When the sun goes down, your outdoor event doesn’t have to end. The right lighting can completely transform a backyard into a cozy, enchanting, or even festive gathering space. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, a wedding, or a casual evening party, choosing the best lighting for backyard events sets the tone and enhances the ambiance.
This guide covers practical, beautiful, and affordable outdoor event lighting ideas—from fairy lights and solar lanterns to smart LED solutions. You’ll also discover top YouTube channels, Instagram creators, and Pinterest boards that will light up your imagination (literally).
1. Understand the Purpose of Your Lighting
Different lighting types serve different purposes:
- Ambient lighting: Sets mood and general visibility (e.g., string lights).
- Task lighting: Focused for cooking or pathways (e.g., LED path lights).
- Accent lighting: Highlights decor or landscape features (e.g., uplights, lanterns).
2. String Lights: The Versatile Favorite
When it comes to backyard ambiance lighting, string lights are hard to beat. Drape them across patios, hang between trees, or line a fence. Choose between:
- Warm white Edison bulbs for a vintage feel
- LED fairy lights for magical sparkle
- Color-changing lights for themed parties
For easy installation, use outdoor command hooks or tension wire across open spaces.
3. Lanterns and Solar Lighting
Solar lanterns are eco-friendly, cordless, and charge during the day. Place them on tables, hang from trees, or scatter them along paths. Consider:
- Rattan or bamboo lanterns for a boho vibe
- Metal Moroccan lanterns for exotic ambiance
- Floating lanterns for pools or water features
4. Pathway and Ground Lights
Ensure guests can safely navigate your yard. LED path lights come in stakes, recessed styles, or bollard shapes. Use them along walkways, stairs, and garden edges.
Low-glow DIY outdoor lighting using tea lights in mason jars or tin can luminaries can be charming and functional.
5. Overhead and Pergola Lighting
If you have a pergola, gazebo, or even a patio umbrella, incorporate built-in lighting such as:
- Solar-powered globe lights
- Outdoor chandeliers for elegance
- Rope lights woven into beams
6. Accent and Spot Lighting
Use accent lighting to highlight plants, trees, or art pieces. Uplighting a large tree creates drama. Downlighting from a shed roof creates soft pools of light. Add soft backlighting near your shed decor setup for extra charm.
7. Candlelight and Fire Features
Flameless LED candles are safe and still offer flickering beauty. Cluster them in lanterns, use them on tabletops, or float them in shallow bowls. If safe and permitted, consider:
- Portable firepits
- Tiki torches (citronella doubles as mosquito repellent)
- Chimineas for cozy glow and warmth
8. Smart and Color-Controlled Lighting
Smart garden lighting systems like Philips Hue or Govee allow you to control colors, brightness, and timing via app or voice. Ideal for themed parties or weddings where lighting changes with music or mood.
9. Combine Lighting with Decor
Lights can double as decorations. Wrap string lights around your fence, line garden beds with fairy lights, or suspend battery-powered lanterns above a dining table. Coordinate with your party decor setup for a seamless look.
10. Power and Safety Considerations
Use outdoor-rated extension cords and waterproof connectors. For safety, keep lights away from flammable materials. Opt for solar or battery-powered lighting where possible to avoid cable hazards and save energy.
Top YouTube Channels for Backyard Lighting Inspiration
- Garden Answer – Beautiful tutorials on outdoor lighting and landscape enhancement.
youtube.com/c/GardenAnswer - The Lighting Doctor – Focuses on outdoor lighting techniques, including path and accent lighting.
youtube.com/@LightingDoctor - DIY Creators – Creative lighting builds for backyard, patio, and garden spaces.
youtube.com/c/DIYCreators
Instagram Accounts to Follow
- @the_garden_lighting_co – UK-based lighting specialists showcasing cozy garden installs.
- @designingwitheve – Outdoor ambiance and elegant garden hosting ideas.
- @southernlightsofficial – Premium backyard and party lighting photos + behind the scenes.
Recommended Pinterest Boards
- “Outdoor Lighting Ideas” by Better Homes & Gardens
pinterest.com/bhg/outdoor-lighting/ - “Garden Party Lighting” by Home Design
pinterest.com/homedesignideas/garden-party-lighting/ - “DIY Backyard Lighting” by The Inspired Workshop
pinterest.com/theinspiredworkshop/diy-backyard-lighting/
Final Thoughts
Lighting isn’t just functional—it’s transformative. The best lighting for backyard events blends safety with mood, aesthetics with efficiency. With the ideas above and inspiration from creators across YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram, your next garden event is bound to shine.
Need a beautiful backdrop for your lights? Start with a stylish garden shed design or a shed makeover to anchor your layout.
Planning a party? Don’t miss our full party decor guide to help tie lights into your overall garden theme.