Lights Fantastic!

A key component to a fabulous wedding scene involves more than flipping on the lights switch—it involves some serious lighting! At Silver Sycamore, it’s easy to make the most of your event and transform it into a gorgeous affair with all the right lighting in all the right places. From your cake to the dinner tables, it sets the tone and creates an ambiance, however glamorous, chic or sexy you want it to be. Here are some tips and ideas to get you illuminated.

The first step is to find your lighting pros. Silver Sycamore can connect you with some of the talented vendors in our area who are capable of bringing lights fantastic to your next event or wedding. It’s important to rely on someone that’s been vetted through other vendors, someone that you can trust and whose work speaks for itself. Once you’ve connected with a vendor, take a look at examples of their lighting at previous events and be sure all the details are covered up front and in clear, concise terms.

Get to know your venue—which means spending a little bit of time with us at Silver Sycamore! Come view the grounds at nighttime to assess what type of lighting and how much of it you might want for the big day. Fixed lighting can be worked around, as you want lights that illuminate the center of attention—tables, the dance floor and your guests. Avoid fluorescent lights and use dimmers if possible to help maneuver it to the glow you want.

Familiarize yourself with the details. There are many forms and variations on lighting, so we’ve broken down some of the key terms you need to know:

Pin spot
A focused beam of light that shines directly onto an object, like a centerpiece or wedding cake, as a highlight effect.

Color wash
There are a few different types of light fixtures that can create a "wash," which is basically a blanket of colored light covering an entire area.

Gobos
Circular stencils that are put over a light to project a design or pattern. Popular gobo designs are monograms, dates, or any other wedding motifs. The complexity of the design will affect the gobo's cost -- a simple stencil can be stamped out of steel, while a more intricate design must be laser etched out of stainless steel or a glass that can withstand high heat (costing much more than a stamped stencil).

LED
Short for light-emitting diodes, LED lights are currently popular for weddings because they use much less electricity (and don't get as hot) than regular, incandescent light bulbs. This means they can sometimes be wireless, so they're even that much more discreet. LEDs are great for color changes and vibrant colors. They're also common in strands and good for accent lighting.

Other factors to consider for big day lighting include colors (don’t be afraid to use skin-flattering tones like magenta or rose!), positioning and outdoor lighting. If you’re hosting your ceremony outside, and it’s going to be sunset or later, it’s important to ensure the ambiance is carried through the entire event. The Silver Sycamore is ready to be lit to perfection—come see us today!