The Importance of Lighting for Your Special Event

Lighting!  It may seem like the least important item on your check list for your special event, but lighting is one key element to achieve the look I want for any event.  Most facilities offer harsh lighting, and you typically have two options- on or off.  And if it's your lucky day you might have access to a dimmer switch, which truly is a wonderful addition.  But don’t let poor lighting options stop you from using an event location that is perfect in every other way. With up lights, pin lights, gobo, we at O'Brien Productions can transform any room into a great venue.

As you can see, the difference a little lighting add to transform this  little chandeliers, unique tiled floor and stone fireplace room into a soft romantic reception dance floor for this bride. This was created by 16 red up lights lining the perimeter of the room, ten lighted tress and candles on the fireplace.

Paper Lanterns are a very popular way to create a fun or themed events,  They are very inexpensive and come in a variety of colors and patterns.  It is important to think about how to get them lit.  We usually use battery operate lights to avoid the look of electrical cords being strung. But to use battery require two steps—you must first hang the lanterns where you would like to be and then right before your party starts you must go back to each individual lantern to turn it on. This task may be impossible – if you need to get ladders or lifts to the lantern over tables that are set for the evening.

Something fun that many of the event planners use when you need a lot of light is Airlight Balloons.  They are stable in winds up to 55 mph, glare-free Moonlights are available in 150, 400, and 1,000 W outputs and illuminate areas up to 100 feet from light source. No fans are required to keep air in water-resistant PVC balloon, bulbs last up to 10,000 hours, and lights are suited for indoor or outdoor use.  

They are great at night time events, of cocktail parties, concerts, evening picnic, evening pool parties or festivals.

Make sure you think about safety — It is important to coordinate your lighting needs with a professional to assure your power needs, restrictions of the location site, no conflict with the band or DJ’s light show and safe position of electrical cords.  

Lighting is playful and fun- it will allow to change the mood or location of any event.  So don’t be afraid to Light It Up!