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The Lighting & Sound Company acquires Main Stage Productions

RICHMOND, VA – The Lighting & Sound Company, a regional event lighting and audio-visual services provider, has reached an agreement to acquire assets of Main Stage Productions, Inc., Virginia’s preeminent mobile staging supplier.  For more than 20 years, Main Stage Productions has been providing Stageline mobile stages, as well as related event staging services, for events and venues throughout Virginia and the mid-Atlantic region.

The acquisition integrates two industry-leading businesses in the Richmond area, with Main Stage’s mobile stage inventory complementing Lighting & Sound Co’s extensive range of special event lighting, audio and video production, and event decor services already in place.

The team at Main Stage and the staff at Lighting & Sound Co have a longstanding relationship built on collaboration and a shared commitment to delivering excellence when it comes to services for concerts, corporate events, fashion shows, and other special events.

Existing clients of Main Stage Productions can expect a seamless transition and a continuation of all existing services.

A Powerful Combination: Mobile Staging Meets Event Production Expertise

This acquisition allows Lighting & Sound Co. to expand our offerings as comprehensive, one-stop solution for special event production. Whether you’re hosting a concert, a corporate gathering, or an outdoor festival, we provide full-service event production, making the planning and execution of your event easier than ever.

The integration of Main Stage’s mobile stage inventory with Lighting & Sound Co.’s professional lighting and audio services takes the production experience to the next level. Your audio, lighting, and staging needs can be handled by one team with decades of experience and a commitment to seamless execution. With the added convenience of Stageline mobile stages, your event can be set up quickly and professionally, no matter the size or location.

Why This Acquisition Matters for Your Next Event

Flexibility & Efficiency: Combining these two service providers means you now have access to streamlined event logistics. With everything you need under one roof, there’s no need to juggle multiple vendors or manage separate contracts. One team, one point of contact—easy. If you run into a challenge at your event, we have even more resources available to do whatever we can to ensure the show can go on.

Unmatched Expertise: Both Lighting & Sound Co. and Main Stage Productions have built a reputation for exceptional service in the industry. Together, we offer years of expertise in crafting unforgettable experiences for your events. Our team is committed to delivering top-tier technical services, including audio production, lighting design, video displays, and more. We have the knowledge and experience to handle every aspect of a live production. Let us work with you as an extension of your event team, rather than just another vendor.

The Ultimate Mobile Staging Solution: With Stageline mobile stages, your event can have a professionally designed stage that’s easy to transport and set up, ensuring both safety and creativity. Whether it’s a small local concert or a large outdoor festival, we have the perfect solution to fit your needs.

What Does This Mean for You?

As a valued client, you can now expect unmatched convenience and industry-leading quality for all your event needs. Whether you’re planning a small indoor event or a large outdoor festival, Lighting & Sound Co. is now your go-to partner for full-service event production, including mobile staging.

If you’re ready to take your next event to new heights, don’t wait! Contact us today to discuss your upcoming event and how our expanded services can help you create a memorable experience.

Ready to Elevate Your Event?

Get in touch with Lighting & Sound Co. for top-of-the-line service on your next event. With our enhanced capabilities in lighting, audio, video, decor, and mobile staging, we’re here to bring your vision to life.

Call or Email us now to schedule a consultation or learn more about our new services. Let’s make your next event unforgettable!

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TL; DR:

By seamlessly combining lighting, sound, and staging into one powerhouse production team, this acquisition marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Lighting & Sound Co.. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to innovate and elevate the event production industry!

Many Astera light fixtures are used to illuminate the front facade of a castle

Inventory Spotlight: Astera AX5 and AX9 LED Uplight Fixtures

When it comes to creating the perfect ambiance for an event, lighting is one of the most powerful tools you have at your disposal. Whether it’s illuminating a grand ballroom for a gala, uplighting a corporate event space, or transforming a wedding venue, the right lighting can take your event to the next level. That’s why we’re excited to spotlight two of our top-of-the-line wireless fixtures: the Astera AX5 and AX9 LED uplights.

These cutting-edge lights offer unmatched flexibility, portability, and control, making them ideal for any event, from intimate gatherings to large-scale productions. Let’s dive into why Astera fixtures are the best in the business when it comes to transforming your event space.

The Astera AX5 and AX9: Features You’ll Love

Astera AX5 fixtures illuminate The Estate at River Run near Richmond, Virginia

The Astera AX5 and AX9 are part of a premium range of LED uplights that deliver vibrant colors, superior brightness, and stunning performance. Here’s a closer look at what makes these fixtures stand out:

1. Wireless Control for Ultimate Flexibility

One of the biggest advantages of the Astera AX5 and AX9 are their wireless capabilities. Gone are the days of cumbersome cables and tangled wires. These fixtures can be controlled remotely via the AsteraApp or a lighting console. This allows you to adjust the lighting without touching the units – great if they are in a difficult access position!

This level of control makes the AX5 and AX9 perfect for both indoor and outdoor events. Whether you need to tweak colors on the fly or synchronize lights with music, you can do it all from a distance, allowing you to focus on making the event experience perfect for your clients.

The same wireless control will also run any other Astera products you may have at the event. At The Lighting & Sound Co, we often control our Titan Tubes and AX9s all at the same time!

2. Long Battery Runtime for All-Night Events

Both the AX5 and AX9 feature impressive battery life, ensuring your lights will stay powered throughout long events. With a runtime of up to 20 hours per charge, these fixtures can handle even the most demanding schedules. Whether you’re lighting a wedding that stretches late into the night or a multi-day corporate event, you won’t have to recharge these units.

The long-lasting battery also means you can place the lights anywhere without worrying about power outlets. This freedom allows for more creative setups, from uplighting to tent canopy color washes, as you aren’t limited by the availability of electrical sources.

Wireless LED fixtures are a key component of many event setups nowadays. You can check out our entire wireless fixture inventory on our catalog.

3. Versatile Color and Beam Control

Both the AX5 and AX9 come equipped with full color mixing, enabling you to create any hue imaginable. This allows you to match the lighting perfectly to any theme, whether you’re highlighting brand colors at a corporate event or setting the mood with soft pastels for a wedding

Additionally, these fixtures can have the beam angles adjusted. You can use the included flood and wall-wash diffusion filters as needed. With these options, you can tailor the lighting to suit the specific needs of your event and venue size.

4. Robust and Weatherproof

The Astera AX5 and AX9 are built to withstand the elements, making them perfect for both indoor and outdoor events. Featuring IP65 weatherproof ratings, these fixtures can stand up to rain and snow without compromising performance. So whether you’re lighting up building facade or an outdoor festival, the AX5 and AX9 will perform flawlessly.

The Importance of Lighting in Event Design

A large sailcloth tent is set up for a wedding with the translucent canopy illuminated by light fixtures washing the underside
Astera AX5 fixtures create a warm ambiance by washing the underside of a sailcloth tent

Lighting is one of the most transformative aspects of any event space. It can shape the mood, highlight key areas, and bring an entire venue to life. Proper lighting can enhance architectural features, draw attention to the focal points, and even create specific atmospheres, from romantic and intimate to bold and energetic.

With the Astera AX5 and AX9, you gain the ability to fully control your lighting environment. These fixtures let you tailor the lighting to suit the occasion, creating a personalized experience for guests. The ability to change the colors, angles, and intensity on demand means you can adapt your lighting to every stage of the event, from the arrival to the after-party.

Lighting Creates Atmosphere

Imagine walking into a venue where the walls are bathed in rich, warm tones, or where subtle blues set the perfect mood for a romantic evening. These moments are made possible with the right lighting. With the Astera AX5 and AX9, you have the flexibility to easily adjust the ambiance throughout the event, ensuring it stays fresh and dynamic from start to finish.

The Best Way to Transform Your Event Space

Astera AX9 fixtures uplight the 160 year-old brick columns of The Foundry at Tredegar Iron Works

The Astera AX5 and AX9 LED uplights offer some of the most versatile, reliable, and powerful lighting solutions available today. Their wireless control, long battery life, and customizable color and beam angles make them a perfect choice for event lighting professionals who want to elevate their events. Whether you’re lighting an outdoor wedding under the stars or setting the mood for a corporate event, these fixtures will give you the power to create a memorable atmosphere.

Incorporating these fixtures into your event lighting setup is not just about illuminating the space; it’s about creating an immersive environment that enhances your guest experience. With the Astera AX5 and AX9, your lighting can transforming an ordinary space into something extraordinary.

Let the Astera AX5 and AX9 be the secret to unlocking your event’s full potential. Reach out to The Lighting & Sound Co today to to rent these incredible LED uplights for your next event!

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Case Study: Maymont Garden Glow 2024 Lighting & Audio

Bringing the Garden to Life: CHAUVET Professional and The Lighting & Sound Company Create an Immersive Experience at Maymont Garden Glow

The Robins Nature Center Valley at Maymont Garden Glow is beautifully illuminated at night with light-up flowers and a backdrop of colorful trees
The Robins Nature Center Valley is beautifully illuminated at night with light-up flowers and a backdrop of colorful trees

Nestled in the heart of Richmond, Virginia, Maymont Estate’s annual Garden Glow event is a local treasure—a celebration of natural beauty, artistry, and light. In 2024, The Lighting & Sound Company once again transformed this historic 20-acre park into a wonderland of color and motion, and CHAUVET Professional was proud to be at the heart of it all.

From the tranquil lakes of the Japanese Garden to dramatic rock formations and lush foliage, every corner of the park pulsed with energy and atmosphere. Under the expert leadership of Jonathan Blake, Director of Technical Services at The Lighting & Sound Company, this year’s event was more than a visual showcase – it was a fully immersive experience.

“We aimed to highlight the ground’s horticulture in a way that respected and elevated its natural elegance,” said Blake. “To make that happen, we needed fixtures that were not only powerful and vibrant but rugged enough to handle unpredictable outdoor conditions.”

In the Japanese Garden, textured patterns are projected on treacherous rocky terrain during Maymont Garden Glow
In Maymont’s Japanese Garden, abstract textured patterns are projected on treacherous rocky terrain

With over 300 CHAUVET Professional fixtures powering the experience, the lighting design was as technically impressive as it was visually stunning. The inventory included:

  • 84 COLORado Panel Q40s, delivering bright, saturated light across large swaths of the park, especially across the lake in the Japanese Garden.
  • 163 COLORdash Par H12 IP units and 40 COLORado 1QS fixtures, offering vivid color washes across the landscape.
  • 22 Ovation E-260WW IP ellipsoidals, used for projecting custom gobo patterns on rock formations, gates, waterfalls, and even walkways.
  • 16 Ovation REVE E-3 IP ellipsoidals used for colored gobo projection
  • 40 ÉPIX Strip IP units, forming a dynamic light tunnel that connected Glow Village to the serene Japanese Garden trail.

All CHAUVET Professional units used were IP65-rated, ensuring optimal performance throughout the three-week outdoor installation, no matter the weather.

“Using the Q40s was a game changer for us,” Blake emphasized. “Their long throw and powerful punch let us light features across the lake with stunning clarity. We’ve done this show before without them, and the difference this year was undeniable.”

The lighting was orchestrated over an advanced control network utilizing 10 universes of DMX around the lake and an additional 24 universes for special features like the ÉPIX tunnel. sACN protocol ensured seamless communication from the show control hub to each strategically placed DMX node, making every flicker and fade count.

The result? A breathtaking blend of nature, light, and sound. As visitors wandered through glowing pathways, under illuminated archways, and past shimmering reflections on the lake, traditional Japanese music emanated from hidden rock-shaped speakers, completing the sensory experience.

CHAUVET Professional are honored to support creators like The Lighting & Sound Company who use our technology to push the boundaries of what’s possible in live and environmental design. Maymont Garden Glow wasn’t just a walk through the park—it was a journey into the extraordinary.

The Grotto in Maymont's Japanese Garden is transformed by an illusory projection of moving water during Maymont Garden Glow
The Grotto in Maymont’s Japanese Garden is transformed by an wondrous projection of moving water

Pioneer CDJ and DJM Equipment Rental

Elevate Your Event with Professional Pioneer DJ Equipment Rental: Whether you’re organizing a concert that’s set to shake the ground or a high-end wedding where elegance meets the groove, professional and touring DJs require the best Pioneer CDJ products.

When every beat counts and the rhythm reigns supreme, having the right DJ backline can make all the difference. Pioneer DJ equipment stands as the gold standard for professionals worldwide. The Lighting & Sound Company has CDJ-3000s and DJM-S11 and DJM-900 available for rental in Richmond, VA.

Unlock the Beat with Pioneer DJ Equipment

At the heart of our backline rental offerings are the flagship Pioneer CDJ-3000 multi-players. These cutting-edge devices redefine performance with advanced features, ensuring seamless mixing, enhanced connectivity, and unmatched sound quality. Designed for the discerning DJ, the CDJ-3000 allows total control over tracks, bringing your playlist to life with precision and style.

Complementing the CDJ-3000 are our revered Pioneer DJ mixers: the DJM-900 Nexus 2 and the DJM-S11. The DJM-900NXS2 is celebrated for its superior sound processing and intuitive controls, making it a favorite among professionals. Additionally, the DJM-S11 sets a new standard with dual USB ports for smooth transitions and a 4.3-inch touch screen for enhanced creativity and workflow.

Why Choose Pioneer DJ Equipment?

  • Unmatched Quality: Pioneer CDJ equipment is synonymous with reliability and trusted by DJs worldwide for its superior build.
  • Versatility: Whether you’re mixing at a large-scale concert or a sophisticated wedding reception, Pioneer CDJ equipment ensures a flawless performance.
  • Creative Freedom: From seamless beat syncing to intricate effects manipulation, Pioneer DJ gear empowers DJs to unleash their creativity and deliver unforgettable experiences.

Rent Pioneer CDJ-3000s and DJM-S11 in Richmond

Renting Pioneer DJ equipment for your Richmond event is straightforward with our dedicated rental team. You can conveniently pick up and drop off the equipment from our Richmond warehouse. Alternatively, our team of event technicians are available to provide turnkey delivery and setup. This ensures your event runs smoothly from setup to teardown.

Elevate Your Event Today with Pioneer CDJ Rental

Whether you’re a professional or a new DJ, choosing Pioneer DJ equipment for your event is a statement of excellence. Embrace the legacy of innovation and precision that Pioneer DJ embodies, and elevate your event to new heights.

To rent Pioneer CDJ-3000, DJM-900NXS2, DJM-S11, and other sound equipment in Richmond, contact us today. Let’s unlock the beat together and create an unforgettable experience for your audience.

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Don’t settle for ordinary—choose Pioneer CDJ equipment and make your event extraordinary. Let the music speak for itself, with Pioneer DJ by your side.

Case Study: Garden Lights at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley

Request: Create Immersive Walking Experience

For Garden Lights at MSV, the entire lighting design would need to involve colorful landscape lighting. Specialized looks, interactive exhibits, and utility lighting was developed for walking path illumination. MSV has several miles of paved walking trails as well as formal gardens, large fields and lawns, and a central water feature. Our design team evaluated various pathway routes and proposed a trail that would give the maximum number of ideal lighting locations and signature viewpoints. Once the path confirmed, we could get into the actual lighting design work. Of course, since the experience lasted for four weeks, all the equipment needed to be weather-resistant. We have an enormous inventory of IP65-rated lighting fixtures and power cabling available to handle the site conditions.

Planning Scope, Specials, Wash

Our design team performed a comprehensive site survey and photographed and mapped the entire path for easy reference. First we designated locations where special lighting moments would be most effective. For example, the Grand Allee provided a central viewpoint for a stunning interactive effect. This interactive lighting installation where visitors press a button to activate beams of light that choreograph vibrant patterns in the night sky was accompanied by synchronized ambient sounds. Once these spots have been identified, we filled in the remaining portions of the grounds with general landscape wash lighting. We look for locations where we can take advantage of the existing terrain to conceal fixtures and equipment, or rig a light fixture up in a tree to illuminate an area without an unsightly support structure.

Garden Lights Power Distribution & Show Control

Distributing power outside over tens of acres of wide open environment is never simple. Fortunately we are very experienced at handling this challenge of outdoor events. At this venue, we did not require generators as there was ample power available from the various buildings. We planned our power cable runs to be out of the way while remaining as short as possible. Everything has to be outdoors for several weeks so all the electrical distribution equipment was required to be weatherproof. 

While many stage lighting fixtures are now available with IP65 ratings, most networking equipment is not. Therefore we placed the network switches, wifi access points, and lighting control DMX nodes inside specialized waterproof enclosures.

We located our production office trailer at a central but discreet location. This way we could run data networking to every corner of the event site. This enabled us to have centralized lighting control of all specials as well as WiFi and remote monitoring throughout the jobsite. Our lighting designers certainly appreciated programming from within a climate-controlled space

This enabled us to maintain the experience easily while the event was operating. The onsite technician could observe all areas of the event and dispatch immediately to check on any outages.

Garden Lights Lighting for Guest Experience

At certain areas where the direction is unclear or the ground may be less smooth, we planned for lighting that would effectively illuminate the walking pathway. The path had to cross a large open field and so we specified pathway lighting via bistro lights on stakes that was bright for safety and economical to install.
After everything is set up, we walk the route and often need to relocate a light fixture to keep it out of the scenic view or re-focus it to not be blinding another area of the trail.

Where cables crossing a walking path is unavoidable, we use low-slope ADA-compliant cable ramps so there is no trip hazard or impediment to strollers or mobility aids.

Other locations that also required lighting and courtesy power were ticket-taking and foodservice booths. Our team handled utility lighting and power for these locations so the client could focus on the guest-facing requirements of those locations.

Astera Titan Tubes provide a spectacular backdrop of hundreds of floating white and blue lines behind a pair of cars being showcased

Astera Titan Tube: The Ultimate Lighting Solution for Special Events

Lighting plays a crucial role in creating the desired ambiance, mood, and atmosphere of an event or film production. Choosing the right lighting fixtures can make a significant difference in achieving the desired effect. Astera Titan Tube fixtures are one of the most versatile and innovative lighting solutions available in the market today. These powerful and reliable light fixtures offer a wide range of features and benefits, making them a popular choice for special event lighting and film lighting. The Lighting & Sound Company in Richmond, VA has Titan Tubes in stock and available for rental or use as part of a larger production.

Astera Titan Tubes set to a rainbow of colors hang above a main entrance hallway
Astera Titan Tubes create a grand entrance hanging above a hallway

Features

Astera Titan Tube are a battery-operated, LED-based lighting fixture that offers a wide range of features and benefits. Some of the most notable ones include:

  1. Wireless Control:
    • One of the most important features of Astera Titan Tube fixtures is their wireless control capability. The fixture’s built-in wireless DMX receiver allows them to be controlled without cables. You could use a standard lighting console, or the feature-rich Astera App to easily operate the lighting. This feature makes it easy for you to control and adjust the lighting after you installed it in a hard-to-reach location.
  2. RGBWA+UV Color Mixing
    • Titan Tubes offer a wide range of color options, thanks to their RGBWA+UV color mixing capabilities. This feature allows the user to mix red, green, blue, white, amber, and ultraviolet colors, creating endless color options. Additionally, you can easily adjust the color temperature from 1750K to 20,000K.
  3. High CRI:
    • Astera Titan Tube fixtures offer a high color rendering index (CRI) of 96. This feature makes them ideal for use in film productions and other applications where accurate color reproduction is essential.
  4. Long Battery Life
    • Titan Tubes come with a powerful, long-lasting battery that can last up to 20 hours on a single charge. This feature makes them ideal for outdoor events and productions where access to power sources may be limited.
  5. Durable and Waterproof:
    • Astera Titan Tube units are built to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. You can take advantage of the fixture’s IP65 rating, which makes them waterproof. You can use them outdoors in rainy or wet conditions without concern.
  6. Versatile Mounting Options
    • Titan Tubes come with a variety of mounting options, including magnetic mounts, eye bolts, and adjustable tripod stands, making them easy to install and use in any location.

Astera Titan Tubes as Special Event Lighting

Titan Tubes are an excellent lighting solution for special events of all kinds, from corporate events to weddings and concerts. You can conveniently use these fixtures at outdoor events with limited access to power sources thanks to their wireless control capability and long battery life. Furthermore, you can create a wide range of lighting effects, from vibrant color washes to subtle accent lighting using this fixture.

Astera Titan Tube fixtures are also ideal for use in themed events, where the lighting plays a critical role in creating the desired ambiance and atmosphere. You can create dynamic lighting effects that change throughout the event, creating a truly immersive experience for your guests.

Film Lighting with Astera Titan Tubes

Astera Titan Tube fixtures are also an excellent choice for film lighting, thanks to their high CRI, wireless control, and versatile mounting options. You can create a wide range of lighting effects, from natural daylight to warm tungsten tones.

Their wireless control capability allows for easy adjustments on the fly, making them ideal for use in fast-paced film productions. Not only that, the long battery life also makes them perfect for use in outdoor locations, where access to power sources may be limited.

Astera Titan Tubes are an incredibly versatile and powerful lighting solution, offering a wide range of features and benefits that make them an ideal choice for special event lighting and film lighting. Their wireless control capability, long battery life, and RGBWA+UV color mixing make them perfect for creating a wide variety of special looks.

Contact The Lighting & Sound Company today to arrange a rental of Titan Tubes in Richmond, Virginia. We have them in stock for rental or delivery.

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A 60 ft wide sailcloth tent is adorned with gold chandeliers and white drapes gathered identically at each tent side pole

High-Impact Tent Drape

In the world of luxury weddings, where every detail matters, tent drape becomes a pivotal element in transforming a simple structure into a breathtaking canvas of sophistication. As you plan memorable tented weddings, high-end decor, such as drape, stands as a testament to refined taste and meticulous craftsmanship. Here, we delve into three key methods used by the experienced designers at The Lighting & Sound Co to dress up tents with exquisite drapery, ensuring a setting that resonates with timeless charm and unparalleled beauty.

Side Pole Drape Gathers

Imagine the gentle billow of sumptuous fabric, artfully gathered and secured along the sides of a sailcloth tent. This technique, known as side pole drape gathers, epitomizes classical elegance. By utilizing the highest quality fabrics — from luxuriously flowing silks to intricately woven linens — skilled decorators create cascading waves of fabric that add depth and texture to the tent’s perimeter. Each fold and gather is meticulously crafted, ensuring a seamless integration with the natural contours of the tent poles. The result? A softly enveloping ambiance that envelops guests in an atmosphere of refined splendor.

Further enhancing the allure of side pole drape gathers is their impressive visual impact. From every angle, the tent exudes a sense of balance and grace, with evenly-spaced drapes encircling the structure like a symphony of elegance. This meticulous arrangement not only enhances the physical space but also ensures that photographs taken during the event capture a scene of enduring beauty. The structured symmetry created by these drapes frames each moment, casting a backdrop that elevates every detail of the celebration, from the bride’s radiant smile to the shimmering dance floor under the starlit sky.

Tent Perimeter Valance Drape

For those seeking a touch of architectural finesse, the tent perimeter valance technique offers a structured yet graceful approach to tent draping. Here, decorators meticulously install a valance along the upper perimeter of the tent, framing the space with a tailored band of fabric that exudes sophistication. Utilizing fabrics of unparalleled quality ensures that every fold and pleat maintains its pristine form, even as gentle breezes play with the edges. This method not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the tent but also provides a sophisticated backdrop for the festivities within.

Drape Swags

To elevate the ceiling of a sailcloth tent into a soaring canopy of beauty, decorators employ drape swags overhead. This method involves artfully draping luxurious fabrics across the tent’s ceiling, creating a series of graceful arcs and swoops that draw the eye upwards. Whether using sheer fabrics to diffuse natural light or rich velvets to add warmth and depth, the choice of material is pivotal. Here, the expertise of our trained decor professionals shines through, as we skillfully manipulate fabric to create fluid lines and balanced compositions that complement the overall design scheme.

The Craftsmanship Behind the Magic

Central to the success of tent draping lies not only in the choice of materials but also in the skill and dedication of the experienced designers at The Lighting & Sound Co. Our talented decorators understand the nuances of fabric manipulation, ensuring that each drape hangs just right and each fold enhances rather than detracts from the tent’s natural beauty. We will work tirelessly to transform visions into reality, employing a keen eye for detail and a commitment to excellence that is evident in every pleat.

As you curate unforgettable experiences for your discerning clientele, remember that the installation of elegant tent drapes is more than a rental line item — it is an art form that elevates tents into realms of timeless elegance. By partnering with The Lighting & Sound Company, where we prioritize premier drape materials and an unrelenting eye for details, you can ensure that every event unfolds amidst an atmosphere of unparalleled beauty and sophistication.

wedding lighting costs

How Much Does Wedding Lighting Cost?

How much does wedding lighting cost in 2024?

Wedding lighting cost can vary dramatically and the reasons for this can be a bit confusing. We set out to make this guide to give you a general idea of what you’ll be paying for your wedding lighting. Because prices for lighting vary between A/V vendors, we’ve made this guide with price ranges based off of industry averages. Understanding pricing for your wedding decor can help you use your budget efficiently. You want to get the best bang for your buck!

Before we dive into how much wedding lighting costs, let’s take a step back for a second. In order to understand prices, you need to understand the services they’re attached to. If you’ve been doing your research and know what you want, continue on! If you don’t know the difference between uplighting and pin-spotting, take a look at our wedding lighting services page. There, you can learn about the fantastic options available to light your wedding. 

How much does wedding lighting cost? It depends on the scope of your wedding!

 

 

Lighting it up!

Lighting can completely transform your venue. It impacts your space in a way that nothing else can. The flowers, linens, and drape can make the room look nice, but lighting can change the way your venue feels. Without the proper lighting, your guests are going to miss out on the details. In a dimly-lit reception space, the details of a beautiful centerpiece can be lost without the proper pin-spotting. Some weddings, especially daytime events, don’t require lighting. For a large majority of weddings that extend into the evening, you are going to want to consider lighting. This applies to outdoor events as well, as most tents don’t come with very aesthetic lighting. A traditional bistro look can go a long way in a tent wedding. Free-standing bistro is great for covering large, uncovered, outdoor affairs.

When you’re deciding on your lighting budget, make sure you know what you want. Uplighting is great in almost all scenarios, but it can be used to hide the wall color. This is great if the color doesn’t match your theme, or if you just hate the color! If you want to cover something up completely, pipe and drape is a practical and elegant defense against ugly art and unsightly rooms.

Our gallery might be able to give you some ideas.

Indian Wedding Lighting

Like any other service, lighting scales with your event. Larger weddings mean more wedding lighting.

 

Budgeting for Wedding Lighting

The quickest way to find out what your wedding lighting cost will be is to get a quote from one of our designers. It won’t take long- our designers get back really quickly! To get a general idea of what you will be paying, we’ve provided some industry average numbers below.

How much does wedding lighting cost?

  • Uplighting for the Entire Ballroom: $700-$2000
  • Monogram Gobo Light: $400-700
  • Texture Lighting: $75-$100 per light fixture/pattern
  • Cake Spotlight: $30-$100
  • Pipe & Drape: $10.00 – $25 per linear foot (10 ft sections)
  • Pin-spot Lighting: $25-$45 per light/table
  • Bistro Lighting: $3-5 per linear foot
  • Chandeliers: $225 – $500 ea
  • Pendants: $15 – $25 ea
  • Low Fog: $250 – $350

Note that these prices don’t include labor or delivery. Typically, labor costs $300 – 600, but if your scope is large, more techs will need to be added. Delivery locally is usually between $50 and $150, depending on distance.

Wedding Drape Independence Golf Club

A little bit of drape goes a long way.

 

 

What do most people pay for wedding lighting?

To those who have never heard of wedding lighting before they start planning, wedding lighting costs can look prohibitive. Is it worth it? If you are spending any kind of money on your venue, your flowers, or even your name cards, lighting is a must. You don’t always need multiple lighting features. If budget is tight, a single feature such as uplighting, or bistro is probably the way to go. It will add a gorgeous ambiance, and provide the lighting your guests need to see. We typically advise clients to budget $1100-$1300 for a small, one feature wedding. If your wedding fits inside a 40 x 60 tent outside, a simple bistro lighting hang will do the trick. For a mid-sized, multi-feature wedding, you should budget between $1500-$3500. Most weddings fit into this category. Large and multi-day events vary widely so we suggest getting a rough quote during the early stages of planning.

 

how much does wedding lighting cost

Pin spots add to a wedding lighting design by pulling attention towards your beautiful centerpieces.

 

 

Getting the most out of your wedding budget

Many venues and DJs will offer lighting to couples at competitive prices. While these prices are often attractive, there are a few things you should understand. There are many lights available at very low prices for venues & DJs to purchase and rent to couples for $800-$1200. Often, you’ll end up paying only slightly less for a product that has a fraction of the quality. There are a number of problems with this low-quality lighting. Often, the Red/Green/Blue LEDs within the lights that are used for mixing to different colors are not purchased from the same place. This causes the lights to have slightly different colors. Many venues will show pictures of lighting that a professional company did and claim that as their lighting package. Others will heavily edit the photos they show you so the lighting looks more impressive.

Professional lighting companies not only have higher quality equipment, they often have specialized gear for different situations. Do your research before accepting uplighting from a DJ or Venue- more often than not they are charging you for an inferior product. You wouldn’t shop for your catering this way; there is no reason to think lighting is any different. Look at it this way: You can get really affordable catering from your local fast food restaurant. Technically, that and what you’d get from a high-end caterer are both food, but they have large differences in the level of quality. 

how much does wedding lighting cost pinpotting

 

 

Wedding lighting and your venue

Wedding lighting is one of the most affordable ways to transform your event space. It’s also one of the best ways to enhance the finer parts of your venue.  Remember, lighting is what makes your event feel special. Everything from the cake to your dress will be affected by lighting. Good lighting can completely transform your venue, instantly enhance the reception décor, and create amazing photo ops for you and your guests. 

 

Hiring a pro

The Lighting & Sound Co is a national design and production company based in Richmond, Virginia. We provide event production services, including lighting, live sound, video, and drape services for events of all sizes, and a diverse range of clients. Our quote process is quick and easy, you can get started right now.

Lighting for Walking Paths

At The Lighting & Sound Company, we are frequently asked to provide lighting for a route that will be used by guests of an event during the evening hours. This could be a short path from a tent to a restroom or a windy walk through the woods to a remote parking lot.

We have many different options for light fixtures that can do this. A menu of different pathway lighting choices follows with average cost from lowest to highest:

Neon Tape

We have cool-white “neon-emulating” LED tape that can be placed along the edge of a path. The tape comes in 85 ft length sections. Many people call this a “runway” look.

LED Neon Tape is placed on both sides of a bridge to designate it for walking
LED Neon Tape is placed on both sides of a bridge to designate it for walking
Neon Tape lighting a tall stairway

Pathway Lights

Brass pathway lights that cast light downwards in a 12 ft diameter are placed along the path. The lights are 3 ft tall and blend in well with landscaping. They keep the light out of guest’s eyes while making the walking area well illuminated.

Three brass pathway lighting fixtures placed adjacent to a walkway illuminate it for evening guests

LED Light Tower

A tall light tower, with wide-angle flood lights like the kind used to illuminate construction sites and parking lots at concerts. It plugs to existing power sources so it is silent as compared to similar units with a noisy engine. This method ensures everything in a 200 ft radius surrounding the light tower is highly visible. They are extremely bright and can be a bit blinding. It is also useful for long-term installations where it might be inconvenient to refuel.

A bright LED light tower illuminating a large field

Pendants on Shepherd Hooks

Woven Pendant Lights with a bright lightbulb inside hang from sleek, head-height shepherd hooks. We space these evenly along a path every 15 feet to provide a very unique look that also illuminates the walkway very effectively.

Pendant Lights hanging on shepherd hooks illuminate stone stairs for good visibility at Maymont Garden Glow

Bistro Handrail

Black wire bistro lights with plastic LED (unbreakable) bulbs are attached to black plastic fence post stakes to provide a swagged “handrail” of bistro lighting along the pathway.

Bistro Lighting swagged on shepherd hooks adjacent to the walkway during a wedding
Black-Wire bistro lighting swagged along posts adjacent to a wooded trail makes it easy for guests to see the stair steps

Pathway color wash

Wireless or powered uplight fixtures (Astera AX5) are set on the ground and pointed at the grass/ground. The colors can be set individually or all the same. When we do this with two alternating colors we call it a “candy-cane” effect on the ground.

A candy-cane look of colors aimed at a pathway

Orb Lights

Wireless uplight fixtures with domes on top cast a 360-degree light about 6 ft diameter. These look like orbs and since they are wireless, can be placed anywhere. The colors can be set individually so this can be a fun, whimsical effect in addition to providing utility.

Orb lights adjacent to a pathway provide a unique, colorful look

Overhead Bistro Lights

Bistro lights over top of the pathway supported on poles or attached to nearby trees. Option of placing paper lanterns on on some or all of the bulbs. The white light bulbs can be upgraded to color-changing if desired, which can be paired with white paper lanterns to change the color of the lanterns.

Bistro Lights suspended from trees with colored paper lanterns on bulbs

Titan Tubes

Wireless tube lights (Astera Titan Tube) which can be placed vertically on tripod stands and set to different colors and placed every 6 ft along the path. Some people say they look like light sabers. This is a very unique and very cool look.

Astera Titan Tubes in several colors suspended above a hallway

Tree Lighting

If there are many suitable trees nearby to the pathway then we can light all the trees in a color of your choice. This can be a high-impact spectacle for your guests that provides a wow factor as well as utility.

A long line of trees are illuminated in blue light at the Richmond Jazz Festival
Trees are washed with light at Maymont Garden Glow

Geometric Shade Structure

Geometric shade structure made of taut pink, blue, and white triangular sails set up for an outdoor event

What if you could create an area at a festival that makes a statement, provides a shaded gathering point for attendees, allows for sponsorship opportunities, and is totally unique? That solution is now available with a Geometric Fabric Shade Structure supplied by Lighting & Sound Co in Richmond, Virginia. Your outdoor event venue can be transformed into an artistic visual icon.

This 80-ft diameter shade structure provides over 4,000 square feet of shaded area for your event attendees to use as a central hub. Your guests can comfortably stay for a longer duration and enjoy the entire event. This leads to higher attendance and increased satisfaction. Giving the space some character with hanging decor or seating arrangements encourages guests to relax and socialize.

An example of an 80-ft diameter shade structure with red and white triangular sails, with red covered support towers, set up for a festival

After dark, the shade structure can transform from a cool hangout spot to an immersive, bright experience. The sails serve as a canvas for creative lighting and visual effects; lighting, projections, and banners can enhance the atmosphere once the sun sets.

Compared with a tent, your event attendees will likely find that a shade structure feels more open and iconic. The perimeter height is much taller at 12 ft high compared with a typical 8 ft height of a tent, making the area much more inviting. Additionally, the structure’s customizable and colorful sail fabric is considerably more noticeable, remarkable, and memorable than a typical white tent.

A shade structure at night, with lighting illuminating the underside of the structure, at a music festival

Shade structures can be set up in a variety of outdoor locations, transforming an ordinary open space into an inviting venue. They provide event planners with the flexibility to create custom experiences in diverse settings.

The shade structures’ versatility allows for almost infinite design options. With several colors to choose from and rigging points for all kinds of lighting and decor, you can really give your event a personal and memorable touch that guests will keep talking about.

Top view of a 40 ft diameter geometric shade structure with four colors of sails

Printed fabrics also keep your branding consistent and can provide sponsorship opportunities. The support tower covers or corner gusset flags are great ways to subtly add a logo, or the main sails can make a big statement with custom patterns.

Multiple branding options are available to showcase sponsors. Here all the fabric covers are color-coordinated to match the title sponsor’s color palette and both the support tower and roof sails have been printed with the sponsor logos

The shade structure is manufactured by the leading supplier of stretchy fabric structures: Stretch Shapes. It is engineered in accordance with building codes and to withstand 40 mph winds.

Insomniac’s HARD Summer Music Festival had this to say about a similar structure:

Not only did these three geometrically beautiful shade structures set the tone of the festival, but these also provided the festival attendees a sanctuary away from the scorching UV rays. As thousands of posts flooded social media, featuring the Shade Structures as a backdrop, it’s easy to conclude these artistic structures were functional yet iconic elements of the festival

Shade structures can play a pivotal role in the success of outdoor events, offering both functionality and style. They aren’t only a practical addition to a hot summer day, they enhance the overall atmosphere and personality of the event. Event planners looking to create unforgettable experiences should provide the perfect setting to make lasting memories.

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