Dance Floor Lighting: Enhancing Your Wedding's Fun And Energy

do I need dance floor lighting wedding

Wedding dance floors are often illuminated by special lighting effects provided by the DJ or band. While decorative uplighting is generally considered tasteful, special effect lighting machines can have a detrimental impact on wedding photographs. Couples should therefore discuss lighting with their entertainment vendor in advance to ensure that special dances and events are not ruined by poor lighting. This guide will explore the various dance floor lighting options available and help you decide whether you need dance floor lighting at your wedding.

Characteristics Values
Purpose To bring excitement to the dance floor and enhance the party atmosphere
Types Color wash, moving heads with haze machine, amber color wash, LED dance floors, stage lights, disco ball lamps, stage laser lights, stage strobe effects, etc.
Considerations Size, portability, customizability, maintenance, material (acrylic, tempered glass, composite), impact on photographs
Recommendations Discuss lighting preferences with the entertainment vendor in advance, request effects lighting be turned off for special dances and events, avoid red/green laser dots

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LED dance floors

Dance floors are a staple at weddings, and LED dance floors can take your wedding reception to the next level. LED dance floors offer a unique and dynamic experience, creating a vibrant and unforgettable atmosphere for you and your guests. With customisable patterns and lighting options, you can choose a colour wash effect or dynamic lighting that changes to the beat of the music.

When choosing an LED dance floor, consider the weight capacity and specifications to ensure it meets your requirements. Some models are also weather-resistant, making them suitable for outdoor weddings, but always verify the product details. LED dance floors are generally easy to maintain and can be cleaned with mild soap and water, keeping them looking pristine.

Brands such as Magna Floor, Clutch, and ADJ are known for their high-quality LED dance floors, offering innovative designs, customisability, and durability. These floors can be tailored to match your wedding décor, creating a cohesive and elegant look.

With their dynamic lighting, ease of use, and customisability, LED dance floors can truly enhance your wedding reception, providing an enjoyable and memorable experience for you and your guests.

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Lighting for photographs

Wedding dance floor lighting is an innovative trend in the wedding industry. It can transform your reception space into an enchanting space for dancing the night away. It is not just about illuminating the space; it is about creating an unforgettable atmosphere to enhance the celebrations and set the mood.

The right dance floor lighting can make your photos and videos stand out. A soft shimmer of a spotlight for an intimate first dance or a vibrant burst of disco lights for a lively party can shape the mood of the evening. A simple colour wash is a fun way to bring excitement to the dance floor, and lights that change to the beat of the music will get your guests excited and eager to dance.

However, some special effect lighting machines can have a detrimental effect on your photographs. Red/green laser dots, for example, can look terrible when projected onto guests. Couples should discuss lighting with their entertainment vendor in advance to avoid issues. It is recommended that you request that dance floor effects lighting machines be left off for special dances and during other events such as cake cutting or speeches.

If you are looking to light up a dark venue, you will need more than a 60W light. You could consider a lantern modifier, or if size is not an issue, an Apature 100 or 200d.

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Lighting for special dances

A wedding reception is often enhanced by special lighting effects provided by the DJ or band. While decorative uplighting along walls is usually fine, some special effect lighting machines can have a detrimental effect on your photographs.

It is recommended that you request that dance floor effects lighting machines be left off for special dances (e.g. the first dance, father-daughter dance) and during other special events (cake cutting, bouquet toss, speeches, etc.).

However, lighting for the rest of the reception is down to personal preference. While these lights will be visible in some shots, they do not usually look out of place during the general dancing portion of the reception.

Some of the worst lighting for photographs includes devices that project a moving grid of tiny, focused green and red laser dots that sweep across the dance floor and swirl around the room. These will result in very prominent brightly-coloured spots scattered on faces and clothing in photographs.

Other types of machines project larger multi-coloured spots or more sophisticated light patterns that, while not as terrible-looking as the laser dots, can still ruin pictures when photographed from certain angles.

If you are looking to light up a wedding dance floor, you could consider a 60W light, or something brighter if you are trying to raise the overall light value in a dark venue. Battery-powered, lantern-style lights can help raise the overall ambience of the room.

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Lighting for the rest of the reception

While lighting is crucial for the dance floor at a wedding reception, it is also essential for the rest of the venue to create the perfect ambiance. The lighting for the rest of the reception area can be tailored to your preferences and the theme of your wedding.

You can opt for tasteful decorative uplighting along the walls, choosing colours that complement your wedding's aesthetic. This will help to enhance the atmosphere and create a warm and inviting space for your guests. If you're looking for something more subtle, wall washing with soft, amber-coloured lights can add a touch of elegance to the room.

To make the room more dynamic, consider using moving heads and a haze machine to create light beams that are visible in the air. This can add a fun element to the reception, especially when combined with music. Another option is to use LED dance floors, which come in various materials like acrylic, tempered glass, or composite, and can be customized with LED patterns and colours to match your theme.

It is important to discuss your lighting preferences with your entertainment vendor or wedding planner in advance to ensure that your vision is executed flawlessly. Additionally, consider the impact of lighting on photographs, as certain special effects lighting machines can detract from the overall aesthetic of your wedding photos.

Overall, lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood and transforming your wedding reception venue into a magical and memorable space.

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Lighting options and where to buy them

Dance floor lighting is essential for creating a fun and exciting atmosphere at your wedding. A popular option is a colour wash, which can be set to change to the beat of the music, encouraging guests to get on the dance floor. You can also create a colour wash effect using an amber gel over the top of the lights to soften them. This option is favoured by Brilliant Event Lighting, which offers band and dance lighting services.

Another option is to use moving heads and a haze machine, allowing you to see the light beams through the air. This effect is perfect for creating a dynamic and vibrant atmosphere.

If you're looking for ready-made solutions, Amazon offers a wide range of dance floor lighting options, including:

  • Stage lights
  • Disco ball lamps
  • Stage laser lights
  • Stage strobe effects
  • Stage projection effects
  • DJ lights

For those looking for a more subtle approach, consider string lights or fairy lights. These can be easily found at most homeware or lighting stores and add a soft, romantic glow to the dance floor.

When it comes to power options, battery-powered lights offer flexibility and convenience, especially if your venue has limited power outlets. The CAME-TV Q-55W Boltzen 55W MARK II High Output Fresnel Focusable LED light is a powerful and focusable option that can be battery-powered.

Lastly, consider the overall brightness of the venue. A single 60W light may not be sufficient to illuminate a dark dance hall, and it is essential to strike a balance between ambient lighting and not overwhelming the space with too much light.

Frequently asked questions

Dance floor lighting is not a necessity but it can add excitement to your wedding. It is also a great way to enhance the party atmosphere and get your guests on the dance floor.

There are several dance floor lighting options to choose from. You can opt for a simple colour wash, which is a fun and tasteful way to bring excitement to the dance floor. You can also use moving heads and a haze machine to make the lights visible in the air. Another option is to use LED dance floors, which come in various materials such as acrylic, tempered glass, or composite, and can be customised with LED patterns and colours to match your wedding theme.

Some special effect lighting machines used by DJs or bands can have a detrimental effect on your wedding photographs. The absolute worst offenders are devices that project a moving grid of tiny red and green laser dots, which will be visible on faces and clothing in photographs.

Discuss your lighting preferences with your entertainment vendor in advance to avoid potential issues. You can request that dance floor effects lighting machines be turned off for special dances and events, such as the first dance, cake cutting, and speeches. Tasteful decorative uplighting along the walls is usually fine and will not interfere with your photographs.

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