Of all the décor options, lighting design is the ultimate element that will set the tone for your wedding. More than just illuminating a room, imaginative and well-planned lighting will establish your ideal environment, transforming your wedding from ordinary to extraordinary.
Advances in technology and a trend in more unique weddings have turned lighting design into an element of personalization rather than functionality. Larry Lustberg of Stortz Lighting has noticed a decline in “cookie-cutter” weddings and a move toward more “couture, individually-crafted weddings, designed from the ground up to fit the individual vision and budget of the bride and groom.” Many of the weddings Lustberg has worked on recently have been smaller, which he says allows the couple and design partners to focus on creating a stunning ambiance to be appreciated by their family and friends.
This focus has led to the emergence of more distinctive lighting styles. Here are the top seven trends that will bathe your guests in jaw dropping light:
CHANDELIERS
While chandeliers aren’t a new form of lighting, they are being used in more creative ways. Rather than a single fixture overlooking a table, chandeliers are being more commonly grouped together or hung from distinguished areas, such as tents or chuppahs. Chandeliers can even bring their beautiful glow to the outdoors. Dasha Powell of Illumene Event Lighting says that chandeliers suspended from trees create a look of enchantment and sophistication.
The classic crystal chandelier is still a coveted piece for its elegance and glamour, but a variety of styles brighten the setting just as beautifully. Intelligent Lighting Design’s Katherine McCommon has seen a growth in requests for custom-designed pieces to accommodate specific themes, from couture to diamond-studded to old Hollywood styles. No matter the chandelier type, they all add a touch of dreamy romance. “Chandeliers cause guests to gasp with excitement as they enter a wedding reception space – every single time.”
OUTDOOR LIGHTING
As brides diverge from traditional venues and opt for more unconventional ones, outdoor lighting has become increasingly popular. McCommon finds tree illuminations and café string bulbs hanging in canopies over lawns to be the most admired options of this trend. The lighting is soft and subtle, enhancing the natural effects of the outdoors.
Café string bulbs, as well as vintage pendants, can also be hung from the ceilings of ballrooms for brides who wish to bring the outdoors in. This effect can also be achieved by setting up lighting outside of windows, which McCommon says creates the illusion of moonlight shining through. This washes the dance floor with a more intimate and mystical feel.
BREAK-UP PATTERNS
The custom monogram is being abandoned for eye-catching break-up patterns. Also known as a Gobo projection, this practical and stylish lighting design is projected on an open wall or dance floor to hide imperfections or to create a focal point.
“It creatively “breaks up” the monotony of that area…it creates an amazing “wow” factor,” Powell said.
McCommon has noticed a growing popularity with patterned dance floors, which allow the bride to instantly create a dance floor the size of her choice. With over hundreds of patterns to choose from, the possibilities are endless.
INTELLIGENT DANCE FLOOR LIGHTING
At the heart of the evening’s festivities is the dance floor, which can be brought to life with intelligent dance floor lighting. This favored technique matches light to every second of the music and is controlled by a lighting technician. Powell says it can visually reinvent a room every few minutes when synchronized with programmable uplights to change colors and create special lighting effects.
“By responding to the beat of the music, it creates a nightclub experience and adds to the excitement of the dance floor and is no doubt, incredibly modern.”
Intelligent dance floor lighting is ideal for the imaginative bride and groom who want to spotlight their special moments and get guests gravitating toward the dance floor.
INCANDESCENT LIGHTING
For a delicate and sophisticated glow, many brides prefer incandescent lighting. Meeker notes that it’s making a comeback. He most often uses it to light architecture and other décor elements, or as a source that will bask guests and the bridal party in a flattering light.
“Incandescent light is tried, true and the go to source that I use to make the bride, her mother and all the other ladies look beautiful.”
Meeker advises that incandescent lighting is most effective when used sparingly and as a shadow to the dominant visual. For brides who want to transform their wedding into something magical, incandescent lighting will surely sculpt an alluring vibe.
CANDLELIGHT
When strategically paired with other lighting techniques, candles have the propensity to create a dim, magical glow that compliment any and all surrounding subjects.
Ray Thompson of Images by Lighting notes the importance of realizing the unique qualities the bride and groom possess and conveying them through wedding light design. “Personally, I find that most of my wedding lighting designs are built around the candles, and how the effect of the candlelight complements the face, color and tone of the bride and groom and their guests.”
For the bride and groom who wish to have wedding lighting that’s both sultry and complimentary, the glow of candles is a fantastic option.
LED LIGHTING
LED lighting has become a popular choice for brides who prefer a more modern twist to their wedding. Functional and versatile, LED lights add to the ambiance in multifarious ways, from uplighting to brightening centerpieces to projections.
Powell reveals that LED Lighting has generated a craze because of its many benefits, such as being programmable and providing a variety of colors. At just the touch of a button, the programmer can alter the lighting to accommodate the mood throughout the night. The newest generation of LED lighting is wireless and battery operated, which Powell says is “perfect for outdoor receptions and hard-to-reach spaces where power can be hard to come by.” LED lights are also ideal for the eco-friendly bride in that they are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
The overall efficiency of LED lighting makes it a highly customizable technique that will make any wedding reception shine.
No matter which trend you choose to light up your special night, it’s always important to use a professional lighting vendor. While some of the techniques may seem easy, hiring an experienced company is the best way to ensure your perfect ambiance.
“Their unique understanding of event design techniques and lighting equipment, combined with the ability to mix these elements together in original and unexpected ways, will enable them to create truly unforgettable environments that will surpass your expectations,” Powell said.
Meeker advises that the bride and groom should focus on talking to their coordinator to really understand what they’re getting.
“Lighting is a little technical, and a little mystical, but in the end, lighting is really, really important,” he said. “ So rather than focusing on a trend per se, since we only get married once, have your environment crafted the way you want it to be…”
Pittsburgh Event Lighting is a full-service lighting company. Your special day deserves lighting effects that bring out the beauty of everything. We believe that your event should be handled with great care, precision, and planning. Call today at 412.379.3907 or visit http://pittsburgheventlighting.com/ for the best lighting in Pittsburgh.
