Lighting

Shots of my lighting FX

Lighting and special effects, such as bubbles, gobos and fog, can play an important role in creating the ambience you want at your wedding. There are two unique situations with lighting issues:

1. When the reception starts. Guests are dining, the photographer needs to get shots of all of your events, and your special events are taking place.

2. When everyone starts dancing.

For the first situation you will need plenty of light to accommodate the photographer and so your guests can see what's going on.

Lighting that's too low can make it difficult for the photographer to get good pictures. Most of the guests will end up with under-exposed pics. And, your backgrounds will be black, with no detail.
	For dancing there can be less light. People feel more comfortable in dim lighting. Also, special FX lighting can be used to add a party atmosphere to your celebration.
Ambience can be created with candles, dimmed room lighting, etc. Consult your photographer about your plans for the lighting so they can accommodate your needs.

Bubble Machines

Are you planning on having bottles of bubbles on the tables?

Many brides put bottles of bubbles on the tables thinking it create a room full of bubbles. Bubbles do not travel very far in a room: 5 to 10 feet is about all they will travel. Due to this lack of flight, I suggest you consider these options:

	For a bubbly grand entrance guests line up on either side of the door(s) you and your bridal party enter through and blow bubbles as you enter.
	For a bubbly first dance guests bring their bubbles to circle around the dance floor.
	For more bubble volume use a bubble machine. If only a few guests make bubbles the bubbles will be seen in the photos.

I do offer bubble machine rentals if you need one.

Gobos

Gobos are metal plates that have inscriptions cut in them with a laser. The plates are placed infront of a light and projected onto walls, ceilings and dance floors. This is a great way to personalize your wedding.

	Gobos available with your names, initials, wedding date or other inscription of your choice. Call or email me for price quote. sales @zzydj.com 559.684.1102

Now for the second half...

The second part of your reception is the dancing.

Do not use any special effects lighting while you are doing your special dances as the lighting required by the photographer for good pictures will greatly reduce the effectiveness of the lights.

However, once the regular dancing starts, you have many options for special effects lighting to add to the festive atmosphere of your wedding.

Here are some of the effects I use

Scanners: are computer-controlled lights that can be aimed or can run automatically. They project various shapes and colors on walls, floor, and ceiling. They can also be used to siulate a spotlight effect. Lasers: straight out of Star Trek! Decos: This light projects a circular pattern of lights on the area, changes colors and also changes patterns,. Strobe: yes, the venerable flashing light. Mania: a light that creates patterns on surrounding area. In these lights, the gobo is fixed so one pattern is used all night. The pattern on the two lights can be the same, or for more variety, can be two different ones. Vertigo, Derby: These create an "old school" lighting effect of bouncing beams of light.

Foggers:

I have a lot of people ask about fog machines, and we have them, but a word of caution. Most venues have VERY sensitive smoke detectors, and foggers tend to set off these fire alarms. Nothing is worse than having the alarm go off in the middle of your reception.

If your venue has no fire alarm or if you are having an outdoor event, then a fogger might be a great addtion to your party. The fog enhances the light beams of the effects so that the entire beam of light is seen, not just where it ends.

Fog machines are available to rent.

Outside links

Lighting primer for the novice.

More lighting ideas.

Martha Stewart lighting ideas.

Outdoor lighting ideas

Lots of lighting items for sale.

Ezine lighting insights.

Renting a bubble machine.

DO NOT buy this bubble machine!
(One of my client brides purchased one not knowing I rented them; the machine she
purchased (the one at this link) produced NO bubbles!) [Later, I brought in one of mine!]

Lighting with gobos and other lights.

Ideas for gobos at weddings.

Felix the DJ demonstrates one type of gobo.

Incorporate a fogger in the lighting mix.