Tip of the week - Lighting

Wedding reception lighting basics - If you want your wedding site to go from "standard" to "stunning" then turn off the light switches and go for illumination.  Lighting creates a mood and when it is done correctly it can make everything look better. 

1. Find the right person.  There are many people out there that "do" lighting.  I, personally, work only with an actual Lighting Company - this is what they specialize in.  Many of them have theater backgrounds, and this is great!  They get the whole point of dramatic transformation.  Make sure to check with your wedding celebration venue.  Some of them might do their own lighting and some might charge you extra for the extra electricity when hiring outside vendors.  When talking with potential lighting vendors, ask to see pictures of what they've done...Before and After's are perfect!

2.Go with your chosen lighting vendor to your site.  If you're planning a night time reception, make sure to visit the site at least once when it's dark outside.  Ask if the venue has dimmers for their overhead lights and KEEP FLORESCENT LIGHTS OFF!  Assess the site and see where the lighting would give the most effect.

3. Know your lingo.  Here are some of the most common types of lighting for weddings: 

Lighting by Visions Lighting and Sound

Pin Spot: A focused light that will shine directly onto an object like your wedding cake or a centerpiece to create a highlight effect.

Wedding lighting designer Bentley Meeker

Color Wash: A blanket of colored light used to cover an entire area.

Produced by Along Came Mary; photo by Line 8 Photography

Gobos:  These are circular stencils that are put over a light to create and project a design or pattern.  These could include monograms, dates, any other wedding designs.  These do cost more, and the complexity of the design will affect the cost.

LED's: LED lights are becoming more popular for weddings because they use much less electricity and they don't get very hot.  They also can be wireless.  LED's are great for color changes and can give you a wonderful vibrant color.

4. Use color.  When you are choosing lighting for your wedding celebration think outside of your color palette.  If you have blue table covers, blue dresses and blue in your flowers and cake, blue lighting will be too much.  Magenta and soft rose are wonderful colors to use.  They complement all skin tones and have a tendency to make colors POP!

Also, take advantage of the effect color can have throughout the course of your party.  During your cocktail hour you can start with golden tones, during dinner you can use your soft rose, then for the dancing and partying afterwards go with something more exciting.  Some lighting companies offer light color changes that will change with the speed of the music.  How fun is that?!

5.Outside lighting.  If you are having your wedding outside there are a few things to take into consideration.  First and foremost - if your site has a path or steps that your guests will be using throughout the night make sure to keep it lit up.  You can use lanterns, or luminaries for this if there is not already lighting there. 

Basically, lighting is a GREAT way to use your wedding budget dollars to create an effect that will enhance the elements of your wedding.  Lighting is totally cost effective.  The price can go anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars.  But, no matter what your budget is, this is definately the way to get more "bang for your buck."