Wedding lighting has recently become a hot topic, as far as design goes. Why settle for the lighting that your venue provides when you can create any kind of mood and feel you want with some simple lighting techniques? Here are just a few ways that you can spice up your big day even further by using specialized wedding lighting.
Under The Spotlight
A spotlight can be an integral part of your lighting design. Use a spotlight to shine the focus on any area you like. Common uses for spotlights are to highlight the wedding cake, especially when it is being cut, and to bring focus to the bride and groom during their first dance. Spotlights are helpful during the reception, to pull focus to where the action is instead of having to make a huge announcement…people can’t help but look.
Add Some Color
Colored gels are becoming a common element in wedding lighting, as they add a real fun, energetic feel to the reception. If you want to get people up dancing, colored gels really do help! They make everyone feel more like they are at a party or club, and less self-conscious about getting up and shaking a tail feather. Use several colors to create different moods throughout the night, such as romantic blues for slow dances and hot reds for fun, fast dancing.
Romantic Candles
There are few things that are as romantic as candles when it comes to lighting your reception venue. There are numerous options that you can take. You could choose to have a beautiful candle centerpiece set such as pictured here. All of the items in this set can be purchased together, making it a snap to organise your wedding table decorations.
Alternatively, You could choose to have elegant candelabras that are ideal to make a statement. These can be purchased or hired from a florist. They are particularly striking in high ceiling rooms or wedding tents.
Project Your Personality
A unique and rising trend in wedding lighting is using projections. You can project a custom design onto the dance floor, or behind the head table. any design will do, so pick something that represents the two of you. Monograms are popular, but if you both have a symbol you love, or animal, you can use that as well. You can use clear lights for this, or choose a color that fits in with your wedding palette.
Lighting Outside
If you are having your wedding reception outside, you should think very carefully about the way that you light the venue. It really can change the mood of the event and turn an ordinary occasion into a magical evening.
You could string multicoloured lanterns together as seen in this photo. These are a great way to add a touch of fun and excitement to the evening. And of course, if you are having an Asian or Chinese theme wedding, they will work perfectly. You can purchase this type of lantern from this online wedding retailer.
Hurricane lamps are also suitable for using for outside weddings. These are a natural choice if you want the romance of an open flame but require the safety of a lamp and the piece of mind that your flames will not be blown out by the wind.
Opulent Lighting
Chandeliers are making more frequent appearances at wedding receptions, even ones that are slightly more informal. You can rent one large one and make it a focal point, or rent several smaller ones and sprinkle them around the venue in significant areas. Chandeliers can help hide an unappealing ceiling, add romance and glamor, or create a warm glow during dinner.
You may even be fortunate enough to find your venue have their own candeliers. We work at one very popular venue and in their main ceremony and reception room are three huge original antique chandeliers. I can’t help thinking that they really do help sell that room to brides. I love the way the glass droplets twinkle in the breeze from the large ceiling to floor doors that open out on to the terrace.
Talk To The Experts
When you are planning your wedding lighting, it is a good idea to speak to a specialist or a planner who has experience with different lighting schemes. Let them know the mood you would like, and they should be able to suggest a few different lighting design ideas you can use to really make your big day special.