Do I need uplighting?

Short answer: no. The only thing you need are a ring and a marriage license. You probably don’t need uplighting. But if you’re having a party, you may want to look into how lighting can drastically affect your event space. Uplighting is one of the more popular wedding lighting options, and for good reason too. The proper placement of the fixtures can do wonders for your space. And just as importantly: your pictures. Pair that with the relative affordability vs other decor options and you begin to understand its popularity. Uplighting services are among the many lighting options available for your wedding. Check out the many possibilities in our Color Picker!

Need uplighting science museum of virginia — Powerful narrow-beamed uplighting project all the way up the columns of the Science Museum of Virginia, in Richmond, Va.

Choosing the right wedding lighting service.

While uplighting is a popular option, if you think it’s not the right service for your event, you may be right. If you’re having an outdoor event, look into bistro lighting. String lighting effects such as bistro lighting are great for lighting rustic and traditional weddings. Perhaps you don’t need lighting at all. With custom drape, there are thousands of possibilities. A well-placed drape backdrop looks fantastic behind a head table, or as a backdrop for pictures.

Bistro lighting is ideal for outdoor events because of both its classic feel and it’s ability to cover large areas with light.

Your wedding

When it comes to your wedding, we know how tough it can be to manage your budget. Here’s an easy list to help you decide if you need uplighting for your wedding.

Amber uplighting commonwealth club wedding — Amber uplighting for a wedding at the Commonwealth Club, Richmond, Virginia.

You may need uplighting if…

Your venue could use some additional ambiance. Couples pick venues for dozens of different reasons. Couples sometimes pick venues for sentimental reasons. Sometimes they pick them based completely on the location. Sometimes a venue has fantastic food, but just needs a face lift. Uplighting can do wonders for a bland slab of drywall or an unimpressive corner, tying it into the look of the rest of your party instead of sticking out.
Your wedding is in a beautiful space. If you’re getting married in a remarkable old hotel, a modern gem or a building with some history, lighting will often highlight the beauty in an already impressive space. Architectural features like columns, windows, and ceilings can be lit for ambient effect. Materials like unfinished brick and plaster often look dynamic and beautiful when uplit. Like most things, if done wrong, uplighting can be tacky. If designed correctly, uplighting will take the look of your venue to the next level.
Your wedding is in a familiar space. Increasingly more couples are using old barns, non-conventional event spaces, or just using their parents back yard for their weddings. This offers a new perspective on familiar items. This adds a flash of drama that is crucial in an otherwise ordinary space.

Lighting drape ugly room — A little uplighting and drape goes a long way in an otherwise ordinary room. See the final product below!

need uplighting drape — Think big: Lighting and drape can completely change the look of your event space.

You probably don’t need uplighting if…

You need to cut costs to the extreme. Not everyone can afford everything they want for their wedding, we completely understand. Things like entertainment and rentals all need to be taken care of first and sometimes lighting doesn’t make the cut. That’s okay, uplighting isn’t a prerequisite to have a good time.
Your venue includes it. If your venue already provides uplighting, make sure they show it to you in action. Photographers often edit pictures to make dim lights appear to be brighter, so you’re going to want to see it with your own eyes. Venues can often provide uplighting packages included with your rental fee, just make sure they’re giving you the same thing a professional lighting company would.
You have a daytime wedding. While professional lighting companies carry powerful uplighting, fighting against the sun can be futile. Bistro lighting (because of it’s classic look) and drape are more effective choices for daytime events.

The Mill Fine Creek Uplighting Wedding Lighting — Sometimes daylight washes out uplighting, but other times it’s a fantastic accent. A designer can help you decide what’s best for your wedding.

Still unsure if you need uplighting or not? Reach out to one of our friendly designers to ask questions, or start planning for your perfect event…right now.

Why do I need a lighting company?

So you’re planning an event and wondering if you should hire a lighting company? If you want your event to have a visual impact, chances are you should! If you already know you need lighting, hiring pros is the way to go. Professional lighting companies have experience and rugged equipment that will ensure your event runs smoothly. They also have the knowledge to handle unexpected issues. Lighting companies hire designers that can work with you to achieve your vision. If you can’t picture what you want, designers can help find the lighting that best suits your event. Lighting will affect every aspect of your event, so if you want to stand out, hire a pro.

Lighting companies like The Lighting & Sound Co. field trained and experienced crews for coordinated event setup.

What kind of events should I hire a lighting company for?

Every company is different. Some companies work exclusively on weddings. Some work exclusively on concerts. Companies like The Lighting & Sound Co. are made up of many different departments that service any type of event. This can include, but isn’t limited to: concerts, weddings, corporate events, sports events, conferences, meetings and galas.

bistro wedding lighting john marshall ballrooms

Experienced crews like The Lighting & Sound Company can service any type of event.

Where can I find lighting companies in my area?

The Lighting & Sound Company is based in Richmond, Virginia, but services the continental United States. You can also check sources like Richmond Weddings for more wedding lighting information.

An LSC tech sets up for a concert at VCU’s Siegel Center.

What should I look for when hiring a lighting company?

You should hire a lighting company the same way you buy anything else. That is to say: do your research. Don’t just believe what companies tell you- verify it. Since most professional production companies maintain social media accounts, be sure to check those out. Ensure that the company you hire has up-to-date pictures and reviews proving what they are capable of. You want a company that responds to you quickly. One of your vendors is taking a while to get back? That’s probably not the vendor you want on the day of your event.

Category Archives: Lighting

Do I need uplighting for my wedding?