How to Choose the Best Lighting for Events

When planning an event, you might consider the venue, the food, and the guest list. But have you thought about lighting? Lighting for events is more than just a way to see in the dark. It sets the mood, grabs attention, and can even make or break your event. 

The lighting you choose for your event helps to:

• Set the Mood – Imagine walking into a room bathed in soft, warm light. It feels inviting, doesn’t it? The right lighting can create an atmosphere that complements the theme and mood of your event.
• Enhance Guest Experience – Good lighting can guide your guests, spotlight key areas like the stage or buffet, and make your event more Instagram-worthy.
• Make or Break Photos – Ever noticed how professional photos look so much better? A big part of that is lighting. Your event photos will thank you for good lighting.

Wedding Lighting

Weddings are a once-in-a-lifetime event, and the lighting should make it feel that way. From creating a romantic atmosphere to highlighting key moments, the right lighting can make your big day unforgettable.

With that in mind, it is so important to highlight key moments like the first dance or the cutting of the cake deserve special attention. Follow spotlights can track movement, ensuring all eyes are on you during these important times. At STLS, we can provide a skilled operator who can smoothly shift the spotlight’s focus as needed, making sure no key moment is missed.

If you’re tying the knot outdoors, you’ll need to think about weather-proof options are a must. A lighting solution like string fairy lights and weather-proof lanterns can add charm without the worry of bad weather leaving everyone in the dark. You can also drape Fairy lights over trees or wrap them around pillars can add a magical touch. Candles on tables or floating-in-water features can also create an intimate setting.

Another idea to add mood lighting could be using festoon lighting instead. Festoon lights are larger bulbs strung together and hung in rows. They’re great for outdoor settings, adding both light and character. They can be used to line pathways into a marquee or frame a dance floor, creating a warm and inviting space.

Another popular option is lanterns, which offer versatile lighting. Whether hanging from trees or used as table centrepieces, they can add a rustic or elegant touch. You can use traditional paper lanterns for a softer glow or metal lanterns for a more structured look.

Festival Lighting

Festivals are all about the vibe, and your lighting should contribute to that. Moving lights are a must for festival lighting. They can sweep across the crowd or stage, adding that wow factor to the event. Adding coloured lights that sync with the music will create a multisensory experience. Combined with strobe lights and lasers, this package can elevate the energy, especially during high-tempo performances.

A festival stage is where all eyes are focused, and it needs special attention. Floodlights can illuminate the entire stage, making sure performers are visible. Using spotlights can highlight key moments or performers, adding drama to the show. If you want to take the performance to the next level, pyrotechnics, while not strictly lighting, can add that extra ‘wow’ factor during climactic moments.

If you’re thinking about logistics, pathway lighting is essential to guide attendees safely around the venue. Well-lit signs can direct people to exits, food stalls, or restrooms, making the event more enjoyable and secure.

Festivals can consume a lot of electricity and power, so consider using solar-powered lights or LEDs, which are not only bright but also kinder to the planet.

Outdoor festivals are at the mercy of the weather, so your lighting should be weather-proof to handle rain, wind, or extreme heat. Cable ramping can protect the wiring from both weather conditions and foot traffic, ensuring that your lighting setup is both safe and reliable.

Lighting for Corporate Events

Corporate conferences are a blend of formality and engagement. This indoor event lighting should not only be functional but also add to the overall experience. 

The speaker is often the focal point of a corporate conference, so spotlights can be used to highlight the speaker, ensuring that the audience’s attention is centred on the stage. This is especially useful during keynotes or panel discussions.

The stage is more than just a platform; it’s a part of the event’s visual appeal. A combination of front and backlights can add depth to the stage setup. Coloured lights can also be used (sparingly) to highlight brand colours or to set the mood during different segments of the conference.

Visual aids like slides or videos are common in corporate events. Good stage lighting can make these elements more visible and engaging. LED panels offer bright, clear light and can be adjusted to reduce glare on screens, making it easier for the audience to focus on the content.

While the tone of corporate events is generally formal, that doesn’t mean the lighting has to be stark. Dimmable lighting allows you to adjust the atmosphere throughout the event. Lowering the lights during a video presentation and brightening them for Q&A sessions can make the event more dynamic.

LED panels are a versatile choice for corporate settings. They offer a clean, professional look and are energy-efficient. Dimmable lights give you the flexibility to adjust lighting levels, helping to keep the audience engaged.

Lighting for Bat Mitzvah’s

A Bat Mitzvah ceremony is a deeply spiritual event. For this part, consider using soft, warm lights to create a serene and sacred atmosphere. This helps to set the tone for activities like Torah reading or prayers.

Certain moments during the event hold special significance. Spotlights can be used to focus attention on these activities, such as when the Torah is read or during important speeches. This ensures that the meaningful parts of the event are front and centre.

This is a joyful occasion, and the lighting should reflect that. Colourful lights can add a playful touch to the venue. Strobe lights can energise the dance floor, making it the place to be for younger guests. Mirror balls can also add a retro flair and spread light in a fun, dynamic pattern across the room.

Lighting for Theatre and Stage

In the theatre world, lighting is not just about visibility; it’s a storytelling tool. It can set the mood, focus attention, and even serve as a character in the story. For instance, soft, warm lights can create a cosy, intimate atmosphere, perfect for romantic or heartfelt scenes. On the other hand, harsh, cold lights can add tension or drama, making suspenseful scenes even more gripping.

For more tips on theatre and stage lighting, we’ve written a comprehensive blog post on our top 5 picks for lighting equipment for stage and theatre production.

How to Set Up Your Event Lighting

Setting up your event lighting might seem daunting, but with the right steps and tools, it’s a task you can tackle.

1. First, make a plan. Know where each light will go and what its purpose is.
2. Gather your tools. You’ll need power distribution like extension cords, ladders, and tape to mark positions. Make sure you also have a team to help, as setting up lighting is often at least a two-person job.
3. Start with the larger lights like floodlights or spotlights. These usually require more effort and may need to be mounted on stands or fixtures. Once they’re in place, you can focus on smaller lights like fairy lights or uplighting.
4. Turn on each light after setting it up to make sure it’s working and positioned correctly.
5. Do a full run-through. Turn on all the lights and walk through the event space to ensure everything looks as planned. Make any last-minute adjustments, and you’re good to go. Remember, safety first. All cables should be securely fastened and out of the way to prevent trips and falls. Use cable ramping for extra safety, especially in high-traffic areas.

Make Your Next Event Shine with STLS

Lighting is more than just a way to see in the dark; it sets the mood, highlights important moments, and can even be the star of the show. Whether planning a wedding, a festival, or a corporate event, the right lighting can make all the difference.

If all this talk about lighting setup sounds like a lot to handle, don’t worry. At STLS, we offer complete event production packages that cover everything for you. From planning and design to setup and takedown, our team of experts has got you covered. We use top-quality lights and equipment to ensure your event looks its best. So why stress over details when you can let the pros handle it? Get in touch with us to find out more about our custom lighting packages tailored just for you. Contact us today to get started.