Transform a Venue with Lighting

Lighting can be classified into two categories:

1. Decorative/Ambient
2. Functional

The first is what many clients want, that wow factor or the popping effect when you walk into the room. This literally involves a transformation of the space using decorative lighting fixtures to set the mood.

Functional refers to the lighting that is necessary but does not overwhelm the ambience beign sought after. It is sufficient lighting that allow guests to move around a space or could involve lighting up a car park for security and safety reasons and if necessary, allows for reading.

Now that we have differentiated the two, lets look at some lighting applications that make an event space look fantastic:

Upward Lighting on Event Signage at the Hilton - Photo Courtesy: Soundvision Ltd.

Uplighting

Possibly the most popular type of lighting, it uses lighting fixtures that project their coloured lighting updward against your decorative elements (e.g. truss, fabric, etc.) or walls. 

Centrepiece Lighting

A typical yet effective means of enhancing an event is the use of small lighting fixtures with your centrepieces. Generally a small batter powered light is used to highlight the selected table arrangement. For a different touch, submercilbel tea lights can be used for water filled centrepiecies.

Fairy Lights

For a wonderful whimsical but yet inexpensive means of lighting up your space, fairy lights or regular christmas lights (string or icicle) can be used behind sheer fabric, on foilage, drapped or dangled against other surfaces to amplify your decor.

Sparkle Trees

Typically associated with the LED Christmas Trees, now there is a new wave of non-Christmas related trees that also contain lights in their brances or leaves. This pieces can be decorative with or without the lights.

Textured Lighting Applied to the Ceiling of the Hilton Ballroom - Photo Courtesy: Soundvision Ltd.

Textured Lighting

Using a textured lighting can be a means of merging a pattern (used in different aspects of the event) into your decor. Similar to silouhettes, a gobo (a stencil or screen) is placed over the fixtures light to cast a pattern against a wall or cieling or even the floor. Stars are quite popular for award programmes.

Spot Lighting

This form of traditional lighting that is typically used for stages, is also used for lighting up items at the events. It can be used to illuminate cakes at weddings or dessert stations at a cocktail.

Branding the Ceiling with DIC's Logo - Photo Courtesy: Soundvision Ltd.

Monogram Lighting 

This is a hit these days as clients get an opportunity to brand their events using a gobo (stencil or screen) that adds to decorative aspect with personalised touch.

Places with Spaces would like to hear more from you on some of the lighting techniques you have used.