The Best Waterproof Solar String Lights for a Dreamy Backyard Wedding on a Budget
Hi friends 🌿 Lena Moss here—plant mama, small-space garden enthusiast, and wedding décor DIYer on a mission to help you green your spaces without draining your wallet. If you’re planning an outdoor wedding and wondering how in the world you’ll make your backyard glow without losing your mind (or power cords!), this post is for you.
Let’s talk about one simple truth: Lighting transforms a space. And when you’re planning a romantic evening backyard wedding under the stars—especially on a tight budget—you need something that’s affordable, eco-friendly, easy to install, and absolutely magical.
If you’re searching for the best waterproof solar string lights that won’t kill your savings account, let me save you the guesswork. I found a winner.
👉 Meet your new favorite wedding lighting hack:
Outdoor Crystal Solar String Lights Waterproof 2-Pack, 60 LED, Warm White – by Brightown
Why Lighting Matters (Especially for Backyard Weddings)
As someone who’s helped set up more than one outdoor celebration, I can tell you this: lighting is everything. It sets the tone and becomes your biggest ally once the sun starts dipping.
But here’s the challenge: not everyone has outdoor outlets… or wants to run extension cords through the grass (tripping hazard, anyone?). And let’s not forget the increasing cost of electricity and desire to reduce waste.
That’s where solar-powered lights absolutely shine.
These solar string lights from Brightown check every box:
- ✅ No wiring or electrician needed
- ✅ Weatherproof (IP65 rated)
- ✅ Ambient warm white tone (super romantic!)
- ✅ 8 twinkle modes + memory function
- ✅ Affordable and comes as a 2-Pack for more space coverage (huge bonus!)
Let’s dig into what makes them a total steal for any Pinterest-worthy backyard wedding.
Key Features That Make These Solar String Lights Perfect for Weddings
1. Solar Powered With Automatic On/Off Function
There’s nothing worse than forgetting to flip a power switch in the middle of an event. These lights have built-in light sensors that detect when it gets dark and automatically turn on—no effort required.
I personally love this for weddings because you don’t need someone babysitting the lights. One more thing off your plate!
2. Two Packs = 72 Feet of Coverage
Most solar string lights come as a single string, and let me tell you—it’s never enough when you’re draping trees, fencing, or a pergola.
This set gives you two 36.5-foot-long strands for a total of 72 feet of soft, cozy lighting. That adds serious value for couples trying to decorate a wide space on a small budget.
💡Planning Tip: Drape these along fence lines, over a canopy, or wind them through garden arbors leading to your ceremony space.
3. Weatherproof for All Seasons (Rain or Shine)
These solar lights are IP65 waterproof-rated, which means they’re built to withstand rain, snow, and summer night humidity—not just mild weather.
Whether there’s a summer shower or fog rolling in, you’ll still have reliable lighting during your wedding to keep the vibe going strong.
I’ve tried solar lights that were too cool-toned or downright harsh. But these? They’re warm without being yellow, and bright enough to pull off a fairytale look.
Perfect lighting for those unforgettable wedding photos.
5. 8 Lighting Modes + Memory Function
Why settle for basic “on or off” lighting? With eight different modes—like slow fade, twinkle, chasing, and more—you can change up the mood as the night progresses.
Take it from someone who’s fiddled with modes while holding a bouquet—this memory function saves your last setting, so you don’t have to reset it every time. A tiny but welcome detail.
Real-Life Test: How They Performed for Our Wedding Setup
I had the chance to use these lights at my niece’s garden wedding last fall. Setup was a breeze—we just used some zip ties, basic hooks, and garden stakes to get started.
Each solar panel has a little stake included, so we were able to adjust its position in the sun during the day. They charged up fully by the time dusk settled over the backyard.
At sunset, the lights flicked on like magic. No fumbling, no frustration. Just soft, romantic lighting that made the evening unforgettable.
I got so many compliments—and even a few “these must’ve cost a fortune!” Nope. Just $25 bucks well spent.
🎯 Want to order yours now?
Is It Truly Budget-Friendly?
| Product | Total Length | # of LEDs | Price | Price per ft |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brightown 2-Pack Solar String Lights | 72 ft | 120 | $24.89 | $0.34 |
| Brightech Ambience Pro (1 pack) | 27 ft | 12 (Edison) | $29.99 | $1.11 |
| Lalapao Solar Fairy Lights (2 pack) | 66 ft | 100 | $19.99 | $0.30 |
You’re getting longer strands, more coverage, and just-right warm white glow—all for under 25 bucks. That’s unheard of.
How to Create a Picture-Perfect Wedding Setup
Even if you’re not “crafty,” you can totally do this!
Here’s a simple 4-step setup plan:
- Charge Time: Set solar panels in direct sun for 6–8 hrs the day before.
- Travel-Friendly: Pack the strands gently in bubble wrap if moving them to a venue.
- Design Points: Drape along tree lines, secure to gazebos, eyeball patterns above dinner tables.
- Secure Seamlessly: Use transparent Command hooks for fence-post use or twist ties around tree branches.
Pro Tip: Combine with mason jar centerpieces and table lanterns for that vintage garden wedding feel.
Who Should Use These Lights?
- ✔️ Newlyweds throwing a backyard or garden reception
- ✔️ Event planners wanting reusable lighting
- ✔️ Homeowners and renters needing year-round outdoor ambiance
- ✔️ Anyone who lives somewhere sunny and wants to save on energy bills
Not ideal for: mountain cabins or heavily shaded yards (you’ll get less solar exposure—this matters!).
Based on SEO Research: What Are Users Actually Searching For?
According to SearchEngineJournal and data collected from Google Trends, long-tail keywords like “best waterproof solar string lights for backyard wedding” and “solar wedding lights affordable” show consistent seasonal peaks April–September.
(Source: https://www.searchenginejournal.com/google-trends-seasonal-seo/316803/)
So if you’re reading this before a summer wedding? You’re ahead of the curve—and likely to get the best stock and shipping rates too.
What Other Buyers are Saying (Hint: They Love It)
“Perfect for our DIY wedding—lasted for hours and looked gorgeous in photos.”
“They held up through a whole week of storms!”
“We bought an extra set just for our patio after the wedding.”
Is every review flawless? No—but the issues (like one dim strand out of two) are rare and often resolved fast with exchanges.
For the price + appearance + ease, it’s a slam-dunk in my gardener’s opinion.
Should You Use These Lights After the Wedding?
Heck yes.
- Wrap them around the porch railing ✔️
- Accent your vegetable garden for nighttime charm ✔️
- Make weekday dinners on the patio feel elevated ✔️
I love products that don’t get shoved in storage after one use—and these absolutely deliver long-term value.
Final Thoughts: Affordable Glow-Up for Every Backyard Bride
Whether you’re getting married beneath a backyard arbor, hosting a garden dinner party, or just craving outdoor glow that feels romantic without wasting electricity—these Brightown Waterproof Solar String Lights deserve top billing.
They’re reliable, beautiful, wallet-friendly, and eco-conscious. And let’s be honest—your wedding deserves to glow just as brightly as your future together.
So light up your night—in the easiest, most sustainable way.
Until next time—keep growing, glowing, and celebrating all things rooted in love.
xo,
Lena Moss 🌱🕯️