When it comes to planning an outdoor event, especially one that features Nordic tipis, lighting plays a key role in setting the right mood. Whether it’s a wedding, corporate event, or private party, lighting transforms the atmosphere and ensures your guests are comfortable and engaged long into the evening. Nordic tipis, with their majestic structure and natural materials, offer a unique canvas to create stunning lighting effects. In this blog, we’ll explore some creative and practical lighting ideas that will elevate your Nordic tipi event.
1. Fairy Lights for a Magical Touch
Fairy lights are a timeless choice for any event, especially when used to decorate Nordic tipis. Their soft, twinkling glow creates a magical and intimate atmosphere, perfect for weddings or cosy gatherings. You can wrap them around the tipi poles, drape them along the ceiling, or hang them outside the entrance for a welcoming effect.
How to Use Them: Choose warm, white fairy lights to complement the earthy tones of your Nordic tipi. For an extra touch, string them along pathways leading to the tipi or around surrounding trees. The warm glow will guide your guests and set a relaxed, enchanting mood.
2. Lanterns for a Rustic Charm
If you’re looking for a more rustic aesthetic, lanterns are an excellent option. They add an authentic, earthy vibe that complements the natural feel of Nordic tipis. You can place them on tables, hang them from the tipi’s poles, or even suspend them at varying heights for a layered lighting effect.
How to Use Them: Opt for a mixture of metal and wooden lanterns for variety, and consider using battery-operated candles inside them for a safer, more practical option. Lanterns with flickering LED lights mimic the warmth of real candles without the worry of open flames.
3. Festoon Lighting for a Festival Feel
For those hosting larger events such as festivals or corporate parties, festoon lighting is a fantastic way to create a vibrant and lively atmosphere. These bold, vintage-style bulbs emit a stronger glow compared to fairy lights, making them perfect for outdoor events where you need to illuminate a larger area.
How to Use Them: String festoon lights along the perimeter of the Nordic tipi, between adjacent tipis, or around outdoor seating areas. You can also drape them inside the tipi, creating a beautiful overhead feature. The warm bulbs will add a fun, energetic feel to the event while keeping the space well-lit.
4. Candles for Intimate Gatherings
For smaller, more intimate events, candles are a must-have. They provide a soft, flickering glow that immediately adds warmth and romance to any setting. While traditional candles create an inviting atmosphere, be mindful of safety, especially inside Nordic tipis.
How to Use Them: Place candles in glass holders or hurricane lamps on dining tables and around the edges of the tipi. For a more dramatic effect, cluster several candles together in varying heights. If open flames are a concern, LED candles can offer the same effect without the risk.
5. Fire Pits for Warmth and Ambience
Nothing beats the warmth and glow of a fire pit, especially at an outdoor event where the evening chill can set in. A fire pit not only provides essential heat but also becomes a natural gathering point for guests, fostering conversation and relaxation. It is an excellent addition to a Nordic tipi event, particularly for autumn or winter occasions.
How to Use Them: Place the fire pit outside the tipi, surrounded by comfortable seating such as wooden benches or cosy blankets. The flames will cast a warm glow that reflects beautifully off the Nordic tipi. Be sure to follow safety guidelines when placing fire pits near tents or wooden structures.
6. Chandeliers for a Touch of Elegance
For a more upscale or formal event, consider incorporating chandeliers into your Nordic tipi design. While it might seem unexpected, chandeliers add an element of elegance and grandeur, transforming your tipi into a luxurious event space.
How to Use Them: Hang a chandelier from the highest point of the Nordic tipi to create a striking focal point. You can choose from a variety of styles, such as rustic wrought iron or crystal chandeliers, depending on the tone of your event. The chandelier’s soft glow will contrast beautifully with the tipi’s natural materials.
7. Coloured Uplighting for a Dramatic Effect
If you’re aiming to create a dramatic or themed ambience, coloured uplighting is an excellent choice. Uplights, placed at the base of the Nordic tipi, can cast beams of light up the sides of the structure, creating a visually stunning effect.
How to Use Them: Choose colours that complement your event’s theme—warm hues like amber or gold for a cosy feel, or cool blues and purples for a more modern, stylish vibe. Coloured uplights can also be used to highlight certain areas, such as the bar, entrance, or dance floor.
Conclusion
Creating the perfect ambience for your Nordic tipi event relies heavily on thoughtful lighting. Whether you opt for the soft glow of fairy lights, the rustic charm of lanterns, or the elegance of a chandelier, the right lighting can transform your tipi into a magical venue. It not only enhances the overall aesthetic but also ensures your guests feel comfortable and immersed in the atmosphere you've created.