Category Archives: Wedding

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

The Importance of Tent Canopy Lighting

As event lighting specialists at The Lighting & Sound Company, we understand the pivotal role that lighting plays in transforming any space into a captivating and immersive environment. Among the many elements that contribute to creating the perfect ambiance, tent canopy lighting wash stands out as a key method in enhancing the atmosphere and setting the mood for any occasion.

Setting the Stage: Tent Canopy Lighting Wash

Tent canopy lighting wash refers to the placement of battery operated lighting fixtures on tent poles to cast a soft, even glow over the ceiling or canopy of an outdoor tent. This technique not only provides functional illumination but also adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any event, whether it’s a wedding reception, corporate gala, or outdoor concert.

*Photo Credit: Birds of a Feather Photography*

Embracing Innovation: Battery Fixtures and CRMX Control

At The Lighting & Sound Company, we’re committed to staying at the forefront of technological innovation to deliver unparalleled lighting solutions to our clients. One of the innovations that have revolutionized the way we approach tent canopy lighting is the use of battery-powered fixtures combined with CRMX control. After countless successful events, we’ll only use Astera fixtures moving forward.

Battery-powered fixtures offer several advantages, chief among them being the ability to minimize visible cabling, ensuring a clean and uncluttered aesthetic for the event space. This is particularly crucial for outdoor events where running cables can be impractical or visually distracting. By eliminating the need for extensive cabling, battery fixtures allow for greater flexibility in positioning and configuring lighting elements, enabling us to achieve precisely the desired ambiance without compromising on aesthetics.

CRMX, or Wireless DMX, takes this innovation a step further by providing reliable and robust wireless control over the lighting fixtures. Unlike Bluetooth or other 2.4GHz wireless technologies commonly used in most battery uplights, CRMX offers superior performance and stability, making it the preferred choice for professional lighting applications.

The Superiority of CRMX

CRMX operates in the 2.4GHz frequency band, similar to Bluetooth and other wireless technologies. However, what sets it apart is its advanced frequency-hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) technology, which ensures interference-free communication even in crowded RF environments.

Furthermore, CRMX offers enhanced security features, such as encryption and authentication, to protect against unauthorized access and interference. This level of security is crucial, especially for high-profile events where privacy and data integrity are paramount concerns.

In addition to its reliability and security, CRMX also boasts exceptional range and coverage, allowing us to control lighting fixtures across large event spaces with ease. Whether it’s a sprawling outdoor venue or a multi-level indoor space, CRMX provides the flexibility and scalability to meet the demands of any event.

Tent canopy lighting wash is more than just functional illumination; it’s an art form that sets the stage for unforgettable experiences. By harnessing the power of battery-powered fixtures and CRMX control, we’re able to elevate the ambiance of any event space, creating magical moments that leave a lasting impression on guests.

At The Lighting & Sound Company, we’re dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with lighting design, embracing innovation to deliver exceptional results every time. Whether you’re planning a wedding, corporate event, or outdoor festival, trust us to illuminate your vision and bring it to life with unparalleled creativity and expertise.

Illuminating Elegance: Introducing the Cecilia 8-Light Chandelier

cecilia chandeliers hanging in tent — *Photo taken by Shannon Moffit*

We take great pride in curating an exceptional collection of lighting fixtures that elevate and transform any event space. Today, we are thrilled to introduce a dazzling addition to our repertoire—the Cecilia 8-Light Chandelier. This exquisite chandelier not only brings a touch of old Hollywood glamour but also adds a timeless elegance to any occasion. Check it out in our catalog!

The Classic Charm of Cecilia

The Cecilia 8-Light Chandelier boasts a classic shape that pays homage to the golden era of Hollywood. Its design is a nod to the sophistication and grace that defined that era, making it an ideal choice for events that seek to capture the essence of vintage glamour.

Artisan Craftsmanship: A Closer Look

One of the standout features of the Cecilia chandelier is its artisan loomed hourglass silhouette, meticulously crafted for eye-catching elegance. Each chandelier is a masterpiece in itself, showcasing the skilled craftsmanship that goes into creating this stunning piece.

The honey-toned, Patinaed Brass band that encircles the chandelier adds a warm and luxurious touch. This detail not only enhances the overall aesthetic but also ensures that the Cecilia seamlessly blends into a variety of event themes and color schemes.

Natural Rope Elegance

The material used for the hourglass silhouette is none other than natural rope. Which not only adds a unique and rustic element but also brings a sense of organic warmth to the ambiance. The combination of the Patinaed Brass band and the natural rope creates a visually striking contrast. This makes the Cecilia a statement piece that draws attention and admiration.

Versatile Elegance for Every Occasion

Whether you’re planning a wedding, a corporate event, or a social gathering, the Cecilia 8-Light Chandelier is a versatile choice that adapts effortlessly to various settings. Its timeless design ensures that it remains a centerpiece, captivating guests and creating a memorable atmosphere.

Illuminate Your Events with the Cecilia

In conclusion, the Cecilia 8-Light Chandelier is more than just a lighting fixture—it’s a symbol of sophistication, craftsmanship, and timeless elegance. When you choose the Cecilia, you’re not just renting a chandelier. You’re making a statement and setting the stage for unforgettable moments.

Visit our showroom or explore our online catalog to witness the captivating beauty of the Cecilia 8-Light Chandelier. Elevate your events with the magic of old Hollywood and let the Cecilia cast its radiant glow on your special occasions.

Tent Lighting with Chandelier Rentals

When it comes to creating a beautiful ambiance for weddings or special events, lighting is key. One of the most stunning ways to light up a large tent is with the use of chandeliers. Chandelier rentals can create a romantic and elegant atmosphere, while also providing practical lighting for the event. Check out our full collection of chandeliers on our catalog.

Chandeliers are a timeless lighting option that has been used for centuries in homes, castles, and grand halls. In recent years, chandeliers have become increasingly popular for weddings and special events. One of the main benefits of using chandeliers inside of large tents is they create a stunning focal point that adds a touch of elegance to any event. Chandeliers come in a wide variety of styles, sizes, and materials, which means they can be tailored to fit the specific aesthetic of any event.

Photo taken by Terri Baskin — *Photo taken by Jeremy Harwell*

Safety

One of the most important considerations when hanging chandeliers inside of a large tent is safety. Chandeliers can be quite heavy, which means that they need to be hung securely to avoid any accidents or injuries. This is where a specialist event lighting company comes in. These companies have the experience and expertise needed to safely hang chandeliers overhead. This ensures that they are securely fastened and won’t pose any risks to guests or the tent itself.

Another benefit of using a specialist event lighting company to install chandeliers is the large selection of chandeliers that they offer. These companies typically have a wide range of chandeliers in various styles, sizes, and materials, which means that they can provide clients with a range of options to choose from. This is especially important for weddings and special events, where the lighting needs to be tailored to fit the specific aesthetic of the event. With a large selection of chandeliers to choose from, clients can find the perfect lighting solution for their event.

In addition to offering a wide selection of chandeliers. Lighting companies also provide clients with guidance and advice on the best method of of lighting your event. These companies have a wealth of experience and knowledge when it comes to event lighting. This helps clients create the perfect ambiance for their event. This could include advice on where to place the chandeliers, what type of lighting to use, and how to create a cohesive lighting design. A design that ties in with the rest of the event décor.

Chandeliers

Overall, using chandeliers inside of large tents can create a beautiful and elegant ambiance for weddings and special events. However, it’s important to work with a specialist event lighting company to ensure that the chandeliers are hung safely and securely. And that the lighting design is tailored to fit the specific needs of the event. With their experience and expertise, these companies can help create a stunning lighting design that will leave a lasting impression on guests.

In conclusion, chandeliers are a beautiful and practical lighting option for weddings and special events taking place inside large tents. They create a stunning focal point that adds a touch of elegance to any event, while also providing practical lighting. With their expertise and large selection of chandeliers, these companies can help create a stunning lighting design that will make any event truly memorable. Contact The Lighting & Sound Company today to arrange a chandelier rental.

Why You Need Wedding Lighting

No doubt planning a wedding requires hundreds, maybe thousands of decisions. Everything from flowers and color palettes to seating arrangements and now safety protocols have to be decided. But, when it comes down to your wedding day’s overall design and aesthetic, wedding lighting is one of the most overlooked elements. Wedding lighting is an absolutely crucial design element that should never be skipped or ignored. It’s the best way to transform your ceremony and venue spaces from ordinary to downright spectacular. And the result will be every detail will look even more beautiful than you ever dreamt.

Why Is Wedding Lighting Important For Your Wedding?

Without the proper lighting, your photos may be dark; your guests won’t be able to see their food or find their way to the dance floor. Sure! It’s an extra expense, but without the proper wedding lighting, the romance and whimsy of your extra special event may be lost.

Here are some creative ways that you can illuminate your wedding event.

Bistro Lighting

There is something so magical about bistro lighting that makes them perfect for weddings and special events. These are also referred to as fairy lights, string lights, twinkle lights, or cafe lights. Strands of light bulbs can be draped in different areas around your wedding ceremony or reception. Bistro lighting is super versatile and a cost-effective way to add lighting to any space. This is why they are great for weddings. We especially love them at outdoor weddings such as backyard, courtyards, etc.

Uplighting

Uplighting is just that. It’s placing lighting fixtures that are masterfully placed next to architectural features or against the wall and around the perimeter of rooms or venues to project columns of light upwards. The color of the uplighting can be standard or coordinated with your wedding theme or color palette. Uplighting is probably the most popular as it adds a dramatic wedding lighting effect.

Gobo & Projection Patterns

If you really want to WOW your guests, add some projection patterns or Gobos to your wedding. Gobo lighting is a custom-made template that light shines through a lighting fixture to project a pattern. Many couples use these to project their monogram on a wall or the dancefloor. Or get extra fancy by projecting a motif or design unique to them on the ceiling or wall. Your wedding guests will be immediately impressed with Gobo lighting at your wedding. Worth every penny.

Pinspotting

You’ve probably never heard this term before. Pinspots are small spotlights used to illuminate critical focal points such as your centerpieces, wedding cake, etc.

Chandeliers

To really transform a space, add chandeliers as your wedding lighting. Chandeliers immediately add a touch of regal elegance and fairytale wonder to any room. And we especially love them in outdoor spaces. Imagine floating down the aisle under suspended chandeliers? Sounds like a dream, right?

How Do You Decide On The Right Wedding Lighting For Your Event?

Unless you’re a wedding planner, deciding which wedding lighting is right for your event may be difficult. Your wedding venue can often help, but if you’re getting married outdoors or the venue doesn’t offer this as a service, you’re going to need help.

Enlist the help of a professional lighting and sound design team so that you can use their creativity and knowledge to develop a wedding experience unlike any other. Remember your wedding day is not just a dinner and dancing party. It’s a celebration of two souls becoming one—a celebration of your love story. Having the proper lighting will add a sense of whimsy, romance, sophistication, and more. Without it, your wedding may lack style and personality.

Discuss your ideas with your lighting design team, tell them the overall feeling and look you want to achieve. Then, make sure to look at their portfolio; it’s a great way to learn what they can do and maybe even get a little inspiration for your wedding lighting.

Places To Add Wedding Lighting At Your Event

We know your head is swimming with wedding planning stuff, so knowing where you can add wedding lighting is probably not on your mind. Here is a checklist of places throughout your wedding that you can add lighting. And remember, candles are also a source of wedding lighting and can easily illuminate spaces.

Ceremony backdrop
Dancefloor
Ceremony aisle
Cocktail tables
Reception tables
Bar area
Trees
Outdoor walkways
Guestbook table
Overhead lighting
Wall or floor projections
Dessert table
Sweetheart table backdrop
Food stations
Centerpieces

Understanding that wedding lighting is essential to your wedding vibe is the first step to an unforgettable wedding day. Make sure to add wedding lighting to your wedding planning to-dos. We don’t want you to regret not having your wedding lit adequately. For other ideas on how to elevate your wedding decor and experience, check out our draping and sound.

Dover Hall Event & Wedding Lighting

Lighting at Dover Hall

Is it possible for this awesome venue to get any better? We may be biased, but we’d like to think so. We believe that adding popular lighting services, such as uplighting, bistro lighting, draping, or pin spotting can truly enhance an already amazing venue. Not just at Dover Hall either, but at every venue. Feeling overwhelmed about these terms? Don’t worry, we’ll walk you through it using examples from events we’ve done at Dover Hall.

Are you interested in Dover Hall or are you planning on having an event there? Talk about an exquisite venue! Dover Hall is a picturesque estate with rolling hills and beautiful views. This venue has it all – An amazing bridal suite, professional kitchens, and a ballroom that opens onto large, open terraces. If you’re looking for a venue that offers every amenity needed for an event and has the ability to wow your guests, look no further than Dover Hall; this venue will not disappoint.

Uplighting

As you may know, uplighting is the technique of pointing a high powered light, typically an LED light fixture, at the wall in order to create a column of light. This can help to create an ambiance in the room that matches the vibe and theme you are hoping to achieve for your event.

Uplighting is a perfect complement to the ballroom at Dover Hall. The large walls, vaulted ceilings, and tall drapes lend themselves perfectly to the column effect of the uplights. Uplighting can help you set a mood or theme and can make your event one to remember.

Uplighting doesn’t have to be limited to just the ballroom either, uplights also look great on the exterior of the building, trees, and other points of interest.

Draping

Draping an event is very exciting because it can be whatever you want it to be! You can have a custom design in mind when approaching a draping company; ask their designers to come up with something that fits your style; or a little bit of both. Sometimes drape is used to cover something in a venue that you don’t wish for guests to see, separate the ceremony space from the reception space, or create a spectacle. While white drape is the most common, event drape can be any color you’d prefer.

Draping is especially interesting at Dover Hall. While the maroon drape that is in the ballroom is great, it’s not for everyone. The Lighting & Sound Company has 22′ tall white poly-premier drape made specifically for the ballroom. To use our draping, the current draping doesn’t need to be removed or modified. We bring our own supports and simply cover the existing drape in a way that makes it look like it’s been there the whole time. The white drape look can add a whole new dynamic to the beautiful ballroom.

Bistro Lighting

One of the most popular lighting services of the past few years has been bistro lighting. Bistro lighting, which can also go by the name of cafe lighting, festoon lighting, or string lighting not only looks great, it is also very useful for practical and functional purposes. It is often used to add design elements while at the same time allowing guest to see the facilities and all of your other design decisions. Multiple patterns can be used while hanging bistro lighting which allows it to be flexible and diverse while also allowing you to get creative with designs. It can be zig zagged, single crossed, or even festooned out from a single point.

At Dover Hall, bistro lighting can be used to add an extra flair to the large ballroom. It allows guest to enjoy those vaulted ceilings while bringing the feel of the event more inward and allowing for a more intimate environment. Using bistro lighting at Dover Hall fits right in with the stone walls and medieval-style chandeliers.

Examples of bistro lighting at other venues

Pinspotting

Have you spent weeks finding the perfect centerpieces? You don’t want them blending into the background- you want them to pop! That’s where pinspotting comes in. Pinspotting allows elements of your design to stand out, no matter how you’ve decided to set your mood lighting. Just check out this example.

No matter what venue you choose, we recommend considering pinspots and Dover Hall is no exception.

You can find more information about the services listed in this post by visiting our lighting services page, or see more images of these services by visiting our gallery. You can visit the official website of Dover Hall here.

What You Should Know Before Using an In-House AV Provider

Once you’ve inked a contract to rent a venue for your event, your next thought is probably choosing the vendors that will provide services at your event. Sometimes the venue has requirements, such as, they must handle the catering.

Many times, the venue will also offer to provide your audio-visual and lighting services. Unlike the catering staff, who are likely employees of the venue, the AV provider is most commonly a contractor of the venue who they recommend to their clients. (Sometimes this is not the case, and the venue does have employees who handle AV needs)

Pros and Cons of using in-house AV

Is it a problem that your venue provides AV services for your event? Not necessarily, but consider all the aspects. Here are the details:

Hotels and even some wedding venues say that it is more convenient for you to use their in-house AV team. After all, they work at the venue regularly and they (might) keep their equipment there. In case of last-minute changes to your event, the house can just grab more gear from their closet. You have one contract for the space, food/beverage, and audio-visual. Maybe there is a required penalty you have to pay if you don’t use their AV provider.

Many times, the in-house AV provider has a commission agreement with the venue. This means they pay a percentage of your AV contract total back to the venue. If you don’t mind spending extra money then this is not a concern. But if you want to reduce your AV budget, a local lighting company can usually provide better service at a better price.

These venues might neglect to tell you that the in-house AV vendor is almost certainly paying a large commission back to the venue, charged directly to you. The venue will likely forget to mention that the “on-site equipment” has indeed been onsite for 25 years and is outdated and unreliable. And there will be no mention that the “dedicated technician” for support during your event will have to service all of the rooms at the venue. Just when you need help connecting your laptop at the start of your presentation, the technician might be fixing the sound in another room, and will come over to you when available.

Quality AV Services are Key

The lighting and AV play a key role in having a perfect event or wedding. If nobody can hear the bridal party speeches because the sound was bad, all your guests will remember. Imagine if the projector breaks and nobody can see the presentation. Your audience’s key takeaway will be that your event was poorly planned. You can see that the selection of an AV company dedicated to ensuring your event runs smoothly is critical.

At The Lighting & Sound Co, we believe that service before and during your event is the most important aspect of our relationship with you. We work with you to determine a lighting and AV scope that fits your specific needs. We don’t provide cookie-cutter equipment that is barely related to your event vision. Our skilled technicians are dedicated only to your event when onsite. If you call your account manager for help, the response will be “someone is coming to fix that issue.”

The Subtle Art of Draping

Picture this. A chic wedding with beautiful and luxurious waves of fancy Wedding Draping fabrics nicely wrapped, drooped, and puddled to the ground.

Fabric for Fairytales. That’s what some would say.

In a nutshell, Wedding Draperies are flowy, light, and breezy – a perfect way to add grace and style to any special event, including weddings.

Wedding Drapery Fabrics Can:

Cover things you don’t want to see at a wedding venue meant for romanticism.
Highlight inviting spaces within the ceremony or reception.

Needless to say, wedding draping treatments for wedding celebrations and other fancy events are an incredibly helpful tool to structure, as well as personalize, any occasion to precisely the way you desire it.

Nowadays, Wedding Draping is a crucial element to countless wedding coordinators and brides-to-be. Wedding drapery is soft, yet refined, and its uses are many.

3 Reasons Why Numerous brides-to-be love using Wedding Draping:

To hide unattractive aspects of event spaces.
To turn blah entrance ways into something grand.
To add sophistication and style to any kind of location to contribute to the overall ambiance.

By the way, there is no wedding drape too small. Wedding Drapery Sizes can range anywhere from 1’ to 30’ tall!

Trending Locations for Wedding Drapery Rentals

One thing is for sure: Weddings these days are not about basic spaces. Combine wedding drapery to transform the most beautiful of areas:

Luxurious Wedding Tents
Banquet Halls or Hotel Event Spaces
Barns
Museums
Conservatories
Botanical Gardens
Boats and Yachts
Backyard Areas
Beaches
Churches
The list goes on…

Popular Wedding Drapery Ideas

Draping Ideas for Weddings include ceiling canopies, room liners, and backdrops as well as tent and stage draping. You’ll want to pick professionals that offer a free design consultation to explore your options.

Use it to develop a one-of-a-kind backdrop for food tables or merely split a room in half to divide the space in two. Wedding draperies can also be used as a backdrop for the musicians performing during the reception.

The design enhancements are limitless.

TOP IDEAS: When to Use Wedding Drapery

When Ceremony and Reception must be in the Same Space
Use wedding drapery for an elegant way to direct the guests to the ceremony on one side as if it’s in one intimate space.

Bistro Lighting or Up lighting
Attempt to incorporate draping with bistro lighting or up lighting to add flair to your once-in-a-lifetime event. Remember that wedding draping can be hung anywhere.

When Needing to Hide Ugly Ceilings and Beams
Create an intimate space by covering high ceilings, irregularly shaped rooms, or outdoor tents.

When Needing a Backdrop to Highlight or Hide Something
Create depth and a prettier atmosphere. Get Trendy!

Use wedding drapery around a unique piece of art to dress up blank wall space.
Mix elements such as drapery and vines to create a textured space behind the band.
Create Photo Backdrops with drapery and frames for Unique Photography backgrounds.

Drape fabric around small windows to make them appear larger and grander than what they are.

Dessert or Food Tables
Spice up your food and treat tables using wedding drapery layers, then overlay with a sequin or sheer drape of a different color.

Head Tables
Draping tulle around your head table is the absolute best way to create a focal point never forgotten. And don’t forget, there is a style for every preference.

Wedding Arches
Combining drapery with branches or flowers on a wedding arch is amazing and breathtaking.

Best Wedding Draping Fabric

Honestly, the type of wedding fabric you use to drape at your special event is up to you. They can be used to “drape” tables, walls and/or ceilings. They can be white. They can be Fuchsia. They can be sheer, solid, flat, or shiny. It is totally your preference.

However, there are types of fabrics that are commonly used when using materials of all kinds to drape a wedding.

Poly Premier is kind of like table linens at a fancy restaurant. This fabric is an elegant and subtle way to incorporate the colors white and ivory.
Sheer Fabrics will reveal objects behind it and is see-through.
Sheer Custom is ultra-wide and excellent when used with arches, arbors, ceilings, backdrops or pipe. A perfect combination when used with lighting.