The lighting at your wedding reception can create a magical environment for your special day. I would be hard pressed to find a bride and groom who do not have a fond memory of watching fireworks, looking up at a night sky and seeing the millions of pin points of light or enjoying a romantic candlelight dinner. Just think back to some of the most memorable times of your relationship and you will probably remember that the lighting set much of the "mood" for the event!

It is doubtful that the guests who attend your event will comment that 'the lighting was spectacular,' but it is one of those background elements that will effect the overall mood. The 1st rule of wedding venue styling is that great lighting is the key to a successful event. It can transform a room, even making the walls appear to be a different colour.

The look of your system is important. Although most people won't recognise specific makes/models of lighting fixtures, they will notice if your setup is untidy or unprofessional. Try to aim for fairly consistent looking fixtures. Stick to a colour scheme if possible -- most lighting effects, clamps, and stands are black and silver. Use all black cables and keep them tidy by taping or strapping them to your lighting stands.

This is a popular lighting technique provided by the event management companies. This technique washes the entire venue or a particular wall with lights. You can choose the color of your choice or the one that suits the theme of the event. You can even choose the lighting that changes colors eventually giving a more dramatic effect.

There are numerous options and nearly limitless possibilities that create a confusing decision making process. I will attempt to simplify lighting for you! All of the options are typically available through a company that specializes in lighting. These companies typically are found by searching for "wedding lighting companies". Alternatively, talk to your wedding reception venue. They are likely to have experience with local professionals who can create the look you wish. Some venues may also have some lights available for you to utilize.

Proper planning does not stop once the cameras move indoors. Wedding photographers prefer venues that are painted white or other neutral colors. A ceiling that ten to twenty feet high and similarly colored allows photographers to "bounce" flash for a more natural light. If possible, avoid venues that have mixed sources of light and strongly colored decorum. Strong colors, such as deep blues or greens, have a way of casting similarly colored reflections onto the faces of those photographed.

A good lighting company will focus mainly on details in order to increase the effect of the lighting. Also, an experienced lighting designer will know that it is important to keep the ambient light at a very low level and set up lights to focus on the key elements of the event. Another overlooked and important part of lighting design is how the lighting stands are placed. It is important to place these stands in places where it does not spoil the look of the venue and get in the way of people.