Are you considering professional lighting on your wedding day? Do you have a friend or a vendor who has encouraged you to consult with a lighting designer to give your wedding that extra “Wow” factor? Now more than ever, experienced wedding professionals are preaching that “Lighting is everything!”
Most couples don’t stop to think about how they can set the mood and control the ambience of their ceremony and reception with a variety of lighting techniques.
(Photo courtesy of Brooke Mayo Photography)
Here are some tips direct from the experts at Blue Steel Lighting Design to help you determine your lighting needs:
Time Your Site Visit Right & Bring Samples
Many times, couples visit their wedding venues and reception spaces during the day, even though their events will be held at night. For the best reflection of the conditions on your wedding day, visit as close as possible to your event time.
In a ballroom, play with the lighting controls (or ask your venue manager to demonstrate different light settings). Can you achieve the look you want using just the in-house lighting?
If you can, take a flower arrangement sample with you, and set up a sample table. Is the arrangement that you spent so much on vibrant or does it loose its color in a poorly lit room?
On an outside wedding, go to the venue at night to see how it will look. Is there any landscape lighting? Think about the difference between security lighting and ambient, décor lighting. Is it possible to combine the two forms of lighting to serve both purposes?
(Photo courtesy of Scott Hayne Photography)
The Cost-Effective Solution
Lighting is one of the most cost effective ways to take your wedding to the next level. Couples are amazed at the way it can transform and personalize a room. Solutions are available in almost every budget range too. Be honest with your lighting expert about your expectations and limitations and they can explain to you in detail what options you have.
Hire an Expert
Understand that wedding lighting and special event lighting (or concert lighting) are not the same. You’re probably asking “how do I tell the difference” and “how do I choose a lighting vendor”?
- Look at a portfolio of their work. Does it look elegant like a wedding, or does it look like a random light show? Don’t let a lighting company turn your wedding into their show.
- Interview the designer. Do you share a vision, or are you on two different pages? Did you make a connection? Do you trust him or her 100%
- Ask three vendors who they would use. This is a great suggestion before you hire any wedding professional. If you can’t get a consensus from three vendors, keep asking until a strong trend emerges.
At Blue Steel Lighting Design, we have developed solutions to all of the wedding lighting problems. We have been recognized in many nation publications for our work, and we look forward to serving you on your special day.
Jeremy Kilgore, founder of Blue Steel Lighting Design contributed this article. He created Blue Steel Lighting Design to serve brides and wedding professional with all of their lighting and rigging needs. If you really want expert advice, call Blue Steel at 757-816-1939 and set up an appointment today. Their staff is dedicated to making your experience fun and easy.
Disclosure: Blue Steel Lighting Design is a World According to Weddlady sponsor, as well as a good friend and highly recommended service provider to our clients.
Comments