At Festoon, it’s no secret that we live, breathe and love lighting. Our team of passionate, detail-focused experts look at lighting as an art form and know the different ways to incorporate this into an event for the best results. We know that within event planning lighting is crucial – whether you’re looking from a practical perspective or a more decorative lens. We take all of that into perspective when doing our lighting setup and lighting plan.
Below, we’ll discuss how to understand your event space, the various essential lighting techniques and equipment, and the best lighting for specific events.
All of this combined is part of the way our team analyse an event and delivers the perfect lighting solution for your special day.
Read on to learn some of our sparkly trade secrets!
Understanding your event space
Our team always starts by analysing the space. The venue layout, what rigging points are available and your specific event floor will have a huge impact on how you position your lighting to make the event space visually spectacular, safe and practical. Whether you’re holding an indoor or outdoor event, there will be different things we have to consider. Our walk-through and thorough look at the floor plan helped us map what lighting equipment we would need, such as pre-built frames, pole structures, rigging and weights – and the amount of time and complexity involved in the installation.
The right lighting techniques
Choosing the right type of lighting is also extremely important when setting up for an event. Different lighting fixtures and types serve specific purposes which will then directly impact the mood, look and feel of your event. We’ve highlighted some of our favourite ideas below that offer brilliant lighting techniques when planning your event.
Photography by C.J. Williams Photography
Spotlights
Spotlights are a classic, must-have tool for any event lighting setup. Imagine a couple’s first dance at their wedding or a keynote speaker at a corporate conference—spotlights ensure these moments shine (literally!).
They create a strong focal point, drawing everyone’s eyes exactly where you want them. Whether you position them directly on the main event or use multiple spotlights for an even more dramatic effect, these lights are essential for creating memorable moments that last.
Uplighting
Uplighting is another popular technique where lighting fixtures are placed on the floor and directed upward, casting a beautiful wash of light on walls and highlighting features like art or architectural elements. It creates a stunning visual effect that can transform any space.
Using uplighting around a room can create a gorgeous and atmospheric border for any functional room. Not only will your guests have a stunning backdrop wherever they look, but it can also help with making large areas feel more intimate and cosy.
When used correctly, uplighting can create a very dramatic effect that will leave your guests in awe and make for some stunning pictures.
LED Lighting
LED lights are a favourite among stylists and event planners because they unlock a world of creative possibilities.
For example, our LED Rope can be used to highlight architectural features or wrap around columns. Our LED Strips can even be used to outline pathways or focus spaces, creating a romantic and enchanting atmosphere. These strips are perfect for adding a sleek, modern touch to your event, transforming ordinary spaces into extraordinary experiences.
Finding the right lighting for your event
Weddings
Wedding lighting is, of course, dependent on the type of style and look you want to achieve. Some couples opt for soft and gentle lighting to create an intimate and magical atmosphere. This is achieved through the use of ambient lighting, with a dim glow that encourage closeness and intimacy.
There are many ways you can encourage and incorporate this mood within your lighting. This could be through the use of simple festoons with a frosted or filament globe, or a cluster of classic pendant lights with different globes, which are some of our favourite wedding lighting choices.
If you’re interested in pendant lights and how they can be used at your event, read our most recent ‘Light Up’ blog on the benefits of pendant lights.
Photography by Love Her Photography
Corporate events
Typically, corporate events will be looking for clean, fresh and bright lighting. However, we know every company has its own style. An easy way you can personalise your corporate event is using stencilled globe lighting. This technique can show your company’s logo or a brand message on the walls and floors.
Dynamic lighting can be a strong favourite within corporate events, adding energy and focus to the space. Accent lighting can highlight important areas such as the speaker’s podium or stage, or even an art fixture.
If you need an expert team to help you with your corporate event lighting needs, check out our corporate lighting portfolio today.
Cocktail Events
Cocktail events call for lighting that is both elegant and functional, creating a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere. Think of warm, ambient lighting that encourages mingling and conversation. Festoons, Fairy Lights and LED strips can add a touch of sparkle and highlight key areas like the bar or seating zones.
No cocktail event is complete without the moodiness created by table lamps – that work on high tables or low tables, and even on bars. Check out our most popular Sphere Table Lamps and our favourite Luna Table Lamp.
Spotlights can also play a role, subtly highlighting key features or focal points without overwhelming the space. The goal is to blend practical lighting with aesthetic appeal, ensuring your guests feel comfortable and engaged throughout the evening. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, our lighting solutions can help set the perfect scene for your cocktail event.
Conclusion
Choosing the right lighting for your event is essential to creating a polished, aesthetically pleasing, and safe environment. Thoughtful planning and attention to detail are key. Collaboration with lighting professionals can be an ideal way to ensure your vision is flawlessly executed. If you’re looking to elevate your event with expert lighting services, reach out to us today and let’s make your event shine.
Need more ideas for your event? Check out our collection of events we’ve helped deliver in our Look Book for more inspiration.
FAQS:
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Why is lighting important for events?
Lighting is important for events for a multitude of reasons, as it can affect the mood and experience of your guests as well as heavily impact the visual effects. You can transform a space with the correct lighting and create a truly memorable experience for your guests.
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Why are lighting techniques important?
Lighting techniques are important because they can seriously enhance the visual effects of an event, a space or during a performance. Using the correct lighting techniques is imperative for safety and for creating stunning visuals.
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How does event lighting impact guests?
Event lighting has a huge impact on your guests, both in how they perceive your event and how they feel after it. It affects the mood, vibe and energy of your guests. For example, using cool and bright light can leave people feeling energised, whereas soft and warm lighting offers a cosy, romantic feel.
Photography by Peggy Saas
