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How Drape Transforms your Tented Wedding: Pole Draping

How Drape Transforms Your Tented Wedding: Pole Draping

When it comes to planning a tented wedding, it’s easy to focus on the traditional elements: the flowers, the food, the seating arrangements. But there’s one critical component that has the power to completely transform the atmosphere of your venue – and that’s draping. More specifically, side pole draping. You might be thinking, “Isn’t the tent just a backdrop for everything else?” Well, yes – but it’s also the canvas upon which the rest of your wedding masterpiece will be painted. And pole draping? That’s the art.

What is Pole Draping?

Pole draping involves adorning the perimeter poles of your wedding tent with beautiful, flowing fabric. These poles are the structural backbone of the tent, and by dressing them with drapes, you instantly create a focal point that enhances both the visual appeal and ambiance of the entire space.

Consider these drapes the “crown jewels” of your tent. They soften the structure, add sophistication, and create a sense of grandeur that brings your wedding design together. Whether you opt for a sleek, straight drop or a soft gather at the top, the addition of pole drapes introduces a graceful element that elevates the entire design.

The Benefits of Pole Draping for Your Wedding

Complete Transformation of Your Tent
A bare pole is just a pole, but a draped pole instantly draws the eye and helps define the perimeter of your tent. The addition of drapes fills out the space, giving it a warm, inviting, and upscale feel. Without this enhancement, the tent can appear too stark or unfinished. But with pole draping, the entire space feels polished and cohesive, making your wedding look more refined.
A Stunning Addition to Your Wedding Decor
Pole draping is more than just an aesthetic choice; it integrates seamlessly into your wedding’s overall design. Whether your style is rustic, romantic, formal, or whimsical, drapes bring a versatile elegance that complements your theme. The drapes don’t just surround the space—they enhance every detail from the floral arrangements to the hanging chandeliers, creating an atmosphere that’s both breathtaking and cohesive.
Enhanced Wedding Photos
When it comes to capturing your wedding day in photographs, pole drapes serve as a stunning visual backdrop. The soft, flowing fabric enhances the light and shadow in the space, creating a beautiful, ethereal effect in your photos. Whether your photographer is taking wide shots of the entire reception or intimate close-ups of you and your guests, the drapes will elevate each image. The added texture and elegance will make your wedding photos look as dreamy and magical as your big day feels.
A Cost-Effective Solution
While full ceiling draping can be an amazing upgrade, pole draping offers a stunning transformation at a somewhat lower price. By focusing on the perimeter poles, you can still achieve a dramatic, luxurious look while keeping your budget in check. It’s the perfect solution for couples who want a top-tier design without the investment of full ceiling draping.

Popular Drape Colors & Fabrics

When selecting the perfect fabric for your pole drapes, there are a few common choices. The most popular colors are white and ivory. These timeless, neutral tones create an ethereal atmosphere and blend effortlessly with most wedding themes. Whether you’re aiming for a minimalist look or planning to add colorful accents, these shades are versatile and classic.

As for fabrics, here are a few favorites:

Sheer: Sheer fabric is perfect for a light, airy, and ethereal feel. It allows light to gently filter through, adding a soft glow to your tent and creating a romantic ambiance. This fabric works beautifully if you want your tent to feel dreamlike and delicate.
Linen: Linen gives off a sophisticated, rustic vibe. Its texture is perfect for couples seeking a natural or boho-chic look. It brings a refined, yet relaxed feel to the space, especially when used in outdoor or garden-style tents.
Polyester: This durable, versatile fabric provides a clean, structured look. Polyester drapes are excellent for formal or traditional weddings and require less maintenance, offering both elegance and practicality.

Tie or Hang Straight?

Your pole drapes can be customized to suit your style. You can have the fabric simply fall straight down for a clean, polished look, or you can opt for a gathered effect at the top for a softer, more romantic vibe. No matter which option you choose, draping them at a uniform height around the entire perimeter of your tent ensures symmetry and cohesion.

Straight drapes lend a formal, sophisticated feel, while gathered drapes are perfect for a more relaxed or whimsical atmosphere. Both options will significantly enhance the look of your tent, so it’s worth considering which style aligns with your overall wedding aesthetic.

Why You Can’t Have a Tented Wedding Without Pole Draping

If you’re planning a tented wedding, pole draping isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. The impact it has on the look and feel of your wedding cannot be overstated. While a tent provides shelter, it often lacks the charm and refinement needed for a truly spectacular event. Pole draping transforms your tent into a beautifully designed space that feels just as elegant as the rest of your wedding.

However, to achieve the best possible result, it’s important to hire a vendor who specializes in draping. While many tent rental companies may offer basic draping services, they may not deliver the same level of expertise and finesse that a specialized draping decorator can provide.

At The Lighting & Sound Co., we specialize in top-tier wedding lighting design and installation services throughout Virginia and beyond. We are proud to offer some of the most pristine side pole draping in the Mid-Atlantic. With years of experience in draping design and installation, we ensure that every fabric is placed with precision, and every gather is perfectly executed to achieve the dramatic, polished look you deserve. We highly recommend working with a team who has the expertise and attention to detail needed to execute this complex design element flawlessly.

It’s important to note that hiring an inexperienced vendor or a general event planner who isn’t skilled in drape design could lead to a less-than-ideal outcome. A poorly executed installation can disrupt the overall elegance of your tent and leave you with a less-than-perfect result. If you’re investing in a tented wedding, you deserve the best, and draping is no place to cut corners.

Add an Extra Touch of Magic: Uplighting on Your Pole Drapes

If you really want to take your tent’s transformation to the next level, consider adding uplighting to your pole drapes. Uplighting casts a soft glow on the fabric, highlighting its texture and creating a dramatic, atmospheric effect that changes throughout the evening.

Imagine how the soft, warm light will bounce off the drapes during your first dance or as you cut your cake. The fabric will glow, creating a dreamy, romantic atmosphere. Uplighting also allows you to subtly incorporate your wedding colors—through soft hues of pink, lavender, or gold—adding yet another layer of personalization to your decor.

Final Thoughts

Pole draping is more than just an enhancement for your tent—it’s an essential element that sets the tone for your entire wedding. By transforming your tent with beautiful drapes on every perimeter pole, you create a cohesive, sophisticated space that feels elegant and warm. And when you add uplighting, your tent becomes even more magical, turning every moment into something truly unforgettable.

If you’re planning a tented wedding in Virginia, don’t skip the pole draping (and the uplighting!). It’s a small investment that makes a huge impact, taking your celebration from good to extraordinary. And with the right team, like The Lighting & Sound Co., you’ll ensure that your tent is everything you dreamed of—and more.

To learn more about how pole draping and uplighting can elevate your wedding, visit The Lighting & Sound Co. for professional design services and impeccable execution. Let us help you create a wedding that’s as stunning as your love story!

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.

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.

Do I need uplighting for my wedding?

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.

Event & Wedding Lighting at the John Marshall Ballrooms

Lighting the John Marshall Ballrooms

The beautiful historic ballrooms at the Hotel John Marshall are a Richmond, Virginia institution. They make for a very lovely venue for wedding ceremonies & receptions, corporate parties, and other special occasions. With two stunning ballrooms, a pre-function lobby space, bridal suites, and a hip-looking lounge, there’s plenty of room to fit most events. The Hotel John Marshall provides plenty of space for any event and the authentic look of the historic building brings a next-level amount of class not found elsewhere in Richmond.

As a selection for a venue, you can’t get much better than the John Marshall. However, as is the case with almost all venues, the ambiance can be improved dramatically simply by adding a few lighting features. Check out the details of the most popular services below.

Uplighting

An especially popular technique to use in this space is uplighting. Using LED lighting, you are able to set the mood using the colors of your choosing. In addition, uplighting has the power to make a large room feel intimate. Beyond that, choosing your uplighting colors can be fun! Try out our powerful Color Picker tool and explore the many different possibilities uplighting can provide.

Custom Gobo

Custom gobos are also relevant in the world of wedding lighting. They are a fantastic way to make your event personalized and memorable. Frequently, a monogram gobo is projected on to the curtain on stage. This location is desirable as the gobo is centered and presented in a way the entire room can see it. Gobos can also be aimed on the dance floor or even in the lobby so guests may see it as they enter.

Pin Spotting

If you are planning on spending a great deal of money on beautiful centerpieces, you don’t want to have them washed out by keeping the work lights on full in the ballroom, and you definitely don’t want them to be overlooked if the lights are a little dimmer. With pin spots, you are able to keep the lights at romantic level while having your magnificent centerpieces pop out of the background and create an eye catching effect. Consequently, pin spotting will allow your guests to admire the centerpieces all night and have them stand out in photos for years to come.

Bistro Lighting

Bistro lighting has the potential to have the biggest “wow” factor. When done correctly (and safely), bistro lighting creates an unparalleled experience. Working with the large ceilings and beautiful chandeliers, bistro lighting hanging from the balconies in the John Marshall produces a very intimate feel. Many popular Pinterest posts also feature bistro lighting.

Draping

The large space provided by the Virginia and Marshall ballrooms can sometimes feel massive. Custom drape features be can added to the space to reduce the expanse or transform the space. Furthermore, drape for weddings are completely customizable and many colors are available. Drape can have bunches and gathers, door arches, complement existing pieces, or create pieces of their own.

You can visit the website for The Historic John Marshall Ballrooms here. See the pictures from this post and many more in our galleries here.

6 LIES Your Wedding Vendors May Be Telling You

More than once a day we’ll hear a bride or groom mention something about one of our local wedding vendors that makes us scratch our heads. Since some of the things we’ve heard have been rather outrageous, we decided to compile a list of things you need to watch out for.

1. Wedding Vendors who say specialization in events is vital.

Some wedding vendors may try to convince you that their services are superior because they only serve wedding clients. While you don’t want your caterer to be bringing in the lights, it isn’t unusual for production companies to serve different types of events. For the most part, the design concepts you’d see applied to lighting large corporate dinners are similar to ones used for weddings, just on a different scale. Many production companies have different departments that handle various event styles. This allows them to deal with different client types on their own levels, while still having access to the same professional-grade equipment, resources and event partners.

Design concepts are typically similar from one event type to another.

2. Vendors who claim offering a smaller number of services is better

Some companies will tell you that because they only offer a select number of services, their services are of higher quality than their competitors. This is like saying Google can only be good at email, search engines, navigation apps, OR self-driving cars; it just isn’t true. Having a single production company with extensive resources to cover your lighting, AV, and drape needs makes life a lot simpler. Working with one vendor for all your related needs means one point of contact, one contract, and one vision. It also typically means lower cost to you through reduced delivery and labor charges.

3. Anytime someone tells you that you’re on a short clock to sign the contract

Many smaller companies can only handle one or two events at a time. Because of this, there is a possibility that they will book up during wedding season. Don’t let this pressure you into signing the contract to lock in your date. You only have one chance to get it right, so make sure you take your time and select a vendor who puts your satisfaction first. Select a vendor that won’t rush you into signing a contract.

4. Lighting providers that claim Wireless LEDs are preferable for uplighting

Taken from 7 Things You Need To Know About Wedding Lighting

Some wedding vendors mislead brides and grooms into thinking wireless solutions are the only way to go. Be wary of companies that claim to only use battery powered LEDs and use phrases such as “no messy wires.” Any professional production company should be able to offer both solutions. Wireless LEDs are often required for areas that are impossible to get power to. However, wired LEDs are far more powerful and brighter. Experienced lighting companies know how to hide all wires out of sight anyway, so make sure you go wireless for the right reasons!

Wired LEDs are far more powerful than their wireless counterparts.

5. Wedding Vendors that claim you always need an on-site technician

Some wedding services like catering or a band need on-site staff to provide the service. The same is true for some, but not all, wedding lighting services. However, if you have only ordered uplighting, this is considered a decor item. There is no need to have a technician watch over your wedding. Consider a production company that will provide a on-site tech at your request, but not force one on you by saying it is “included.”

6. Vendors that say an early setup costs more

If your event starts earlier, there may not be time to set up everything the same day. Hotels usually set all of the tables and place settings the evening before; lighting and decor can be done at the same time. This way, you can arrive and not worry about a set up crew rushing to finish. Some companies try to use an advance setup as a way to extract more money from a client. Choose a company that will set up at a time that is convenient for you and does not impede other vendors or guests. Production companies should typically only charge for use day in these circumstances.

Bistro Lighting Styles for Weddings, Corporate Events & More

Bistro lighting is one of the most popular wedding lighting options, and The Lighting & Sound Co provides every style of bistro lighting you may need!

Also known as string lighting, festoon lighting, or cafe lighting, what we refer to as bistro lighting, is an individual strand with bare lightbulbs dangling down at even intervals. Bistro lights provide a classic, timeless look with a warm glow. The lights are often hung over a reception area, but can also go over a dance floor, patio, or entrance area. Typically, our technicians will install multiple strings of bistro at an event site, arranged in a particular pattern.

One of the best features of bistro lighting is that it can be used nearly anywhere. We commonly install bistro light strings in tents, but have hung them in barns, over open fields and courtyards, in hotel ballrooms, on top of swimming pools, and around food courts and skating rinks. It also neatly complements other types of lighting including uplighting and chandeliers.

Styles of Bistro Lighting

Following are several styles of lighting installations. This is by no means an exhaustive list but includes our most commonly-provided services:

Tracing Bistro

Typically installed in a frame tent or other space with exposed rafters, this style follows the roof supports. This style uses simple bistro which, while not as bright as classic bistro, offers a great look when used for tracing, and is great for shorter tents.

Tracing bistro lighting on a tent for a wedding at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.

Fanning (or festooning) Bistro

Often used outside, all of the strands of lights fan out from one point, on a building or other support structure.

Festooning Bistro Lighting for an Event at Tredegar Ironworks in Richmond, VA.

Traditional (or Zig-zag) Bistro

Our most common service which provides a classic glow in any space, be it a ballroom, tent, or open field. If there is no place to hang the bistro from, we will bring appropriate support structures that don’t distract from your event.

Gathered Bistro

Commonly used to gather all the strands together over a key spot like a dance floor.

Gatherered Bistro Lighting for an outdoor event.

Parallel Bistro

Effective where there are balconies, buildings, or roof structures that create a long rectangular area.

Bistro lighting paper lanterns dance floor

Parallel bistro lighting with paper lanterns over a dance floor.

Crossing Bistro

An excellent style for tents, because some tents are shorter than others. A stylish way of hanging bistro lighting, great for frame tents and long but thin indoor or outdoor areas.

Crossing Bistro Lighting with chandeliers at a networking event for Richmond Weddings.

Bistro Arch

Also good for shorter tents, but works in any tent; bistro strings follow the angles of the roof to leave plenty of headroom for guest.

Bistro Arch inside a tent for an event at Tredegar Ironworks.

Stephanie & Justin’s Wedding

Got a call from Stephanie on Tuesday for a last minute wedding the coming Sunday. Stephanie needed uplighting for her wedding reception at The Hotel John Marshall here in Richmond. Summer is a busy season for weddings, and while we already had other jobs going on that day, we were easily able to accommodate another event. The next day, Stephanie told us she was also interested in a custom wedding gobo with her and Justin’s names on it. Fortunately, we are no stranger to rush jobs and manufacturing a last minute gobo before the date of her wedding was no trouble. We went through the design process with Stephanie, and had the custom gobo just in time!

Stephanie wanted a warm color for the uplighting on the beautiful walls of the ballroom, we suggested our champagne look, always an amazing look in there!

Total Room Transformation

To show the power of event lighting, we set up some of our most popular wedding lighting services in an abandoned basement. This helps to give a better idea of what wedding and event lighting can do to completely transform a room for your wedding reception, ceremony, or any event or party you have at all.

While all the individual pieces that make up the perfect wedding or event are equally important, lighting is the only one that can change how everything is perceived. Lighting can change the look and feel of the entire event, from the mood, to the color the place setting appear to be, make sure you have the right team handling your event. You can learn more by checking out our informational article on wedding and event lighting. Take your event lighting to the next level.

Check out a full display of our services here.