How do I light my backyard for a party?

Throwing a party in your backyard can be a fun way to entertain guests outdoors. However, inadequate lighting can make it difficult for guests to see and move around safely once the sun sets. Properly lighting your backyard for an evening party ensures your guests can enjoy themselves while also preventing trip hazards and accidents.

How much light do I need?

When lighting your backyard for a party, you’ll want to aim for about 1-2 footcandles of light spread evenly across the entire area. One footcandle is equal to the amount of light from one candle shining on one square foot surface located one foot away. Here are some general guidelines for how much lighting you’ll need based on your backyard size:

Backyard Size	Recommended Light Output
400 sq ft	400-800 lumens
600 sq ft	600-1200 lumens
800 sq ft	800-1600 lumens
1000 sq ft	1000-2000 lumens

As a general rule of thumb, plan for at least 1-2 luminaires per 100 square feet of backyard space. The actual number needed may vary depending on your specific landscaping, obstacles, and how evenly you want the light distributed.

What types of lighting work best?

Here are some of the most popular and effective options for lighting a backyard party:

String Lights

String lights add a warm, festive ambiance and illumination. Opt for LED over incandescent to save energy and money. Hang them overhead through trees and structures or along the fences and edges. Place the lights closer together to produce more light.

Lanterns

Outdoor lanterns mounted to walls or set on tables provide attractive pools of light. Go with battery-operated or solar-powered options to avoid running electrical cords across the yard.

Floodlights

Floodlights mounted to the home, trees, or poles can light up large areas of the backyard from above. Use LED floodlights to save energy. Position them to avoid glare that can spoil the ambiance.

Spotlights

Spotlights focused on key areas like food and drink stations, pathways, or landscape features add drama. Use LED spotlights with adjustable heads to aim the light precisely where needed.

Tiki Torches

Tiki torches provide a festive pool of light that fits right in at backyard parties. Place them strategically around seating areas. Use citronella fuel to help repel insects.

Outdoor Lamps

Low-voltage pathway lighting or table and floor lamps allow you to create a variety of lighting zones for activities like dining, lounging, and games.

Smart Lights

Smart light bulbs or controllers allow you to dim, brighten, and change the color of outdoor lighting using your smartphone. Schedule automatic adjustments or control the lights on-the-fly.

Where should I position the lighting?

Properly positioning your backyard lighting is key to creating the ambiance and function you want. Follow these placement tips:

Illuminate walking paths, stairs, and other areas where people will traverse to prevent tripping hazards.
Keep lighting near food and beverage stations bright enough for safe serving.
Highlight focal points like swimming pools, water features, flower gardens, or landscape lighting with spotlights.

Wrap string lights around trees, fences, and overhead structures to create an even glow.
Place lanterns, spotlights, or floodlights to shine light into darker corners.
Set low-voltage lighting along the edges of patios, walkways, and garden beds for definition.

Hang lanterns or string lights over dining and lounge areas for ambiance.
Don’t focus lights right on seating areas to avoid glare.

Walk around your yard and make lighting adjustments to ensure you achieve the ambiance, safety, and functionality you want. Dim or re-aim any lights glaring in guests’ eyes.

How do I run electrical cords safely?

For lighting options that require electrical cords, follow these safety tips:

Use outdoor-rated extension cords and outlet covers.
Ensure cords are rated for their load and properly grounded.

Plug cords into GFCI-protected outlets.
Use weatherproof cord covers to prevent tripping hazards.
Don’t overload outlets with too many lights.

Don’t run cords through standing water or soggy grass.
Don’t staple or nail cords, run them over sharp edges, or bend them at tight angles.
Keep cords away from foot traffic areas.

Turn off all lights before handling any cords.
Examine cords for damage before each use.

Using wireless, solar-powered, or battery-operated lighting options can reduce extension cord hazards. Consider hiring an electrician to install extra outdoor receptacles if needed.

What types of bulbs should I use?

Choosing the right light bulbs is an important factor in creating the perfect party ambiance while also saving energy and money:

LED bulbs – Use LED bulbs whenever possible for efficiency and long life. The warm white light works well for ambiance. Bright white is better for tasks.
Incandescent bulbs – Avoid these if possible. They waste a lot of energy producing heat and have short lifespans.

CFL bulbs – CFLs are more efficient and affordable than incandescent but don’t dim well and take time to reach full brightness.
Halogen bulbs – Halogens can be used for bright accent and spot lighting. Handle with care due to high heat.
Flame bulbs – For lighting with ambiance, flame bulbs mimic the flicker of real fire without the danger.

Smart bulbs – Smart bulbs can create colorful effects, be dimmed, and programmed remotely.

Match bulbs to fixture and location. For example, use brighter bulbs to illuminate walking paths and dimmer, warmer light bulbs over dining areas. Consider a mix of bulb types for variety.

How can I create ambiance?

The key to creating the right ambiance is lighting different zones of your yard for form and function. Follow these tips:

Use strings lights overhead and at middle elevations to create an intimate, magical glow.
Rely on uplights placed at lower elevations to illuminate faces and food without glare.
Use pathways lights low to the ground to guide people while avoiding stark overhead lighting.

Place flame lamps on tables for flattering pools of flickering light.
Spotlight key plants and structures for dramatic accents.
Vary lighting color for added interest – try amber, blue, purple, green, or smart color-changing bulbs.

Use lighting timers or smart controls to automatically dim lights later at night when ambiance matters most.

Test different lighting arrangements and adjust placements and brightness until you achieve the perfect mood. Pay attention to how the lighting makes your backyard look at night and adjust to highlight its best features.

How can I provide enough light safely?

Safety is also essential when lighting a backyard party. Follow these tips:

Provide at least 1-2 footcandles of light across the entire yard so guests can see.
Keep stairs, walking paths, changes in elevation, and obstacles well-lit.
Use uplighting or reflectors to illuminate faces for socializing without glare.

Make sure lighting is bright enough around food, drinks, grills, and any tripping hazards.
Have flashlights or portable lanterns available as backups.
Choose LED bulbs for efficiency, long life, and low heat output.

Position and mount lighting securely so it won’t fall over or get knocked down.
Keep lighting away from flammable materials like tiki torches.
Never overload circuits – allow a safety margin on all circuits.

Vet your lighting plan for safety by walking your yard at night. Adjust and add additional lighting as needed. Inform your guests of any potential hazards.

Can I combine plug-in and hardwired lights?

You can absolutely mix plug-in lighting like string lights with hardwired fixtures for maximum flexibility in your backyard lighting design. Here are some tips:

Look for lighting fixtures suited for wet locations when hardwiring.

Select hardwired fixtures with easy-access compartments so you can change bulbs.
Choose plug-in lights with durable, outdoor-rated cords.
Use ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets for plug-in lights.

Link multiple string light strands together neatly using waterproof connectors.
Extension cords should be properly rated, covered, and secured.
Set up hardwired circuits on switches for easy control.

Group plug-in lights on separate circuits from hardwired fixtures.
Include controls like dimmers and timers tailored to each lighting type.

The right mix of hardwired and plug-in lighting allows you to easily rearrange and reconfigure your lighting as needed for different events.

What types of switches and controls should I use?

Here are some recommended options for controlling your backyard party lighting:

Smart switches – Allow remote control via smartphone and voice activation.
Dimmer switches – Provide adjustable brightness for lights like string lights.

Mechanical timers – Inexpensive way to schedule lights turning on/off.
Photocell sensors – Turn lights on at dusk and off at dawn automatically.
Motion sensors – Trigger accent lights when guests are nearby.

Outdoor remote controls – Allow quick adjustments without walking to switches.
Light sync controllers – Sync multiple lights to music or controllers.

Many switch types like dimmers are designed for LED and incandescent bulbs only – check compatibility before using. Place switches and controls where convenient like by entry doors to the yard. Include smart, photocell, and timer controls for the easiest automation.

Should I use solar-powered lighting?

Solar-powered lights that charge up during the day and provide illumination at night are a handy option for backyard parties. Pros include:

No wiring required for installation.
Convenient placement anywhere with sun exposure.

Environmentally-friendly, renewable energy.
Low voltage DC output for safety.
Cost savings on electric bills.

However, solar lights provide less brightness than wired options and require full sun exposure. Consider using solar to supplement your main party lighting or for path illumination. Place solar lights where they’ll get 5-6 hours of sun. Clean the solar panels regularly for best performance.

Should I rent lighting instead?

Renting extra lighting for your backyard party is one way to quickly and temporarily supplement what you have for a special event without a major investment. Reasons to consider renting include:

Trying out types of lighting to see what works best.

Avoiding the hassle and cost of purchasing.
Getting specialty lighting like chandeliers.
Lighting a very large area for a big celebration.

No maintenance or storage between uses.

Just budget the rental expense and factor in delivery fees and insurance costs. Inspect rental lights carefully for defects before using. Avoid complex setups like electrical wiring – opt for plug-and-play rentals. Schedule a pickup the day after your event ends.

Should I hire a professional?

For large backyard lighting projects, it may be advisable to hire a lighting professional. Reasons to hire help include:

Advice from experts on lighting design, types, and placement.
Assistance determining how much lighting and power you need.
Proper installation of new wiring, circuits, switches, and outlets.

Access to lighting options not available to consumers.
Help positioning and adjusting multiple lights.
Troubleshooting lighting system problems.

Equipment and lift rentals for tall trees and structures.
Alterations to existing lighting setups.

Pros know how to design systems that transform a space and meet local codes. Get an estimate first and verify they are fully insured. DIY is fine for smaller projects using plug-in lights.

Conclusion

Lighting your backyard properly for an evening party takes some thought and planning. First determine how much illumination you’ll need for your specific yard size and landscaping. Select lighting like strings, lanterns, and spotlights that are suitable for the setting. Carefully position the lighting to illuminate walking paths, eating areas, and other zones while also creating ambiance. Consider mixing hardwired and plug-in lighting for versatility. Include controls like dimmers, timers, and smart switches to easily adjust the lighting effects. Solar lights and lighting rentals are also options. With the right backyard lighting plan executed safely, you can transform your yard into a festive party space that guests will enjoy well into the night.