Tent weddings can be so romantic. The beauty of nature, the sprawling lawns and trees off in the distance…but did you remember that lighting necessary?
It helps to walk your wedding space as the sun sets and in the dark. Where will guests be walking? Is it safe for them to walk in the dark? Will there be enough light? Or, maybe TOO MUCH light on the dance floor?
It’s important to balance the need for safety and practicality in your tent wedding lighting design. Here are 5 items that you need to keep in mind when lighting your tent wedding.
- The Bar – task lighting at your bar is essential for both your guests and your bartenders. Ever try mixing a cocktail in the dark?
- Your head table and cake/dessert station – Make your head table and other special items in the tent stand out. A simple wash light on each will help do this.
- Bathrooms – most of the time, bathrooms are set apart from where your tent is. Lighting the path between the tent and bathrooms is essential for safety and to direct your guests. Bistro lights up on tall poles, lanterns on shephards hooks or other path lighting will do the trick.
- Parking lot – everyone forgets that at the end of the night, you have to walk in the dark to your car. The lot and path from tent to cars should be lit for safety. It’s too easy for your elderly aunt to trip and get hurt on uneven ground in the dark.
- Want a little wow factor for your tent lighting? Add color and texture to the tent surface with projected images and LED wash lighting. Bistro lights seems to be what everyone thinks of for tent lighting, but there are so many other options available to you.
The bottom line is – be sure that there is enough lighting at your tent wedding. Have fun with your tent lighting and consult an expert – DIY just doesn’t cut it when lighting your tent wedding.
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Rob Alberti is owner of Rob Alberti’s Event Services – Wedding Disc Jockey, MC & Wedding Entertainment Director + Wedding Event Lighting design
rated by local brides + voted as “The Knot – Best of Weddings”, Bride’s Choice Award Winner from Wedding Wire + his work has been featured in Martha Stewart Wedding,
CT Bride, VT Vows, + on numerous national wedding blogs such as Style Me Pretty, Wedding Chicks. Be sure to check out his blog, pinterest boards + on Facebook
Rob Alberti, event director, lighting designer, author
Rob Alberti’s Event Services, DJ & Lighting
1310 Russell Road; Westfield, MA 01085
www.robalberti.com