Enchanted by the romance of the night, many couples hold their wedding receptions in the evening. These events require the right lighting to highlight décor and allow for clear, beautiful photographs. If you’re planning a nighttime reception, check out these three tips for exquisite lighting.

How to Light Up Your Wedding Reception

1. Learn Lighting Terminology

When planning your lighting, you’ll need to communicate effectively with your wedding planner, venue, and lighting professionals. Simplify those discussions by learning these basic lighting terms:

• LED: Light-emitting diode (LED) lights are energy-efficient alternatives to incandescent lights. They offer vibrant colors that can be programmed to change with your music.
• String Lights: Similar to Christmas lights, string lights are usually quite affordable and can be used in numerous ways. For example, you can dangle them from the ceiling or tent, wrap them around trees or pillars, or drape a wall of them behind your cake.
• Spotlight: A spotlight is a lamp that illuminates a particular area or object, such as a wedding cake or centerpiece.
• Color Wash: As its name suggests, a color wash covers an area or room in a specific color to create a particular mood.
• Gobo: A gobo is a circular stencil placed over a light to create a design or pattern on the ceiling, wall, or floor. Many couples use them to project their wedding date or names. 

2. Consider Your Style 

Different types of lighting complement various styles. For instance, if you’re aiming for a classic, romantic atmosphere, consider placing candelabras on the tables, shining a spotlight on your cake, and draping string lights from the ceiling or tent to resemble a starry sky. 

If you want a modern, party feel, electrify the dance floor with strobe lights and LED mirrorball effects. Use gobo lights to create funky patterns or mimic stars. 

For a rustic wedding, put antique lanterns on the tables for a natural glow. Use globe-style string lights, or market lights, to make the space feel homey and whimsical. 

3. Visit Your Venue With Your Lighting Specialist

To ensure that your lighting visions can come to life, visit your venue with the person in charge of your lighting. If it’s indoors, examine the built-in lighting so that you know how to enhance or work around it. If it’s outdoors, visit when it’s dark out so that you know which areas will require the most lighting. Determine the number of outdoor outlets and whether you should get a generator for additional power. 

Illuminate your dream wedding reception with the help of Party Pleasers Services. With locations in Cincinnati and Columbus, OH, these expert event planners have been designing gorgeous weddings for more than 20 years. They’ll light up your venue with enchanting fixtures such as spotlights, gobo lights, and LED mirror ball effects. Planning more than 1,000 events every year, they also specialize in music, décor, and photo booths. Learn more about their services online, and call (513) 417-8316 to start planning your reception.