Creating A Wedding Gobo: Projecting A Perfect Design

A gobo is a stencil placed inside a projector to shine a pattern or custom design onto a surface. They are often used at weddings to project the couple's names or initials, adding a unique and elegant touch to the event. Gobos can be made of metal or glass, with glass gobos being more expensive and suitable for detailed designs and colour projections. Creating a custom gobo involves designing your desired pattern or text, preparing the files for manufacturing, and then using a laser or chemical etching process to create the final product. The gobo is then inserted into a projector, which shines the light through the stencil to project the design onto a chosen surface.

Choosing a design: Custom or stock?

When it comes to choosing a design for your wedding gobo, you have two main options: creating a custom design or opting for a stock gobo. Both choices have their advantages and can enhance the atmosphere of your wedding in unique ways.

Custom Gobos:

Custom gobos offer a personalised touch to your wedding and can be tailored to your specific theme or style. You can design your own gobo using an online tool, where you can insert text, choose fonts, add graphics, and select borders. This option allows you to get creative and make your gobo as unique as your relationship. You can also upload your own artwork or provide instructions for a custom design. Custom gobos are typically made from metal or glass and can include shading, gradients, and colour designs. They are perfect for special events like weddings, where you might want to project the couple's names, initials, or a meaningful message. The cost of producing a custom metal gobo usually ranges from $80 to $150, while custom glass gobos can cost between $150 to $400, depending on the complexity of the design.

Stock Gobos:

Stock gobos, on the other hand, are pre-made and fabricated with standard designs. They can include various patterns, florals, or generic messages like "Happy New Year." There are thousands of stock gobo designs available, making it easy to find one that suits your wedding theme. Stock gobos are typically more affordable, ranging in price from $12 to $30 on average.

Both custom and stock gobos can add a special touch to your wedding and create a memorable atmosphere. Custom gobos offer more personalisation, while stock gobos provide a convenient and cost-effective option. Ultimately, the choice depends on your preferences, budget, and the level of customisation you desire.

Selecting the gobo type: Glass or metal?

When selecting the type of gobo you want to use for your wedding, it is important to consider the differences between glass and metal gobos.

Metal gobos are cut from a single sheet of metal, usually steel or brass, and are more cost-effective than glass gobos due to the lower cost of the raw material. They are ideal for projecting text, such as the names of the bride and groom, as they act as a stencil, allowing only the light to be seen. Metal gobos are also a good choice if you want a brighter projection. However, they wear out quicker than glass gobos due to lower heat resistance and may require "tabbing" to keep letters with cut-out middles, such as 'O' or 'P', in place.

On the other hand, glass gobos offer more design flexibility and are perfect for intricate designs with multiple colours. Each colour is placed on a new layer of glass, allowing for shading, gradients, and colour designs. Glass gobos are created using CYMK glass, ensuring the closest fit for your desired colours. They are also more durable over time as they are made from high-temperature borosilicate glass with a reflective coating. Glass gobos are ideal for projecting artwork or company logos. However, they are more expensive to produce, with colour glass gobos costing upwards of $300.

Both glass and metal gobos can be customised with your own artwork or text, making them a perfect choice for adding a unique and personalised touch to your wedding.

Preparing the design file: AI or EPS format

Once you have settled on a design, it needs to be sent over to the designers who will redraw and manipulate the files, preparing them for the manufacturing process. The designers will use either an AI (Adobe Illustrator) or EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) format to ensure the final cut is as crisp and clean as possible.

If you are creating the design file yourself, it is important to note that the amount of detail, fine lines, size, etc. will depend on the type of gobo you are using – steel, brass, or glass. For example, if you are creating a corporate logo, you will need to use a glass gobo if your corporate guidelines require all displays of your logo to be in colour.

If you design and send over your artwork before 12 pm in either AI or EPS format, you can assure a same-day dispatch.

Manufacturing the gobo: Laser cutting or chemical etching

Manufacturing gobos typically involves either laser cutting or chemical etching. Laser cutting is a popular method, with many companies using a 500w laser cutter to create gobos. This method is often used to comply with waste water regulations. Laser cutting can also be done with a 30w laser, which may require multiple passes to achieve the desired result.

Another option is to use a galvo fiber laser, which is recommended for cutting metal gobos. These machines can be custom-ordered from Chinese manufacturers to fit specific requirements and budgets. It is important to note that the type of metal and its thickness will impact the laser cutting process, with stainless steel being more commonly cut than aluminium due to its higher laser cutting compatibility.

Alternatively, chemical etching is a widely used process in gobo manufacturing. This involves using an acid to etch the design onto the metal. While this method is popular for mass production, it may not be as accessible for individual projects.

The choice between laser cutting and chemical etching depends on various factors, including the desired level of detail, the type of metal used, and the availability of equipment and expertise.

Using a projector: Light source and mounting

The projector is the light source for your wedding gobo and is typically a high-end stage/production lighting fixture. These fixtures are sometimes called ellipsoidal fixtures, such as the ETC Source Four, or a carefully manufactured, high-precision fixture like the Martin PR-1. Different models have different features, including bulb type/brightness, zooming ability, and size/weight. These features are important to consider when mounting your fixture.

When it comes to mounting, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, you need to determine the proper location for your fixture, ensuring it is positioned correctly to display your gobo design accurately. This includes considering the distance from the fixture to the surface, as well as any angles created by the location, and how these factors will impact the size of your gobo and the capabilities of your projector.

Next, you need to decide whether you will be mounting your fixture from the ground or from above. Ground-mounted fixtures are common for mobile and temporary events and require a proper stand, mounting mechanism, and safety features. Overhead mounting involves hanging the fixture using proper brackets and fixtures, but this option may not be allowed or feasible for all venues.

Additionally, you'll need to consider the power supply for your fixture, especially if it uses a high-wattage lamp. You'll also want to ensure that your mounting setup looks neat and tidy by using proper taping, dressing/skirting, etc.

Frequently asked questions