Today’s weddings are much more like productions than the white weddings of yesteryear…when our parents got married the linens, flowers, food, and the big band were the elements that set the ambiance. Today’s bride looks beyond these elements and often sets her sights on the magical aspect of specialty lighting. Not to say that these aspects are no longer important as they will always be the staple of décor but with lighting these elements will shine in ways your guests never thought possible. The term specialty lighting itself can seem intimidating but don’t be afraid of buzz words like color washing or pin spotting as these terms can take your wedding from beautiful to magical with the flip of a switch. In fact there is no better way we know to raise the bar on wedding “WOW FACTOR” than with lighting.
From the first site walk of the wedding venue with our clients, we discuss the many applications for specialty lighting. Often discussing the use of either up lighting an area or color washing. These terms specify the method in which we use light to create the drama with color that they are trying to achieve. Up lighting is a more cost effective way to achieve the beautiful look of lighting and can be used in smaller areas effectively. With larger areas of coverage color washing is recommended to create the look and cover large expansive areas. I personally love to use multi dimensional color, 2 or 3 shades of the same color, or even contrasting color to create a certain effect and add dimension to an area or a room.
Regardless of the type of lighting you choose working with the right colors to enhance the look of your wedding is always important. Here are some fabulous examples of lighting that we hope will inspire you to take the lighting leap for your own wedding.
One of my favorite examples of the many uses of lighting is a wedding we planned and designed at the Loews Hotel in South Beach. This bride wanted to create several different settings for her guests to enjoy. We started with a Lux Lounge for her cocktail hour, which was completely color washed in cool blue.
From the cocktail lounge the guests entered the reception ballroom, which we transformed into a something reminiscent of mid-summers night dream. The romantic setting was created by color washing amber lighting and branch type patterns projected onto the walls that went along the same lines as the tree centerpieces; this touch really added warmth to an extremely large space. To personalize the room a large monogram gobo was custom created for the couple in bright white and used as a focal point behind the bar and on the dance floor.
Additionally a contrasting color was used as a backdrop for the band and twinkling star patterns were projected on the ceiling to complete the romantic look of the room. As a final touch we transformed the cocktail area into a sexy dessert lounge. The once cool blue was now a vibrant fuchsia; making it a high impact way to use the same room yet have two completely different effects and ambiance. A definite highlight for the guests.
Another couple’s wedding was particularly challenging as we transformed their backyard into wedding location extraordinaire. To soften the look of the reception tent and to separate this look from the ceremony tent, we illuminated 3-D rose blooms on the front of the tent with a soft red wash behind them.
The inside of the tent was illuminated in both red and amber for a warm glow keeping with the fall colors of the wedding.
We had fun using a mix of colors for the acrylic dance floor with contrasting colors of purple and blue. The colors continued to change through the evening with the build of the energy on dance floor. To complete the look the back of the estate was also color washed with a mix of red and purple colors you may not think of using together but they were stunning. So when thinking about lighting your choices are limitless. Think elegant up lighting and pin spots or elaborate color washing, patterns, and intelligent lighting as all will enhance the look and feel of your wedding.
Happy planning…..
CREDITS
Written by:Tiffany Cook of Tiffany Cook Events