Junior Rasmussen
Wedding lighting is an important consideration for couples as it can significantly impact the atmosphere of the event and the resulting photographs. While some couples opt for no lighting at all, others choose to incorporate various lighting effects such as uplighting, strobe lights, and lasers. The type of lighting chosen can depend on factors such as the venue, time of day, and personal preference. For instance, a couple may choose to use dance floor lighting to signal party time and create a lively atmosphere, especially if the wedding extends into the evening. However, it is essential to be mindful of the potential impact of lighting on wedding photos, as certain lighting effects can be challenging for photographers to work with and may affect the final images. To enhance the party atmosphere, DJs often use sound-activated lights that react to the music, creating an immersive experience for guests.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of lights required | One or two lights are usually enough to cover the dance floor. |
| Types of lights | Options include Astera Pixel Tubes, Wash FX hex, Kinta FX, Chauvet, ADJ Boom Box FX2, and Freedom par hex-4. |
| Light features | Different colours, shapes, and patterns. Lights can be static or dynamic, reacting to the music. |
| Accessories | Power cords, extension cords, nuts and bolts, cable ties, cases, and light stands. |
| Guest interaction | Glow sticks and foam sticks are popular with guests but can be expensive and non-reusable. |
| Photography | DJ lights can affect wedding photos, creating colour casts and laser dots that are challenging to edit. |
| Cost | Lights can range from $100 to $475 or more, depending on the type and quality. |
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What You'll Learn
The number of lights needed
If you are using hanging lights, it is recommended to secure the cords tightly to the stand using cable ties to avoid an unsightly look. You may also need to buy nuts and bolts if they don't come with the light stand. It is also a good idea to have cases for your lights and stands to protect them from damage.
In addition to the lights and stands, you will need accessories such as power cords and extension cords. It is also recommended to have backup cords in case of any issues.
The number of lights you need will also depend on the size of the venue and the desired effect. For example, if you want a more subtle lighting effect, you may need fewer lights, but if you want a more dynamic and colourful display, you may need more lights.
It is important to consider the impact of lighting on wedding photos. While good dance floor lighting can enhance the atmosphere and signal "party time" to guests, certain types of lighting, such as coloured uplighting and DJ laser beams, can be challenging for photographers to work with. It is recommended to communicate with your photographer and DJ to ensure that the lighting choices align with your vision for the event and won't negatively impact your photos.
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Lighting types and effects
The type of lighting you choose for your wedding can significantly impact the overall atmosphere and your guests' experience. Here are some lighting types and effects to consider:
- Uplighting: This involves placing coloured lights around the perimeter of the venue, shining directly onto the ceiling. While it can create a vibrant ambiance, uplighting can be challenging for photographers, leaving unwanted colour casts on photos that are difficult to remove in post-production.
- Dance Floor Lights: These lights are designed to illuminate the dance floor and encourage guests to let loose and dance. Options include Astera Pixel Tubes, which are vertical LED tubes that emit a variety of colours and patterns, or simpler alternatives like glow sticks and foam sticks, which are interactive and fun for guests.
- Sound-Activated Lights: These lights react to the music, with their intensity matching the tempo and mood of the songs. This creates a dynamic and immersive experience on the dance floor, with the lights taking on a life of their own.
- Lasers: Laser lighting can be a polarising choice. While it might work well at an EDM show, it can be more challenging to execute tastefully at a wedding. Poorly executed laser lighting can create unwanted colour dots on guests' faces and clothes, ruining photographs.
- Wash Lights, Derby Lights, and Moving Heads: These lighting options can enhance the visual experience and create a unique atmosphere. Quality moving heads, in particular, can help set your wedding apart.
When considering lighting for your wedding, it's essential to strike a balance between creating a lively atmosphere and ensuring that your photographer can capture beautiful, well-lit photos. Communicating with your DJ and photographer about their equipment and any potential challenges is crucial to ensuring everyone is on the same page.
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Lighting for wedding photos
Good lighting is essential for creating the right atmosphere at a wedding and can make or break your wedding photos.
The impact of DJ lighting on wedding photos
Coloured uplighting, DJ laser beams, and strobe lights can create a fun party atmosphere, but they are some of the most challenging lighting scenarios for photographers. The colours can cast on people's faces and clothes, creating unwanted dots that are hard to remove in post-production. If you want natural skin tones in your photos, this type of lighting can be problematic.
Tips for dealing with DJ lighting in wedding photos
- Embrace the colours: Shoot towards the DJ booth so that the wild colours become splashes of colour, whether you use an on-camera bounce flash or not.
- Use flash to neutralise colour casts: Adapt to the prevailing colour or use CTO to neutralise the lights.
- Shoot a lot: With lasers skimming around, take plenty of shots to ensure you have enough images in case some are spoiled by bright green dots.
- Turn off lasers/spotlights for the first dance: Discuss with the DJ and ask them to turn off the lasers or spotlights for the first dance.
- Work with the DJ: Build a good working relationship with the DJ, and you can easily work with and around each other.
Other lighting options
If you want to avoid the challenges of DJ lighting, there are other options to create a beautiful ambiance and great wedding photos. Fairy lights or twinkle lights can add a magical touch to your venue. Candles can also create a romantic and elegant atmosphere, especially for an evening wedding. Uplights can be a good option, but they can be tricky to get right and may require some testing to find the right colour and placement.
The right lighting for your wedding photos
Ultimately, the lighting you choose for your wedding will depend on the ambiance you want to create and the style of your venue. Discuss your options with your DJ and photographer to ensure your lighting enhances your photos rather than detracts from them.
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Lighting accessories
Lights and Stands
The type of lights and stands you choose will depend on your preferences and the ambiance you want to create. Astera Pixel Tubes are a popular choice for weddings as they are sleek, powerful LED lights that emit a full spectrum of colours. These lights are battery-operated and can be controlled wirelessly, allowing for dynamic and customizable lighting effects. Other options include wash lights, derby lights, moving heads, uplights, and other movers. If you want a more interactive experience for your guests, glow sticks or foam sticks can be a fun addition, although they will likely only last for the duration of the reception.
Power Cords and Extension Cords
Ensure that your lighting setup has access to a reliable power source. Good power cords should ideally come with your lights, but it's always a safe option to have backup cords and extension cords to avoid any last-minute hassles.
Cases and Bags
Protect your lighting equipment by investing in cases or bags. Some companies offer custom cases designed specifically for their lights, such as the Rockville Wedge Charge Case. Alternatively, you can create your own DIY case using a plastic tub and packing foam. Similarly, a case or bag for your light stands will help keep them safe and free from scuffs or damage during transportation and storage.
Nuts and Bolts
When assembling your lighting setup, don't forget the small but essential accessories like nuts and bolts. These may come included with your light stands, but it's worth checking beforehand to avoid any last-minute surprises.
Cable Ties
For a neat and tidy appearance, use cable ties to secure the cords tightly to the light stands. This will prevent cords from hanging loosely and maintain a sleek and professional look.
While DJ lights can enhance the atmosphere, it's important to consider the potential impact on wedding photography. Colored uplighting and laser beams can be challenging for photographers, so communicate with your DJ and photographer to find a balance that suits everyone.
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Cost of lighting
The cost of lighting for a wedding DJ setup can vary depending on several factors, including the type of lights, the number of lights, and any additional accessories required. Here is a breakdown of the potential costs involved:
Lights and Stands:
The cost of DJ lights can range from around $100 per light to several hundred dollars, depending on the quality and features. For example, a set of Astera Pixel Tubes, which are high-quality LED lights, may be more expensive but can provide better results and avoid the issues caused by cheaper laser lights. It is worth noting that two lights are typically enough to cover the dance floor, so a couple can likely expect to spend around $200 on these.
Accessories:
In addition to the lights themselves, there are other accessories to consider that can impact the overall cost. These include power cords, extension cords, nuts and bolts for light stands, and cases or bags to protect the lights and stands from damage. These accessories may be included with the lights, but it is always a good idea to have backups, especially for power cords.
Glow Sticks and Foam Sticks:
Some DJs offer glow sticks or foam sticks as a fun addition for guests during the wedding reception. However, these are typically single-use, so couples should consider the cost of replacing them for each wedding.
Setup and Teardown:
For mobile DJs who need to pack, set up, and tear down their equipment at each wedding, there may be additional costs involved. This could include charges for the time and labour required to set up and dismantle the lighting equipment, which one source mentions as $475.
It is important to discuss the lighting options and associated costs with the DJ beforehand to ensure there are no surprises. It is also worth considering the impact of lighting on wedding photos, as certain types of lighting, such as coloured uplighting and laser beams, can be challenging for photographers to work with.
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Frequently asked questions
Good dance floor lighting is essential if you want a lively party. However, not all DJ lighting is created equal, so it's worth asking your DJ what lights they offer to ensure they are high-quality and enhance the atmosphere of your wedding.
Astera Pixel Tubes are high-quality, one-metre vertical LED tubes that emit powerful lighting across the entire colour spectrum. They are battery-operated and can be controlled wirelessly, so you can place them anywhere in the room at various heights to ensure optimal lighting. Other options include glow sticks, foam sticks, and uplighting.
Each light costs around $100, so you can likely buy two good dance floor lights for around $200. Some DJs may charge extra for lighting, while others may include a complimentary light show.
