Think of the most romantic times you have spent with your fianc: watching a setting sun, looking at the stars in the nighttime sky, candle light dinners, twinkling lights during the holidays, fireworks. The common denominator is light Light sets the mood Light adds contrast. Light turns dull into magnificent
You have planned your wedding to the smallest detail. Have you considered the lighting? Well-planned lighting for your wedding reception can make a huge difference in the overall atmosphere and how your guests "see" the celebration.
There are numerous options and nearly limitless possibilities that create a confusing decision making process. I will attempt to simplify lighting for you All of the options are typically available through a company that specializes in lighting. These companies typically are found by searching for "wedding lighting companies". Alternatively, talk to your wedding reception venue. They are likely to have experience with local professionals who can create the look you wish. Some venues may also have some lights available for you to utilize.
First, the key to proper banquet hall lighting is to use light sparingly and strategically While you are choosing the reception venue, inspect the lighting options already in place. Ditch the fluorescent Nothing makes a wedding reception look like a Walmart more than overhead fluorescent tube lights Also, turn off or dim the other overhead lights. Many facilities are trying to cut their energy use and have replaced incandescent lights with compact fluorescent lights. Some CFL lights cannot be dimmed. Also, unless the venue has specifically picked a "warmer" CFL, they will have a "cold" feel.
There are three basic lighting techniques that all brides should consider. These include up-lighting, washes, and spot lights. Proper use of these three lights can add a dramatic flare to your celebration These three types are also some of the least expensive of all lights available.
The most important and basic lighting option that creates the biggest bang for the buck is the use of simple "up-lights". If you can only afford one lighting option, this is it Up-lights are basically portable lighting devices that are placed on the floor near walls and shine up. They come in a variety of colors and can create a dramatic look by accenting exposed brick walls or fabric to provide "texture" or to accent a plain wall. They are the simplest way to make a room "POP" The key is to use numerous up-lights around the room in strategic positions. A good rule of thumb is to use 3-5 on each wall, depending upon the size of the room.
Likewise "Washes" are also simple lights that cast a wide light that "washes" a wall. These lights also can be in your "theme" color. Washes are used to light up a key area such as the area behind the bride and groom or behind the band. They can also be used in place of up lights.
The third light that completes the crucial triad is the spotlight and its companion; the pinpoint. These are narrow beams of light that highlight a very small area. Commonly spotlights are used to highlight the cake. Another use is a precise pinpoint lighting fixture that can highlight a single centerpiece or an ice sculpture.
A growing trend is to use a "manned" spot light to follow the bride and groom into the reception as they are introduced or to move with the dancing bride and groom or the father-daughter dance. These lights are used intermittently during the reception to highlight other actions such as the cutting of the cake or when the groom sweeps the bride away. Remember this is your day. You are a celebrity and spotlights will make you feel like a star "Manned" spotlights are more expensive as there are labor charges.
A word of caution on the use of spotlights; make sure the people you are having highlighted realize that they will have a rather bright light pointed in their direction and instruct them not to put their hands in front of their faces to shield their eyes Also, instruct the lighting vendor to keep the absolute amount of light controlled so as to prevent excessive squinting. This will assist the photographer as no one wants a key event photograph ruined because due to a blinding light.
Another fact to remember is that the color of the light is important. Warm colors accent the faces of the people in the bridal party. Cold colors are seldom complimentary Blues will look great against the wall especially for a winter wedding, but avoid blue shades on people Also, do not feel you need to use the same color of light as the bride maid's dresses. You can pick a complimentary color. Test the colors together to find the look that fits you.
Obviously there are a lot of other lighting options available to accent the wedding reception but by using just these three you can dramatically change the look and the mood of your special celebration.
