The Ultimate Guide to Tent Lighting

The Ultimate Guide to Tent Lighting

When planning an event, most people focus on the tent itself—its size, style, and placement. But what often gets overlooked is one of the most important elements: lighting. The right tent lighting transforms a tented event from basic to breathtaking, setting the mood, improving visibility, and making sure every detail shines.

Celina offers a range of tent lighting and electrical accessories to help you create the perfect ambiance for any occasion. Whether you need warm, inviting globe lights for a wedding or powerful flood lighting for a trade show, we've got you covered.

Globe lights illuminating a tent event

Why Tent Lighting Matters

Good lighting does more than just brighten a space—it defines the atmosphere of your event. It can add elegance, excitement, or even a touch of drama, depending on the style you choose. Here are some reasons why investing in high-quality tent lighting is a game-changer:

  • Enhances the guest experience by providing comfortable and aesthetically pleasing illumination.
  • Improves safety by ensuring walkways and exits are well-lit.
  • Creates focal points for key areas such as dining tables, stages, or product displays.
  • Adds decorative value with specialty options like globe strands or rope lighting.
  • Extends event hours by making evening gatherings well-lit and inviting.

With Celina's lighting options, you can achieve all this while ensuring ease of installation and long-term durability.

Globe Lighting: Soft, Warm, and Elegant

One of the most popular lighting choices for tented events is globe lighting. These strands of round bulbs provide a soft, diffused glow that enhances any space. Celina offers a variety of globe lighting options to suit different needs and aesthetics.

  • Classic White Globe Strands: Available in 2-globe and 8-globe strands that attach easily to tent rope lines—ideal for creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.
  • Decorative Globe Strands: Choose from Copper Shaded, Bronze Globe, Multi-Colored, or Patriotic Colored strands for a unique flair.
  • Post Lighting and Chandeliers: Convert standard post lights into chandeliers using our Post to Chandelier Converter for an elevated, elegant effect.

Globe lights are perfect for weddings, outdoor dinners, and intimate gatherings where a cozy, romantic ambiance is key.

PAR38 lighting setup at large tent concert

PAR38 Lighting: Powerful Illumination for Any Event

For events that require more focused, high-intensity lighting, PAR38 lighting is the go-to choice. Commonly used for staging, performances, and product displays, PAR38 lights bring professional-grade brightness and control.

  • Flood Lighting (Single & Double PAR38 Lights): Delivers wide, indirect illumination perfect for large tent interiors.
  • Directional Spotlights: Highlight key event features like cakes, stages, or podiums.
  • Can Lighting: Available in black or white fixtures, ideal for trade shows or performance areas.

To customize your lighting, Celina offers color gel sheets (Packs A–D), allowing you to match the color of your lighting to your event’s theme.

Rope Lighting: Stylish and Subtle Accents

If you’re looking for lighting that’s more about ambiance than brightness, rope lighting is an excellent choice. It outlines tents, walkways, or stage areas, adding a subtle yet striking glow to your setup.

Celina provides everything you need to create a customized rope lighting system, including:

  • Full spools of lighting for longer runs
  • 6’ Power Cords and Rope Light Extensions
  • T-Compression Connectors for branching strands
  • Mounting Clips and 3’ Channels for secure placement
  • 2-Function Controllers for flashing effects

Rope lighting is available in a variety of colors including Amber, Blue, Clear, Green, Pink, Purple, Red, and Yellow—making it easy to match your event’s theme.

Additional Accessories for a Seamless Setup

To make installation smooth and ensure reliable performance, Celina offers essential electrical accessories such as:

  • Extension cords in multiple lengths
  • Triple tap adapters and quad boxes
  • Dimmer switches for adjustable intensity
  • Clamps and mounted hangers for securing lighting fixtures

Real Customer Experience: A Testimonial

“I received an 8-globe string of lights for my canopy tent that I will use for evening art shows where I display my leather craft work. I set up my tent this afternoon, arranged the string of lights, and waited impatiently for night. When I turned on the lights, I was greeted with a shadow-free warmth of soft lighting that will be terrific for the venue. I’m certain my display under the canopy will be fantastic with the lighting from your globe system.”

Bob Turnbull, BLT Leatherworks

How to Choose the Right Tent Lighting for Your Event

Choosing the right lighting depends on the type of event, location, and the overall aesthetic you want to create. Here’s a quick guide:

  • Hosting a romantic outdoor wedding? → Opt for Globe Lighting
  • Need a well-lit trade show booth? → Choose PAR38 Flood or Can Lighting
  • Want a modern, decorative touch? → Try Rope Lighting
  • Setting up a performance or stage? → Go with PAR38 Spotlights

If you’re unsure which lighting setup works best, our team at Celina is here to help.

Where to Buy Celina Tent Lighting and Accessories

Celina offers a comprehensive selection of tents, lighting, and accessories to make your event truly special. Whether you need a full lighting kit or a few replacement parts, you can shop anytime at www.gettent.com.

Need expert advice? Our knowledgeable support team is available to answer your questions and ensure you get the best lighting setup for your event.

Enhance Your Tent Setup with Perfect Lighting

Lighting is one of the most powerful ways to transform an event. Whether you’re hosting an elegant wedding, a corporate function, or a festival, the right lighting makes all the difference. Celina’s high-quality lighting options ensure your tent is not just functional but beautifully illuminated.

FAQ

What type of lighting is best for a tented event?

The ideal lighting depends on your event’s purpose and atmosphere. Globe lights create a soft, romantic glow perfect for weddings and receptions, while PAR38 flood or can lights offer strong, directional illumination for stages and exhibits. Rope lights add subtle decorative accents along edges or pathways. Combining different light types often produces the most balanced, visually appealing effect for guests.

Can Celina’s tent lights be used outdoors in all weather?

Yes. Celina’s lighting products are designed for outdoor conditions with weather-resistant housings, grounded cords, and secure connectors. They handle humidity, light rain, and temperature changes when properly installed. Always keep plugs off wet ground, use GFCI-protected outlets, and follow all included electrical safety guidelines for long-term reliability and performance.

How do I power my tent lighting safely?

Use heavy-duty outdoor-rated extension cords and connect them to GFCI outlets or power distribution boxes. For multiple circuits, Celina offers triple-tap adapters, quad boxes, and dimmer switches to distribute power efficiently. Avoid overloading any single line and, for remote locations, consider a portable generator with surge protection to maintain stable voltage during extended events.

Can I control brightness or create effects with Celina lighting?

Absolutely. Many Celina lighting systems are compatible with inline dimmer switches, allowing you to adjust brightness for mood and time of day. Rope lights can be paired with two-function controllers to create flashing or pulsing effects, while PAR38 setups can use color gel sheets for dramatic, theme-based lighting. These tools let you fully customize the ambiance of your event.

What accessories help with installation and organization?

Celina supplies everything needed for smooth setup, including mounting clamps, hooks, and hangers for chandeliers and PAR38 fixtures. Extension cords, power cords, and adapters keep wiring neat and accessible, while labeled storage bins help maintain organization between events. Proper accessories not only make installation easier but also extend the lifespan of your lighting components.