Let There Be Light

In the past, using special lighting techniques at weddings has often times ventured into the realm of the appallingly cheesy. A neon cupid on the wall, plastic hearts strung up at the head table, and a swirling poilce beacon making everybody on the dance floor nauseous have been viewed as the pinnacle of romantic style and ingenuity.

Thankfully, times have changed.

Today's inventive couples are using lighting as far more than just a way to guide guests to the open bar. The right lighting sets the mood and tone of wedding receptions, effectively tying together décor and theme in a way that encourages people to relax, shed their inhibitions, and have a seriously memorable time.

A space with specialty lighting versus one without can be compared to dining in an upscale lounge with mood lighting versus dining in a cafeteria under blaring white lights.

By employing the services of a professional event lighting company, couples are completely transforming reception spaces into scenes you might see in Moulin Rouge. The right lighting accentuates décor and flatters guests, as well as the wedding party, changing the entire dynamic of a reception. When people look their best, they feel their best and in turn have the most fun.

There are two primary ways in which lighting professionals create their spectacular effects.

Number one is theatrical lighting. Lighting designers will, for example, cover the roof of a tent in layers of silks and different-colored light to create Arabian Nights-style, diffused effects that put everybody at their ease and in the mood.

They also use an effect called “washing,” which involves indirectly lighting a room by illuminating walls and ceilings in colorful, understated glows. This fills a reception space with light sans the use of harsh spots.

When lighting professionals do use spotlights, they do so very carefully, positioning them in such a way as to avoid glaring into guests’ eyes. Many event lighting companies use small, direct beams known as "pin spots" to highlight the wedding cake, center pieces, and other uniquely beautiful elements of the décor that might otherwise go unnoticed.

The second way in which lighting can be used to transform a reception is through the use of gobos.

Gobos are stencils placed over spotlights and projected onto walls, floors, and outdoor spaces in order to create dazzling effects. Patterns of leaves and flowers, geometric shapes, your initials, or even something of your own creation can be juxtaposed with shimmering colors that turn a very basic area into a palace of textures and light.

When I speak with couples during our first wedding consultation, I often bring up the topic of special event lighting. Often, when people hear the word "lighting", images of mitzvahs and proms pop into their heads. After I have a chance to show them some of the lighting options available to them, I almost always see the bride and groom trying to visualize what a difference lighting can make for THEIR ballroom.

It's very cool to see a room brought to life with the use of special wedding lighting. The transformation is breathtaking.

Above: Laura Novak Photography captures the work of Eventions.