At DJ Dave Entertainment, we believe that uplighting is one of the most important visual elements for enhancing any event — wedding receptions and other formal events alike. Though some may view uplighting as an unnecessary expense, I think it is integral to creating the perfect ambiance for your wedding reception.
If you are on the fence about whether or not to add uplighting to your wedding décor, read on to learn more about this popular wedding trend.
What is Uplighting?
I still vividly recall the first time I saw uplighting in action. I attended the wedding of my two good friends, Wendy and Bob, at the Westford Regency Inn and Conference Center in Westford, MA. Upon entering the reception hall, I was immediately greeted with a sea of pink (Wendy’s favorite color). Pink also happened to be the color of the bridesmaids’ gowns and the wedding’s overarching color scheme — so it all came together beautifully!
For being such an integral part of the overall lighting design of a wedding, uplighting is surprisingly underappreciated. Considering this, it is not surprising that many soon-to-be-married couples seem unfamiliar with the term.
So what is uplighting exactly?
Well, uplighting is a type of special lighting used to highlight certain features of a room or event space with radiant colors. It can be used to highlight the architecture of a room, accentuate certain décor elements, or create a specific mood or atmosphere. Plus, uplighting can be customized to match your wedding colors and theme.
In other words, uplighting can bring out the beauty of your wedding venue!
Whether during cocktail hour, dinner, or dessert and dancing, adding a pop of color with uplighting can make your wedding memorable.
How to Use Uplighting?
Uplighting is a great way to add extra ambiance to your wedding reception. By coloring an entire room with a single color (or even two alternating colors), you can really set the mood for your event. You can also use uplighting to highlight certain features of your wedding venue, like a beautiful fireplace or grand staircase.
At DJ Dave Entertainment, we have uplighting controlled by a wireless remote — so we can instantly change the room’s color scheme with the push of a button. Furthermore, they are battery-powered, making them ideal for use in just about any setting.
Where to Place Uplighting?
Placing uplights is key to getting the most out of them. Typically, they are used in strategic places around the room so that they accentuate the best features of a wedding venue and create a cohesive look.
- If the room has tall ceilings, such as a church or hall, then uplighting can be placed on the walls or even overhead to create some dramatic effects.
- If there is not enough space overhead, then uplighting may be placed on either side of the dance floor (depending on what will work best for the layout).
- Finally, if the reception is outdoors or in an enclosed area with low ceilings, it is best to use uplights in strategic places throughout the room that will enhance certain focal points or help set the mood (such as along an aisle).
Keep in mind that the number of uplights used is just as important as their placement. Use too few, and the room will appear flat and uninviting. Use too many, and the room will appear overdone and your guests will feel like they are under the spotlight. The key is to find the perfect balance — the general rule of thumb is to space a single uplight every 5 to 10 feet.
What Colors to Choose?
Thanks to color mixing, uplights can display hundreds of colors. But which color should you choose?
When choosing colors for your uplighting, it is important to consider both the tone of your wedding and the colors that will complement your décor. We love light, airy colors like pale pink or blue for a summertime wedding. Or, if you are going for a more dramatic look, try rich jewel tones like purple or red. You cannot go wrong using your wedding colors either! Just make sure that whatever colors you choose complement each other and don’t clash.
If you are not sure which colors would work best for your wedding, here are some of our favorites that you can consider:
- White: White is the most popular color for uplighting because it creates a clean and elegant look. Plus, white goes with everything, so you don’t have to worry about your uplights clashing with your other décor. If you are looking for a classic look, white is the way to go.
- Red: While white is the most popular color for uplighting, red is a close second. Red uplights can create an intense and bold ambiance in your reception space. Red is an excellent option if you want to add a pop of color to your décor. Just be sure to use it sparingly, so it does not overwhelm your other décor elements.
- Pink: Pink is a trendy wedding color because it can create a romantic and dreamy ambiance. It is also a versatile color that can be used in various ways. For example, you could use pink uplights to highlight your wedding cake or centerpiece. Or, you could use them to light up the dance floor or create a unique backdrop for your wedding photos.
- Fuchsia: Fuchsia is another popular color for uplighting because it adds a touch of elegance to any space. It is also a great way to add a pop of color to your wedding décor. If you want something unique, try pairing fuchsia with another bold color, like purple or pink.
- Blue: Blue has a calming effect and can be used to create a wide range of moods, from romantic to festive. Plus, blue uplights look great in photos! If you want your wedding uplighting to have a more dramatic effect, go for brighter shades of blue. But if you prefer a softer look, opt for lighter hues or even a pastel blue. No matter what shade you choose, blue uplighting is sure to give your wedding reception an elegant and stylish atmosphere.
- Purple: A lot of couples gravitate towards purple for their uplighting. It is a regal color that can convey luxury and sophistication. And it is also a popular choice because it goes well with almost any other color scheme. If you are looking for a classic and elegant look, purple is a great option.
- Amber: Amber is a flattering color for wedding uplighting, creating a romantic yet sophisticated glow. And because this color conveys earth tones, it works especially great for autumn weddings.
In Summary
For many couples, their wedding day is the most important day of their lives. And while there are a lot of details that go into making sure the day goes off without a hitch, one of the most important elements is the lighting. Enter DJ Dave Entertainment.
In addition to providing music for your ceremony/reception, helping keep the event flow smoothly and keeping your guests entertained, we also offer services like uplighting, which can create a beautiful and unique ambiance in your venue.
So if you are looking for a DJ around Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island who can assist you with uplighting, get in touch with DJ Dave Entertainment. Call us at (978) 254-1155 or contact us online to discuss your upcoming event!