Lighting Ideas for Events

Lights can add a lot to your event experience if done properly. They create the right ambience, highlight areas that you want to focus on, direct eyes to speakers and grab the attention of guests. There needs to be balance. Lights that are too bright can make your event feel stark and cold, but if the lighting is too dim, your guests may not notice all the elements you want them to see at your event.

Up-lights at your event

Up-lights are a good way to create an atmosphere at your event, particular if used around the edges of simple venues such as an empty room in a conference centre or a ballroom. Up-lights don’t just add luminescence, they can also add colour which can add to the sense of occasion.

Whether your event is a gala dinner, speaker event, charity or sporting event, wedding or cocktail function, Up-lights are good ideas to create a welcoming and warm space.

Using gobo’s

Other lighting ideas are gobos. A gobo is a physical stencil or template that is placed inside or in front of a light source, to control the shape of the emitted light. They are often used with stage lights to manipulate the shape of the light which is cast over a space or object. A metal gobo with patterned holes allows only the desired shape or pattern of light through, casting a specific pattern of light and shadow into the space.

Gobos may be used, in connection with projectors and simpler lights, to bring to life theatrical ideas at events. Simple gobos are popular at nightclubs and other musical venues to create moving shapes. Gobos may also be used for architectural lighting, as well as in interior design, other ideas include projecting a company logo on a wall or other feature.

You can project gobos onto ceilings, floors and walls, making them a good way to add visual interest. Gobos are great for transforming your event by giving it a dynamic atmosphere and feel. Gobos are highly flexible, work perfectly with many types of events from conventions, to galas and even weddings displaying the happy couples’ initials.

 

Create a light show

Light shows are often used at corporate events before an awards ceremony or speeches to both build excitement amongst your guests as well as to indicate that something special is about to happen, whether that be a speech or an award. Light shows also create a fantastic dance vibe at discos and high energy events. Light shows are often combined with Up-lights and gobos, but lights in a light show will be constantly moving and flashing to a design customised by a lighting engineer specifically for your event.

Highlight design with pin lighting

A Pin-spot light is an individual computerised table light, suspended above each table, that can change colour, patterns and position throughout events. Often used for gala dinners and weddings pin lighting adds extra drama to change the look and feel of the table décor.

Pin lighting directs attention to specific parts of your event and can be used to transform centre-pieces, décor elements and table settings into works of art. Pin lighting will separate centre-pieces from table linens, making them stand out, creating a more dynamic ambience at times that can be scheduled and pre-determined.

You can choose to have an open circle of light or choose from a selection of striking patterns, making the table a styled feature. Weddings usually use subtle moving patterns on the floral centrepieces. Gala events can have corporate or club colours projected onto every table.