Lighting is a subtle but important way of setting the tone for your event. Whether you want to go for an elegant mysterious setting, bright and cheerful or a dark and exotic feel, all of this can be accomplished by using an aray of highly technical lighting arrangements. Here are 6 tips to help you get the lighting you need to make your next event a big success.

 

#1. Know Your Event

What I mean here is to consider all the relevant specifics about your event as far as lighting is concerned some of the things you must consider are:

What type of function is it? Is it a formal meeting, informal meeting, sit-down dinner, gala, cocktail party, or wedding? the amount of guests attending?  table sizes, the size of the room or hall that will be used, the lighting already there, will they be dancing? The size of the stage, whether there will be speakers is there a theme etc. this is not an exhaustive list and there are many other variables to consider and will be by a lighting expert but your purposes this should make you reasonably competent.

#2. Prepare for When Things go Wrong

Remember when Michael Jackson’s hair caught fire? I love Michael Jackson so the intention is not to poke fun at him, but to highlight the fact that things could go wrong as a result of lighting and special effects. Somethings you may wish to consider are:

The need for a fire marshal to be present to shut the zone of incase of an emergency, and the need for a standby generator incase power supply is insuffiecint. You may need to know how to contact the local fire department and consider if specific regulations come into play and if fog or haze is allowed.

It is important to also consider certain logistical issues such as the presence of an elevator to move equipment around and if it can be used for this purpose, consider also the availability of parking space, storage space and insurance coverage.

#3. Get a Digital Blueprint of the Venue

Once all the facts are gathered, the next thing to do is to use a computer-aided design program to get a digital blueprint of the venue including all the planned seating and decorative arrangements. Also, the venue should b able to comply with all applicable regulations.

#4. Light Buffets, Centerpieces, Floral Arrangements and Bars

Using pin spots, you should light buffet tables, centerpieces and other places were impact lighting is needed for that area only. You should be careful that pin spots do not shine too brightly for the comfort of guests.

#5.Wash the room

In lighting terms, this means lighting the general area with a single color, evenly balanced, across the space. This enhances the beauty of the guests and makes the food look more appetizing, and the guests more elegant, creating an ambiance that makes everyone feel relaxed and comfortable.

#6. Light the walls and ceiling

You can do wonderful things with technology nowadays. On the lighting front, what is known as an ETC source four fixture, can project images on the walls that can go along with the theme of the event.

#7. Light the Stage

Reccomended types of lights to use to light the stage are Etc source fours to have a separate color for the stage which has to be set at the correct lighting temperature for a video camera. Standard par cans can be used to light the stage however intelligent lights are recommended because these are computer controlled separately and allows the operator to control the brightness and the color.

#8. Light the Dance Floor

Having a properly lit dance floor is important as it allows guests to be safe while having a good time. Intelligent lighting is recommended, this way, attention can be directed to the stars of the danceflorr by putting them under the spotlight!

#9. Add Video

This will depend on the type of event, but for parties generally, having a screen showing appropriate images such as music videos has a unique lighting effect and adds a sense of technology cool to your event.

#10. Don’t Forget Exterior Lighting

Exterior lighting is important and can used to set the tone even before guests enter the venue.  This also has a safety aspect to it of course, and using intelligent lighting can have a dramatic effect that can unleash the fun vibes within your guests and having them looking forward to a wonderful evening.