Xplosive Blog

May 18, 2018 • No Comments

Lighting for your next big event… is it needed? Are you confused with the options called: club lighting, dance floor lighting, moving heads, scanners, up-lights, monogram gobos, intelligent lights, etc.? What’s the difference and really what does all this lingo mean?

The trick with planning any party, whether it’s a bar/bat mitzvah, wedding, sweet 16, or corporate event is to spend your money wisely. Like most, you have a vision for your celebration. You can envision a look and feel. How can you accomplish this while spending wisely yet not looking “cheesy”?

When diving into the topic of “lighting” as a whole, you need to think about these questions first.

1. Does my venue have windows? If so… think about the look or theme that you are trying to achieve and consider the effects of daytime ambient natural light when applicable.
2. How big is the room where the party is being held? The obvious thought here is to scale the lighting according to the size of the space.
3. What type of ambiance am I looking to achieve? Perhaps you are going for a simple, yet elegant wedding day or conversely, you are seeking a modern chic trendy look?

Let’s begin by defining the different lighting categories first:

Club lighting or Dance Floor lighting: These are generic terms typically used by DJs or venues to describe color changing and effect lighting. Most commonly these lights are not controllable besides on and off. These light shows are generally inexpensive options. Often they are included in a package to give the perception of giving a client something of value.

Intelligent lighting: This is an industry term used to define lighting that is fully managed via computer or lighting board. A DJ or lighting technician can program these lights to create certain “looks.” These “looks” or scenes can vary from elegant slow sweeping motions, or color slow changing patterns thru fast moving and strobe effects. (When programmed properly intelligent lights can also be used to spot light certain important formalities like grand entrances and first dances). Within the intelligent lighting category is a slew of other lights options, but most common in today’s world is moving head fixtures. (We will save the fine detail describing the differences of spots, beams and wash effects for another blog).

Up-lighting (or downlighting): This is one of the biggest trends to take over events in recent years. Formerly up-lighting a room meant placing big, ugly, hot, high power drawing lights around a room with a colored gel over the lens. Now-a-days, up-lights are battery powered, color selectable (without gel) and far more manageable. Up-lighting can be set to a static color and placed around the room to wash the walls in set color. Or, they can be color controlled via computer, remote or even a smart phone app.

Monogram Gobo Projection:  Often, simply called a “gobo” this lighting option allows your “brand” to be projected via light onto a wall, ceiling or floor.  Your “brand” can be your logo, a bride and groom’s initials, a guest of honor’s name and date, etc.  Monogram gobos can come in a solid color (usually white) or can be colored.  Most commonly they are static images, but more advanced event companies also offer animated gobos.

Lighting will undoubtedly help you tell your story and take your event to new heights when done properly. Lighting can also help in accenting elements like lounge decor or stage platforms. Lighting is most certainly a great way to assist with the overall vibe for you big celebration. Static colors subliminally create a mood. Movements and color changes create energy. When executed properly, (paired with the right music and event narration) lighting can truly transform a room and atmosphere.  Be careful though to avoid being subjected to a cheap and cheesy light show.  There’s nothing even the best photographers can do about photos with hundreds of colored dots projected onto the audience.  When lighting effects aren’t managed properly, they can be a huge distraction.  (Imagine a slow dance or trying to enjoy dinner while strobes or fast moving beams of light are bouncing around the room).

Like anything else within event planning, ask questions.  Look at photos and videos.  Trust your instinct.  If something being sold seems too good to be true, it often is.   However, if you feel like you are working with an educated and experienced lighting professional who understands your vision, more than likely you are in good hands!