26 Bridge Wedding Lighting

Why should you consider adding lighting for your wedding at 26 Bridge?

26 Bridge

26 Bridge (Brooklyn, NY): The renovations to this former metal factory highlight the building’s industrial past, accentuating the original brick walls, large wooden doors and magnificent high ceiling with a skylight. Additionally, it seats about 250 people or holds 375 for standing receptions. Therefore, 26 Bridge it’s the perfect space for a private events, weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, or corporate event with additional lighting.

26 Bridge

• 26 Bridge St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

• @26bridge

String Lights in a V-Shape pattern over the ceremony/dance floor at 26 Bridge.

What Couples Say About Weddings at 26 Bridge

Choosing a wedding venue in New York City is no small feat. You have to balance budget, guest count, and, crucially, the “vibe.” For many couples planning a Brooklyn wedding, 26 Bridge often pops up on the radar. Located in the heart of DUMBO, this former metal factory promises an industrial-chic aesthetic that is hard to replicate in traditional banquet halls.

But what is it actually like to get married there? Beyond the glossy Instagram photos, real couples have shared their experiences regarding everything from the atmosphere to the logistics. If you are considering this venue for your big day, here is a breakdown of what brides and grooms are saying.

An Industrial-Chic Dream

The most consistent praise for 26 Bridge centers on its aesthetic. Couples looking for something edgy, modern, and distinctly “Brooklyn” often fall in love with the space immediately.

Reviewers frequently mention the high ceilings, original brick walls, and towering wooden doors. It feels historic yet trendy. One common sentiment is that the venue provides an instant “cool factor.” It doesn’t feel stuffy or overly formal. Instead, it sets the stage for a celebration that feels more like a great party than a rigid ceremony. If you want a backdrop that looks impressive in photos with minimal effort, the architecture here does a lot of the heavy lifting.

The Ultimate Blank Canvas

While the brick walls provide character, the space itself is essentially a shell. For many couples, this is the venue’s greatest strength.

Bringing a Vision to Life

Because 26 Bridge is an open floor plan with industrial features, it acts as a blank canvas. Reviews highlight how easily the space transforms with the right decor. Couples have successfully softened the industrial edges with lush greenery, floral arches, and drapery.

This flexibility allows for highly personalized weddings. You aren’t stuck with the carpet or curtains of a hotel ballroom. You build the look from the ground up.

Vendor Flexibility

Another major plus mentioned by brides and grooms is the ability to bring in outside vendors. Many venues restrict you to a preferred list, but 26 Bridge allows for more freedom. This means you can hire the specific photographer, caterer, or florist that aligns with your style and budget. This freedom significantly contributes to the “stress-free” vibe many reviewers appreciate.

Things to Consider Before Booking

While the feedback is overwhelmingly positive regarding style, honest reviews point out a few logistical challenges that potential clients should know about.

Lighting is Key for your Wedding at 26 Bridge

The space is naturally dim. While this contributes to a romantic, moody atmosphere, some couples and photographers have described it as “cave-like” without proper intervention.

The consensus from past weddings is that you need to budget for extra lighting. String lights (bistro lights) and uplighting are highly recommended to warm up the space and ensure your photos come out clear. Relying solely on the venue’s house lights might leave the room looking too dark.

Temperature Control

A few reviews have noted that the venue can be difficult to heat effectively. Because it is an old industrial building with high ceilings and brick walls, it can retain a chill during colder months. If you are planning a winter wedding, it is worth discussing heating solutions with the venue management or your planner to ensure guests remain comfortable throughout the night.

The “Barren” Factor

The “blank canvas” pro can also be a con depending on your planning style. The venue is raw, As a result without decor, it can feel barren. Therefore, couples who want a “turnkey” wedding where everything is ready to go might find the amount of coordination required here overwhelming. You will need to bring in the design elements to make the space feel finished.

The DUMBO Advantage

You cannot talk about 26 Bridge without mentioning the neighborhood. In fact, guests love the location. It is steps away from the waterfront, offering iconic photo opportunities with the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline in the background. For out-of-town guests, attending a wedding in DUMBO adds an extra layer of excitement to the trip.

Is 26 Bridge Right for You?

The verdict from real couples is clear: 26 Bridge is a fantastic choice if you want a stylish, memorable, and unique wedding. It is perfect for those who have a specific creative vision and want a venue that lets them express it.

However, it does require a bit more work than an all-inclusive venue. You need to manage lighting, decor, and temperature considerations. But for brides and grooms willing to put in that effort, the result is a stunning, personalized celebration that guests talk about for years.

Gallery

View more photos that feature our Lights at 26 Bridge – Click Here

WHY IS LIGHTING IMPORTANT FOR YOUR WEDDING AT 26 BRIDGE?:

Lighting accounts for one-half of the most basic elements of décor for a wedding at 26 Bridge. Accordingly, Your wedding florals should satisfy the other half. Therefore, a perfect mixture of lighting and florals are the key ingredients required for a visually dazzling event at this venue. Nevertheless, it could be the use of candles usually supplied by your florist or chandeliers rented from our company. Furthermore, a perfect balance of florals and lighting will guarantee your florals’ beauty and that this venue is still seeable after the sun goes down.

Nonetheless, Here are a few lighting tips for the different locations of your wedding at 26 Bridge:

The Main Room

STRING LIGHTS IN ZIGZAGGING PATTERN

Make sure to consider a simple arrangement of 400ft of our String Lights suspended in a zigzagging. Zigzagging String Lights is a timeless lighting pattern. Therefore, it is a great choice to enhance the main room. Additionally, we usually place our string lights between the 1st and 4th beams in The Main Room. As a result, this arrangement of string lights visually supplies “more bang for fewer bucks.”

#1 Example (Zigzagging Pattern) – https://ulsnyc.blogspot.com/2018/06/mirror-ball-string-lights-26-bridge.html

#2 Example (Zigzagging Pattern) – https://ulsnyc.blogspot.com/2019/10/string-lights-sheer-curtains-stock-gobo.html

#3 Example (Zigzagging Pattern) – https://ulsnyc.blogspot.com/2020/01/stock-gobo-string-lights-26-bridge.html

#4 Example (Zigzagging Pattern) – https://ulsnyc.blogspot.com/2019/10/custom-gobo-string-lights-26-bridge.html

#5 Example (Zigzagging Pattern) – https://ulsnyc.blogspot.com/2017/03/clip-on-sheer-curtain-26-bridge.html

UP-LIGHTING AGAINST WALLS

Consider placing Warm White Up-Lights along the perimeter walls of the main room. In general. our company is a huge fan of up-lighting placed against brick walls, and this venue is no exception. Therefore, we strongly support using Warm White Up-Lights along the perimeter walls of the main room. As a result, Up-lights greatly enhance the space by providing an accent light against the brick walls. For this reason, we suggest using Up-Lights in addition to the venue’s in-house wall sconces.

LARGE HANGING FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS

Highlight a sizeable hanging floral arrangement with a spotlight. Hanging floral arrangements are almost always a conversation piece. Therefore, any sizeable floral arrangement should be highlighted with additional lighting to remain visible after dark. Fortunately, there are better options than the in-house track lights included with the venue for illuminating hanging florals. As an alternative, consider including spotlights provided by our company to highlight any large-scale hanging floral arrangements. Also, consider hanging string lights with your sizeable floral arrangement to ensure they remain visible after dark.

LARGE FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS (set on the bar)

Sizeable floral arrangements are always a conversation piece. Therefore, consider providing a spotlight for them to ensure they remain visible after the sun has gone down. Thus, highlight any sizeable standing floral arrangements or sizeable florals on display on the main bar in the rear section of the venue. Similarly, highlight any sizeable florals that are on display on tables.

BAND MEMBERS

Seeing the members of a band is a crucial part of their performance. Therefore, consider providing a spotlight to highlight their performance area. Therefore, members of your band will remain seen after sunset. Additionally, their movements and facial expressions are visible. As a result, your wedding at 26 Bridge will benefit significantly from additional lighting for your band.
Furthermore, you can also consider using a set of color-changing lights to highlight your band members. In this case, dimmable warm-white lights are usually appropriate. In addition, you can consider color-changing lights for your band as an upgrade from warm-white lights. However, a person must operate a controller to change the colors during the band’s performance.

THE BAR

The main bar at 26 Bridge is a celebrity in popularity. As a result, the main bar usually becomes a gathering place where guests exchange conversations and laughs while waiting to receive their drinks. Nevertheless, you can consider spotlighting the main bar with a set of spotlights, but this is optional at 26 Bridge. Typically, the in-house lights at 26 Bridge provide sufficient light for the main bar.

THE CEREMONY

During the fall and winter months, sunset will arrive early in the day. Therefore, your ceremony area may appear dark. As a result, viewing your ceremony and the quality of your wedding photos may be affected. For this reason, highlighting your wedding ceremony at 26 Bridget with additional lighting is usually essential during these months. Hence, adding additional lighting will ensure your ceremony remains visible at sunset.

PINSPOT YOUR CAKE TABLE

After dark, your wedding cake may also require additional lighting at 26 Bridge. Therefore, a pin-spot is essential to highlight your wedding cake after dark.

CURTAIN OF VERTICAL STRING LIGHTS

Vertical Strings (or String Lights hanging horizontally with multiple swoops) are an excellent addition to the wall behind your ceremony area. Therefore, consider suspending a curtain of string lights vertically against the wall behind the ceremony area.

The Mezzanine Level

Hang a curtain for privacy

When the curtains are closed, the mezzanine level can be transformed into a bridal sweet or any other personal space. Therefore, consider using curtains across the mezzanine level to add a hint of privacy to this area.

NO OTHER LIGHTING IS TYPICALY REQUIRED ON THE MEZZANINE LEVEL FOR A WEDDING AT 26 BRIDGE

Guests rarely occupy the Mezzanine Level. Therefore, additional lighting for this area is optional.

The Foyer

NO OTHER LIGHTING IS TYPICALLY REQUIRED IN THE FOYER FOR A WEDDING AT 26 BRIDGE

The foyer is often useful for host guests during cocktail hour. Therefore, it only gets a little use during other portions of a wedding. As a result, additional lighting is not necessary for this area.