Lighting Your Event Like a Pro

Have you ever walked into an event space and thought there was something about it that just made it look professional and special?  You couldn't put your finger on it, but there was something...  The way the room felt, the mood, the way the food looked delicious...  something...

Well, that "something" is a little secret we event planners like to call lighting.  You, too, can plan an event that has that special look of a well lit event with just a few little tips from this pro.

First, make sure light comes from many levels and sources.  Uplights are very useful at creating atmosphere.  Place the cans on the ground and focus the light up a wall or column for atmosphere, or up at a plant for interesting shadows.  Candlelight is a must on a table, the flicker of the warm glow is universally flattering and will make everyone look beautiful. Spotlights should be used to highlight anything important at the event, whether it's a special decor piece, the stage, your product, the food, anything and everything that you want people to notice must get a spotlight.  For some extra touches try gobos and projectors, too.  Gobos (see right) are spotlights with a message on them that you shine onto a wall, the dance floor, anywhere you like and it can say anything you like.  The wedding couples names, your company logo, your organization's mission statement, a design motif, absolutely anything can be made and it costs a lot less than you would think.  A custom element that adds that something very special to any party.  Projectors can be used for so much more than just corporate presentations.  Imagine a slide show of the people your nonprofit serves, or pictures of the wedding couple together, even images of snowflakes falling on the walls around the room.  Talk about creating an atmosphere!  Of course there are more options, laser light shows, searchlights outside, string lights, disco balls, you name it, but these are the bare bones of any well lit event.

Next, use colors.  Light doesn't have to be standard white light, it can be any color you can imagine.  Those uplights on your walls can be any color, turning the boring bare walls into the exact shade of blue that your bridesmaids are wearing, or you can evoke the colors of the season.  The gobo can do the same, it can even project the most intricate company logo in full color.  As for the spotlights, how about lighting the band in a contrasting color?

Finally, orchestrate it all.  When all of the cans are in place and the candles are lit, stand in the entrance of the room and have all the house lights dimmed, and play will all of the levels of all of the lights.  Imagine yourself a conductor of an orchestra, up with the gobo light, down with the band spotlight, more candles on these tables, spread those uplights out along the back...  fuss with it until you get that feeling you are looking for.  That's one of my favorite parts of setting the event.  So fun!