Lighting is something that you often overlook during the organisation of your dream wedding reception or party. The menu, the music, the decoration, the art de la table, the guests tend to become a priority. And when it comes to destination weddings, things are even worse. Hence, you forget that lighting is something magical, that can make everything look better…
You should have in mind that lighting can “substitute” decoration to a great extent and help you save some money. Even if you have no such intention, the right kind of illumination will put emphasis on all these details you spent hours on! In order to have this impactful result, you need to make sure you have planned it as well.
It is imperative that you share your vision for the special evening with a lighting expert. How have you imagined the space to be? Should the ambiance change when dancing is on? How do you picture yourselves making an entrance as a couple? The expert will plan the lighting according to your wishes, the limitations that the space may impose and naturally your budget.
It goes without saying that planning of lighting is depending on where you have your reception: indoors or outdoors. Ask the expert you have selected to accompany you to the venue of your choice approximately the same time your reception will take place. Especially if you have chosen an outdoors space. Stay in the venue until it is totally dark. Only then you are sure you know what needs to be illuminated to have a functional as well as atmospheric space. Don’t neglect to do the same for an indoor space. The venue has probably built-in lighting that can often cause problems.
Make sure that the necessary infrastructure is in place to achieve what you shoot for. If not, ask your expert to explain what is necessary and how much it will cost. Especially important, if your event is taking place in an unconventional outdoors space (e.g. a beach wedding party) where electricity outlets may not be available…
Another good idea is to invite your photographer to come along during the visit. He will know how lighting will be set up and he will be able to prepare accordingly. Even if you don’t manage to bring them together to the venue, get them into contact before the big day!
If you come to understand the importance of lighting early on and include it in your dream wedding planning, there is no doubt that night you will be glowing also because of the lighting!
