Get Your FREE Estimate today

Lighting Rentals 101: How to Create Evening Ambiance for Outdoor Parties

Table of Contents

Evening events in New Orleans carry a special kind of energy. As daylight fades, lighting takes center stage—not just for function, but for ambiance. At Big Easy Events, we know that creating the perfect atmosphere starts with the right lighting rentals. Whether you’re planning a wedding, corporate mixer, or a birthday bash, your lighting choices will shape the entire experience.

From soft romantic glows to bold, dramatic accents, lighting is essential for setting the tone and keeping guests comfortable. If you’re looking for an unforgettable event space rental in New Orleans, pairing your location with a well-lit design can make all the difference.

Why Lighting Matters for Outdoor Events

When hosting an outdoor party, lighting serves both aesthetic and practical purposes. It guides your guests through the space, highlights focal points like food stations and dance floors, and sets the mood. The right lighting setup transforms an ordinary space into a visual experience that guests will remember.

At Big Easy Events, we work with a wide variety of outdoor and indoor venues, giving us the experience to recommend lighting that works with each unique layout. Whether you’re hosting at one of the top event venues in New Orleans or at a private property, thoughtful lighting design can make your event feel elevated, cohesive, and magical.

Our Most Popular Lighting Options

We offer a range of stylish, durable lighting rentals perfect for evening gatherings. Here’s a look at some of the top choices available through Big Easy Events:

1. String Lights

Classic and charming, string lights are a favorite for outdoor events. They’re ideal for draping across courtyards, framing tents, or highlighting gathering areas. Their soft glow adds warmth and romance, especially in garden-style layouts or rustic settings.

2. LED Uplights

Uplighting brings dimension and vibrancy to your event. Perfect for casting light on trees, tent poles, and venue walls, these lights can be customized in color to match your theme or mood. They’re especially striking for dramatic entrances or transforming an open-air tent.

3. Chandeliers

Elegant and unexpected, chandeliers bring a refined touch to outdoor events. Suspended inside tents or from structures, they provide ambient lighting while adding a layer of luxury to your design. They’re ideal for weddings and formal evening affairs.

4. Lanterns & Path Lights

Lighting isn’t just about beauty—it’s also about safety. Lanterns and path lighting help guests navigate your venue comfortably, while also enhancing the atmosphere. These subtle details help define walkways and set the boundaries of your event layout.

5. Café & Bistro Lights

These lights create a casual, welcoming feel that’s perfect for receptions, backyard parties, or cocktail hours. With slightly larger bulbs and a warm, inviting hue, they encourage conversation and connection in dining and lounge areas.

Planning the Perfect Setup

Before renting lighting, it’s important to consider a few logistics:

  • Power access: Will you need extension cords or generators? Our team can help assess power needs based on your layout.
  • Focal areas: Highlight the spaces where guests will gather most—like dance floors, bars, and stages.
  • Setup timing: Allow enough time for proper installation before guests arrive.
  • Weather prep: Our lighting options are weather-ready and built to withstand New Orleans’ ever-changing conditions.

We help you think through every detail so that your lighting setup is seamless, safe, and visually impactful.

Big Easy Events: Your Full-Service Rental Team

At Big Easy Events, we’re more than a rental company—we’re your event partner. We offer a curated inventory of lighting options that complement our tents, furniture, linens, and décor, so your event design feels cohesive and complete.

If you’re hosting at a popular event space rental in New Orleans, our team is already familiar with the layout and setup requirements. We coordinate with the venue to make your experience smooth from start to finish.

Let’s Light Up Your Next Event

No evening event is complete without a great lighting plan. From whimsical string lights to bold uplighting and polished chandeliers, your lighting choices set the stage for your celebration. Whether you’re using a private backyard, a courtyard, or one of the best event venues in New Orleans, Big Easy Events has the rentals and expertise to bring your vision to life.

Ready to plan your perfect outdoor evening event? Contact Big Easy Events today and let’s make your celebration shine.

Scroll to Top