So What Makes Lighting So Special Anyway

In most cases event lighting is viewed as the icing on the proverbial event cake.  Most decorators, event planners, and producers know that lighting makes a huge impact on the feel and mood of an event.  Most clients however just don't get it.  They think it is simply another add on or extra cost.

Both ideas are true to a certain extent.

We all know that there have been many research papers written on the effect color has on our psyche.  How warm colors convey everything from excitement to anxiety, and cool colors convey calm and even depression.  Many of us do not know however, that the feeling you get when you walk into a room that is well lit with a combination of color and intensity, can set the mood for the whole evening.  The opposite is true as well.  There is nothing worse than walking into a room that is supposed to be about fun and dancing and finding the room lights at Full.  It just seems so sterile and uninviting.

The trick is to offer a balance.

Imagine you are at a wedding and the room lighting is generally warm, there are beautiful patterns projected on the walls layered with complimentary up lighting.  The tables are adorned with gorgeous floral centerpieces that seem to really stand out because of the soft light that is focused on each of them.  There are votive candles flickering on the tables creating a warm glow around the centerpieces.  The band is lit in soft white with blue, lavender, and pink highlights.  The dance floor has a beautiful monogram displaying the bride and grooms initials in a swirly Victorian font.

Flash forward:

Lights come up on the MC as he announces the bride and groom have just arrived.  This is the reason we are all here.  The lights in the room come up a bit and the MC announces "Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my pleasure to introduce Mr and Mrs..."  Applause erupts as the beautiful couple make there way to the dance floor.  This is the first time they have seen their monogram too, they make there way to the center of the dance floor to start their first dance.  The room darkens while simultaneously the lighting on the dance floor comes up.  Everyone is focused on them.  They are in their own world...

Now imagine that same scene but with the house lighting at 80% or even worse full on.  All the drama and intimacy is lost.

Lighting can be designed to compliment an event.  It doesn't have to be the "Show".  There is a real art form to creating a beautiful cohesive theme and feel to an event.