Fluorescent Lights: A Wedding Guide To Bright Ideas

Fluorescent lighting is a staple of many venues, but it can be harsh and unflattering. However, there are ways to make it work for your wedding. One option is to use decorative light covers, which can be found in various designs, from faux stained glass to abstract patterns. You could also add other light sources, such as lamps or wall sconces, to reduce the need for overhead lighting.

If you're feeling more ambitious, you could install a dimmer switch to control the brightness or add trim to the fixture to give it a more decorative look. For an even bigger change, you could replace the entire light fixture with something like pendants or chandeliers.

For a more personalised touch, you could create your own neon sign using EL wire or neon flex. This can be customised with a quote, your names, or even turned into LED rope light wall art.

If you're looking to disguise fluorescent lighting at your venue, you could try hanging branches or balloons from the ceiling, or using uplighting and lanterns to create a softer, more romantic atmosphere.

Fluorescent lighting photography tips

Fluorescent lighting can be challenging to work with, but there are several tips and tricks to help you get the best results when shooting under these conditions. Here are some fluorescent lighting photography tips to help you capture stunning images, even in less-than-ideal lighting situations:

• White Balance Adjustment: Fluorescent lighting often casts an unwanted colour tone on your photographs. You can compensate for this by adjusting the white balance in your camera's menu. Select the fluorescent lighting option, usually depicted as a long tube icon, to colour-correct your photos and make them appear more natural.
• Shutter Speed Adjustment: Fluorescent lights don't light up all at once; instead, they pulse in a cycle. By slowing down your shutter speed to 1/60th of a second or slower, you can capture the full-colour spectrum and avoid the flickering effect that may occur at faster shutter speeds.
• Use RAW Format: Shooting in RAW gives you more flexibility in post-processing. It allows you to manipulate light sources and colour-correct your images more effectively during editing.
• Add Additional Light Sources: Layering in other light sources, such as lamps or wall sconces, can help reduce the need for harsh overhead fluorescent lighting. This can create a warmer and more inviting ambiance for your photos.
• Use a Dimmer Switch: Installing a dimmer switch for your fluorescent lights gives you better control over the lighting mood. This can be a simple DIY project, but if you're unsure, consult a professional electrician.
• Switch to LED Lights: LED lights provide more consistent light and are available in various colours and intensities. They are better for your eyes and can improve the overall lighting in your shooting space.
• Gel Your Flash: If you're using flash photography, consider gelling your flash to match the fluorescent lighting. This will help neutralise the fluorescent light's colour cast and make it easier to correct your images in post-processing.
• Custom White Balance: If your camera allows it, create a custom white balance by bringing a white card (a Macbeth 24 patch target or Passport target work well) to your shoot. This will help you nail the correct white balance and make post-processing easier.
• Practice and Test: Before your shoot, practice shooting under fluorescent lighting. Test different shutter speeds, ISO settings, and aperture values to familiarise yourself with the lighting conditions. This will help you fine-tune your camera settings and be more prepared on the day of the shoot.

Remember, while fluorescent lighting can be challenging, it's not impossible to work with. With the right techniques and a bit of practice, you can capture beautiful images even under these lighting conditions.

DIY fluorescent light signs

Planning and Materials

First, plan out the design of your sign, including the shape, style, and size. For a wedding, you may want to include the couple's names, a romantic quote, or a fun message for your guests. Once you have your design, gather the necessary materials. You will need:

• LED neon flex lights in your desired colour
• Backing material such as acrylic or wood
• Tube cutters
• Soldering kit
• Hot glue gun
• Power source and wires
• Plastic wire clips
• Shaping wire
• Zip ties

Advanced Method with Soldering

If you have experience with soldering and electrical wiring, this method will create a more durable sign.

• Cut the LED neon flex lights to the desired length using tube cutters.
• Solder the wiring to the lights to create a secure connection.
• Use the hot glue gun to attach the lights to your backing material, ensuring they are properly aligned and secure.
• Connect the wires from the lights to a power source, following the manufacturer's instructions.
• Test your sign to ensure all lights are working properly.

Medium Difficulty Method without Soldering

This method is more accessible for beginners, but the final product may look less professional.

• Create your design and determine the dimensions.
• Use shaping wire to form the intended design.
• Attach the LED neon flex lights to the shaping wire using zip ties at the peaks and bottoms of each letter.
• Use hot glue to attach the lights to your backing material.
• Attach plastic wire clips to the end of the power source and the end of the LED lights, then connect the two together.
• Test your sign to ensure the lights are working.

Beginner Method with LED Sign Kit

This method is extremely safe and easy, requiring no prior experience or electrical work.

• Purchase a DIY LED sign kit, such as SpellBrite, which includes all the necessary components to create your sign.
• Click the pieces together, following the instructions provided.
• Tighten the screws and display your sign.

With these methods, you can create beautiful and unique fluorescent light signs for your wedding. Remember to plan and test your design carefully, and always exercise caution when working with electrical components.

Fluorescent light covers

There are a variety of decorative light covers available, from faux stained glass to nature-inspired scenes, abstract designs, and more. These covers are a great way to improve the look of your fluorescent light fixtures without having to replace the entire fixture.

Octo Lights, for example, offers high-quality fluorescent light covers that can help reduce the harsh glare and improve the aesthetics of your space. Their light covers are flexible and easy to install, fitting any fixture no matter the type.

You can also find light covers on Amazon, with options such as:

• Aheroi 8-piece light covers in cloud blue sky design
• 2-piece fluorescent light covers in warm yellow
• 4-piece fluorescent light covers in starry sky design
• Frienda 4-piece replacement fluorescent light cover panels in clear acrylic
• 2-piece fluorescent light covers in warm yellow
• 4-piece fluorescent light covers in colorful art design
• 2-piece fluorescent light covers in spring forest design

These light covers are a great way to improve the look of your fluorescent lighting and create a more pleasant atmosphere for your wedding or any other event.

Fluorescent light alternatives

Fluorescent lighting has been a popular choice for decades, but its health and environmental impacts have recently come under scrutiny. If you're looking to create a unique wedding aesthetic that avoids the use of fluorescent lights, here are some alternatives to consider:

• LED Lighting: LED, or light-emitting diode, lighting is an energy-efficient, long-lasting, and cost-effective alternative. LEDs provide brighter and more even illumination without the hazardous materials found in fluorescent tubes, such as mercury vapor. They are also dimmable, making them perfect for creating a pleasant ambiance at your wedding venue.
• Natural Lighting: With strategic use of windows, skylights, light shelves, and reflectors, you can harness the power of natural sunlight to illuminate your wedding space. This not only improves the mood and productivity of your guests but also reduces energy costs. Tinted windows can help regulate the amount of light and provide privacy while still allowing natural light to flood the room.
• Induction Lighting: Induction lights operate differently from fluorescent and LED lights, using electrodes to generate a magnetic field that excites the gas in the bulb. They offer long lifespans, high energy efficiency, and low heat emission, making them a safe and eco-friendly choice.
• Halogen Lighting: Halogen lighting uses a tungsten filament in a quartz envelope to produce a warm, bright light similar to natural daylight. It is more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent lights and has a longer lifespan, but caution is needed when handling due to the high temperatures it can reach.
• Organic Lighting: This emerging technology combines nanotechnology with organic materials to create ultra-thin panels that emit light resembling natural sunlight. While it is currently expensive and still in development, organic lighting could be an innovative option for creating a comfortable and pleasant atmosphere at your wedding.
• Decorative Light Covers: If you're unable to replace the fluorescent lights, consider using decorative light covers. These covers come in various designs, from faux stained glass to nature-inspired scenes, and can help mask the fluorescent lights while adding a stylish touch to your wedding decor.

Fluorescent light fixtures

Choose the Right Type of Fluorescent Lights

Fluorescent lights come in various shapes and sizes, so select the ones that fit your wedding theme and venue. You can opt for tube lights, LED lights, or even custom neon signs. Tube lights and LED lights are easily available at most hardware stores, while custom neon signs can be ordered online or made yourself.

Install the Lights Properly

If you plan to install the lights yourself, make sure you have the right tools and follow the safety guidelines. Fluorescent light fixtures can be heavy, so locate a ceiling stud or use toggle bolts for a secure installation. You may also want to consider hanging the lights with a small-link chain if they are designated as "hanging only."

Add Decorative Elements

Enhance the visual appeal of your fluorescent light fixtures by incorporating decorative light covers. You can find a variety of designs, from faux stained glass to nature-inspired scenes, that will add a touch of elegance to your wedding decor.

Combine with Other Light Sources

Fluorescent lighting can sometimes be harsh, so consider combining it with other light sources such as lamps, wall sconces, or pendant lights to create a warmer and more inviting atmosphere.

Play with Colors and Intensities

Fluorescent lights are available in different colors and intensities, so you can choose the ones that match your wedding color palette. LED lights, in particular, offer a wider range of options and provide better lighting for your venue.

Create a Custom Neon Sign

If you're feeling creative, design a custom neon sign that reflects your wedding theme or includes a meaningful quote. This can serve as a unique backdrop for your wedding photos and a memorable keepsake for your home afterward.

Remember to handle fluorescent light bulbs with care and dispose of them properly at a designated hazardous waste facility. With careful planning and execution, you can incorporate fluorescent light fixtures into your wedding decor to create a stylish and modern atmosphere that your guests will admire.

Frequently asked questions