with garland of greenery — PHOTO BY O'MALLEY PHOTOGRAPHERS

Hanging a chandelier in a tent can be a bit tricky, but it can be done. The problem is that you're left with string or wire being visible across the reception area. The perfect fix? Hide it with plenty of greenery and add a sprig to the chandelier itself for an intentional, cohesive look.

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Keep It Classic

classic chandeliers — PHOTO BY PERRY VAILE PHOTOGRAPHY

There's no shame in keeping things classic. Stick with an elegant white color palette with a hint of black, and hang your chandeliers with that aesthetic in mind. This elegant wedding showcased bold crystal chandeliers hung by white ribbons for a stunning look.

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Opt for Alfresco

suspended chandelier — PHOTO BY SARA LOBLA

Think you can't bring chandeliers outside? Think again. While it's a bit trickier than an indoor installation, you can still opt to run power from one side of an outdoor space to another and install the chandeliers hanging down. The major bonus to doing it this way? Once the sun goes down, you'll be left with twinkling chandeliers suspended in the sky!

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