How to Set up Lighting for a Party
Plan lighting according to the type of party you are having., Decide if you will be buying or renting the lighting equipment., Schedule any professional installations., Arrange lighting in places people will gather., Take advantage of the space you...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Plan lighting according to the type of party you are having.
Use candles for an intimate dinner party.
If this is an occasion with just a few people that will take place at night, keep the lights low.
Plan on lanterns or solar lights for parties that you are hosting outdoors.
Expect to use many different kinds of lighting if you are planning a large party, such as a wedding reception.
You will need lights for the dance floor and the dinner tables. -
Step 2: Decide if you will be buying or renting the lighting equipment.
This will depend on what kind of lighting you need.
Buy items such as candles, hanging strings of lights, lanterns and chandeliers.
Rent equipment that is too expensive to buy or will be used just for this party.
Examples include gobos, strobe lights or spotlights. , If you have major lighting to set up that has been rented from a company, that company will probably want to install it themselves.
Give the installers enough time to get the lighting set up and tested before your party begins.
Leave some extra time for troubleshooting and repairs. , Places where guests will eat, drink and mingle should have enough lighting that people can see what they are doing.
Illuminate any walkways if the party is outside at night.
Keep lights on in the bathroom so your guests know where to go, and do not have to fumble for a light switch.
Use a nightlight if you do not want to keep the overhead light on. , If your party is in a formal ballroom or a rented hall, make sure any interesting lighting is used such as a chandelier or sconces on the walls.
If your party is in your home and you have a view of a city skyline, keep the drapes open and the nighttime lights exposed. , Test all of your light fixtures and accents before the party starts.
Do this at least 2 hours before your guests arrive so you have time to make adjustments or replace bulbs. -
Step 3: Schedule any professional installations.
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Step 4: Arrange lighting in places people will gather.
-
Step 5: Take advantage of the space you are using.
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Step 6: Run a dress rehearsal.
Detailed Guide
Use candles for an intimate dinner party.
If this is an occasion with just a few people that will take place at night, keep the lights low.
Plan on lanterns or solar lights for parties that you are hosting outdoors.
Expect to use many different kinds of lighting if you are planning a large party, such as a wedding reception.
You will need lights for the dance floor and the dinner tables.
This will depend on what kind of lighting you need.
Buy items such as candles, hanging strings of lights, lanterns and chandeliers.
Rent equipment that is too expensive to buy or will be used just for this party.
Examples include gobos, strobe lights or spotlights. , If you have major lighting to set up that has been rented from a company, that company will probably want to install it themselves.
Give the installers enough time to get the lighting set up and tested before your party begins.
Leave some extra time for troubleshooting and repairs. , Places where guests will eat, drink and mingle should have enough lighting that people can see what they are doing.
Illuminate any walkways if the party is outside at night.
Keep lights on in the bathroom so your guests know where to go, and do not have to fumble for a light switch.
Use a nightlight if you do not want to keep the overhead light on. , If your party is in a formal ballroom or a rented hall, make sure any interesting lighting is used such as a chandelier or sconces on the walls.
If your party is in your home and you have a view of a city skyline, keep the drapes open and the nighttime lights exposed. , Test all of your light fixtures and accents before the party starts.
Do this at least 2 hours before your guests arrive so you have time to make adjustments or replace bulbs.
About the Author
Diana Garcia
Professional writer focused on creating easy-to-follow DIY projects tutorials.
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