Lighting Decor for Indoor and Outdoor Events
Photo by Lesly Hall
As a DJ in the event industry my main focus has always been creating great entertainment for my clients receptions. As the company started to grow and I was adding in additional services I realized how important it was to create an ambience by lighting up a room. When guests walk into a venue to attend a reception the phrase “presentation is everything” definitely comes into play. It’s that WOW factor that your guests see when they arrive. Décor lighting plays a very big part in creating that WOW factor. Here are some things you should consider when deciding on décor lighting for indoor and outdoor events.
Lighting for Indoor Events
For indoor events, the first thing you should do when you walk in the room is look up. There you will see what kind of fixtures are lighting up the room. Are there recessed lighting or the dreaded florescent lights? Not my favorite choices.
The second task is to find out if the lights are on dimmers and how many light switches control the lights in the room. If you have little or no control over the lights it could change your party drastically especially during dancing. You’d be surprised as to how many venues in LA have only recessed or florescent lights with only one or two switches to control and no dimmer capability. As a rule I always ask my clients about the lighting ahead of time so we can avoid any pitfalls due to house lighting issues.
The great thing about décor lighting is that you have way more control over your setting by turning off the house lights altogether and creating a beautiful pallet of color on the walls as well as a soft wash across the room. If you make the decision to use only the house lights it could end up being an all or nothing situation and from a DJ standpoint it’s either going to be too bright for your guests to want to get on the dance floor or too dark that no one can see anything in the room.
Lighting for Outdoor Events
If your event is outdoors, it is best to see the venue lit up at night and most of the time you can make an appointment with the event coordinator at the facility to see the site in the evening. This way you can make a conscious decision on what you will need for your event.
Typically the lighting is minimal with Bistro stringer lights or a wash on the area but will that be enough to light the tables so your guests can see their meal as well as the see the other guests at the table? It’s no fun eating in the dark. Also, take a look around the outer part of the reception area to see if it is lit up as well.
You want to create a space so you don’t feel like your party is in in the middle of nowhere. Lighting up trees around the area will truly make a difference. You can even use your event colors which will tie in with your theme and bring your vision together to make it complete.
These lighting solutions are just the very basics in making your reception space look absolutely beautiful. Keep an eye out for my next blog as I will touch on some other really great décor lighting ideas to add to the WOW factor.
By Lisa Capitanelli Kasberg