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Lighting & Fireworks

Event Lighting 101 from Beyond – Part 2

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We’re starting the week off with Part 2 of BEYOND’s Event Lighting 101! Part 2 is a more in-depth look to help zero in on the details of your lighting design in order to achieve the look you want for your event.  This is the difference between a hosting a “just fine” event or one with style and pizazz. Contact Beyond today to discuss your wedding lighting needs!

The All Important Do’s
Do wash your florals in light – includes centerpieces, floral halo over dance floor, floral on chuppah or alter and floral arches over doorways.  It will make them pop and add depth to the room.
Do use dimmers for white light washes to control overall design and ambiance.
Do uplight the perimeter of the room in an elegant color.  You can use candlelight in the beginning of the night, then as the party gets going, change it to something more festive and fun, say in a blue or purple.
Do select your venue before contacting your lighting vendor.  The design process will be much smoother and efficient with a preliminary floor plan to use as a starting point.
Do wash the seating cards/escort cards and guest book table with light.  It’ll help your guests find their cards easier and they’ll be able to see what they’re signing!
Do light bar and food buffets in tents.  They can get lost in this type of setting.
Do help your guests see where they’re going! Light valets stands and walkways to assist your guests at an outdoor event.
The Even More Important Don’ts
Don’t uplight your room in green or red.  These colors are terrible for the complexion.  They also do not photograph well and can affect your event’s overall mood.
Don’t uplight in a color then not put light on your floral.  The room will look flat and lack dimension.
Don’t project a monogram or pattern on a black or black and white dance floor.  No one will see it!
Don’t uplight the room in white light.  It will be way too bright (police interrogation, anyone?) and your guests will not want to dance to your amazing band or DJ.
Don’t alternate your uplight color.  It will look stripy and cartoonish, not edgy or cool.
Don’t always believe what you see on Pinterest!  You can’t tell what has been edited or photo shopped.

Planning an important event takes time (and patience!)  You don’t want to overlook the details that will help you achieve your desired look and feel for the event, but don’t overthink them either. Lighting is an important element for your event.  At its most basic, it helps your guests see at your event; but more importantly, proper lighting shows your guests how to see your event.  Whether it’s romantic, over-the-top dramatic, club-like or rustic elegance, lighting sets the tone.  Consider BEYOND’s Lighting 101 the foundation you can now confidently build upon to create an unforgettable celebration.

Photos from top to bottom: Anna Smith Photographer, John Cain Photography, Karlisch Sutudio, Karlisch Studio, Karlisch Studio, Karlisch Studio, Picturesque Photos by Amanda, Picturesque Photos by Amanda, Tracy Autem Photography