Fairy Lights vs String Lights: Choosing Lighting for an Outdoor Wedding in Greece

Outdoor receptions are one of the great pleasures of a wedding in Greece. As the sun goes down, lighting becomes central to the atmosphere. The light you choose for the evening shapes the atmosphere, the photographs and how comfortable your guests feel. The two most popular options are fairy lights and string lights. They are often confused, but they create very different effects.

What’s the difference?

Fairy lights are fine strands with many tiny LEDs close together. Hung densely overhead, they create a soft, sparkling “starry sky” with no visible bulbs.

String lights (also called festoon lights) carry larger, visible bulbs spaced along a cable. They give a warmer, more relaxed look, closer to a summer evening in a village square.

When fairy lights work best

• A canopy over the dinner tables or the dance floor
• An entrance tunnel or a ceremony backdrop
• Elegant settings where you want the light to feel magical rather than rustic

When string lights work best

• Olive groves, vineyards and stone courtyards
• Relaxed welcome parties and long family-style tables
• Venues where the bulbs themselves become part of the décor

Can you combine them?

Yes, and it often looks best. A fairy light canopy over dinner with string lights along paths and terraces gives each area its own character while keeping a warm, consistent look.

No trees or pergola? No problem

You don’t need a venue with ready-made hanging points. We bring our own bases and structures, so a canopy can be installed over a lawn, a beach terrace or an open courtyard, with the layout designed around your venue.

Practical details to plan

• Height and spacing: too low feels crowded; too sparse looks unfinished.
• Power: confirm where power is available and plan it together with the sound system.
• Wind: on exposed island venues, installations are secured properly.
• Timing: canopies take time to install, so agree the setup window before guests arrive.

Think about the photos

Warm, dimmable light is flattering for skin tones and keeps the atmosphere intimate. Share the lighting plan with your photographer so the first dance and the dinner shots are planned around it.

Planning your evening lighting?

See our fairy light installations and wedding & event lighting, or send us your venue to discuss the setup.