Everyone loves a good before and after photo, and never is that truer than when the lights go on. Not only does lighting perform an important practical function in allowing your guests to see where they are going, it also provides an aesthetic that immediately sets the mood for your event. These two features, functionality and ambiance, are the key elements to making your event beautiful and lighting is the way to do that.

From a practical standpoint, lighting is critical in making sure you and your guests are able to see their surroundings and move from one space to another with ease. That doesn’t necessarily mean your room needs to be lit brightly from all angles! Your lighting professionals can create pathways and illuminate signage with strategical placement of different types of lighting to ensure safety and ease of movement. Lighting can also be used to camouflage parts of your space that you don’t love, from outdated wallpaper to shag carpet and beyond. Using lighting to highlight major players at your event is also a great way to draw your guests’ attention, be it the bridal party entering your reception or a key note speaker ready to wow the crowd.

On the aesthetic side, lighting creates an instant mood, which elevates the emotions and heightens the energy of your guests as they step into your space. Using lighting can set the mood for your guests as soon as they walk in the door, be it with bright and fun colors for high energy events, casual washes for an intimate setting, or dynamic shadows for lounging and chatting. Lighting can also be used to change the tone of your event when you switch activities, such as using color to transition from dinner to dancing or focusing spotlights from a grand entrance to speeches.

Overall, your lighting choices define your event and set the tone for whatever activities you have in store. Not sure what type of lighting is best for your event? Check out our latest post here for an event lighting guide that is sure to help you figure out what you are looking for: https://www.illuminateeventservices.com/blog/2019/3/6/guided-by-the-light-the-perfect-lighting-for-your-event. If you have any questions about lighting, design, or anything party related, leave us a comment or give us a call; we’d love to chat with you and help you plan your perfect event, lighting and all!

Photographer - Kelly Waterman Photography

Lighting is a key aspect to any event and is one of the first things guests will notice when they arrive. Not only does it set the mood, lighting also highlights your space in the perfect way. Check out these different types of lighting to find out which one is best for you!

Uplights: Uplighting is the #1 way to create an ambience for your event and is extremely popular in the wedding and event worlds. Uplights are stationed throughout the space with light shining upward, usually onto a wall or ceiling. This creates a subtle and romantic glow that is great for photos and dancing, and the best part is, you can choose and even customize your colors!

Static lighting is one type of uplighting, and it is exactly what it sounds like: stationary lights with a fixed color scheme.

Intelligent lighting, also called programmable lighting, is another type of uplighting that changes colors, which creates dynamic movement throughout the room.

Wash lights: This type of lighting is a projection of color throughout the whole room, created by placing colored gels over the lights. There are many types of washes and the color combinations are completely customizable. Wash lights are great if you want your wedding or event colors to really stand out and catch the eye of everyone in the room.

Pattern lights: Similar to wash lights, a pattern light is projected over the ceiling and tables of the space to create texture in the room. This can really liven up your space, especially if the walls or ceilings are a solid color and you’re looking to jazz it up.

GOBO lights: Projects a stencil or template onto any surface in the room. They are most often used to project the couple’s names or initials, but can be used in any way you like. They are the perfect addition if you are looking for that extra bit of personalization to really make your space pop.

Pin spot lights: Used to bring focus to one or multiple areas in the space, pin spots are a beam of light that is directed at the spot to create a lighted focal point. They are often used to highlight table centerpieces, especially florals, and bring the eye of the guests immediately to the illuminated point. Pin spots create a dramatic scene of illumination and are perfect if centerpiece design is a key aspect of your decor.

Whatever your goals may be, lighting is the perfect way to achieve them while elevating your wedding or event!

Light the Way: The Importance of Event Lighting

Guided by the Light: The Perfect Lighting for Your Event