“How to Use Lighting” Article for Premier Bride Magazine
How to Use Lighting to Create “Drama” For Your Next Event:
Choose Your Mood
If you want to create a “Wow Factor” that will make your guests feel as if they have entered an enchanted far away land as soon as they enter the room, then you should look no further than your closest lighting designer.
A well designed and executed lighting plan can change the whole atmosphere in the flip of a switch. If you don’t have the most elaborate looking venue, you can certainly create one by using theatrical lighting.
Most weddings these days are much, much more than just a ceremony and then a reception with cake, punch and mints; no today’s savvy couples want “drama”!
We can use our artistic design to translate the emotions each couple comes to us with. Whether you’re planning a romantic evening or a sultry affair, it’s important that you communicate to your planner or lighting team the exact look and vibe you want. To change the energy in the room during the night, we can employ a system called intelligent lighting: You can create customized assortments of light or light palettes that alternate throughout the night. Options include an “excitement” palette of reds and oranges, to energize your guests, or a calming “in-between-courses” palette of blues and purples, which can soothe guests and facilitate conversation.
Use Flattering Hues
Golden and amber tones allow you and your guests to look their best. Warm colors, such as gold, flatter everyone and highlight decor beautifully. Shades of pink are also complimentary. You can use these shades to color an entire space and invoke a sense of warmth and comfort.
Light to Enhance
To highlight centerpieces and food displays, we employ a technique called pin spotting, in which a tightly focused light makes decorative touches shine. Gobo lights—a special projector with an etched metal template (the gobo)—can be used to wash the walls with the lines of your favorite poem or to shine a pretty pattern such as the couples monogram on the dance floor.
Gorgeous light isn’t relegated to reception space only. Hallways and courtyards can, and should, be embellished. If your party is a subdued one, you may choose to illuminate these areas to complement your reception lighting and decor. If you opt for a funkier vibe, however, you can change the colors and moods of each area.
A wonderfully lit space is sure to create a desirable ambience and enhance your reception decor. When your guests walk into a room that is lit properly, they will not only look good, but feel great too.”
~Angela Mazanti
Angela Mazanti Events is a full service event design firm, fully equipped and staffed to “Illuminate” your next event.~
(901) 690-2738
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