The latest in outdoor garden lights, string lighting can provide fun, elegance and ambiance to any event. Whether it is a child’s birthday party or a wedding reception, outdoor string lights can provide a unique touch that speaks of thought and planning. The options are as varied as the occasion, which can be a bit overwhelming for someone trying to put together the right tone for the get-together. Never fear. There is no need to spend the money on a professional garden lighting consultant. With some education and a little faith in your own personal taste, choosing the right outdoor string lights can turn from a chore to a success.
Incandescent Lights
Typically used at Christmas time for decorating trees and the outside of homes, incandescent string lights are extremely versatile. Available in multiple colors, shapes and sizes, the options are virtually limitless. Incandescent lights are a universally good choice for most events you will be planning. The only drawbacks are that they can become over heated if left on for long periods of time. It is not recommended they be left on overnight due the fire hazard the heat creates. Also, the bulbs have a relatively short lifespan, need replacing on a regular basis, and are not very energy efficient. Fortunately, replacements for incandescents are plentiful and inexpensive.
LED Lighting
Consuming significantly less energy, thereby reducing the heat generated when the lights are on, LEDs or “light emitting diodes” are the preferable choice for outdoor string lighting over incandescent lights. LED landscape lighting is bright and strikingly colored, providing a statement making aesthetic to your event. With the added benefit of low heat emissions, the fire hazard is greatly reduced allowing for the lights to be left on longer than incandescents. Advantages being what they are, LEDs are more expensive than incandescent lighting but the cost is recouped in the long run since LEDs last far longer.
String lights in a tree
If you need lights that come on only at night for an extended period of time, hooking up LED string lights to a solar panel could be your best bet. While you can attach incandescent light to solar power as well, LEDs work better and last longer under solar power due to their reduced energy use. The solar panel allows lights to remain all night by turning them off during the day to “charge”. Installing solar string lights also frees you from having to flip a switch or plug and unplug everyday.
Marine Rope Lights
A final type of outdoor string lighting are marine rope lights. Anytime you have an event or decorating needs that will expose lighting to the elements or even a body of water, like on a boat doc, you should use marine rope lights. Fully encased in rubber tubing, these lights are sealed and safe for use around, though not submerged in water. Often used to decorate boats, marine lights are an excellent option for outdoor string party lights and decorating events that are centered near water or where there is a great potential for rain. Generally speaking, they are not as bright as incadescents or LEDs but the safety factor definitely makes them the better choice for such events.
Regardless of the type of lights you choose, read the directions. Proper installation can be key to a successful lighting display and will save you much trouble and many headaches if you take the time to install them according the manufacturers specifications.
