How to Use Lights for a Wedding Backdrop
Using creative lighting techniques can enhance the mood and ambience of your wedding. The right lighting instruments, properly placed, can transform a lackluster backdrop into something bold and dramatic. Professional event services can provide stunning lighting effects, but they come at a cost. With a little time and effort, save money by following practical steps to use "up-lighting" that creates a visually interesting backdrop for the wedding ceremony.
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Instructions
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Visit an event supply rental company and rent two to three LED (light-emitting diode) lights with programmed control. Select LED lights with an adjustable-based designed for floor placement. Get adequate instructions from the rental company about how to select the desired colors for the lights. The use of LED lights is highly recommended due to their cool operating temperatures and low power consumption.
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Select the location for your background. This requires knowledge of where the wedding party is expected to assemble. Ideally, the backdrop to be lit should be 6 to 8 feet behind the wedding party.
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Locate a power source for the LED lights. If needed, use a power strip to attach to an extension cord and plug the extension cord into the wall outlet. Place the power strip in the vicinity of the backdrop close enough to reach the power cords of each LED light.
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Place the LED lights on the floor 1 to 2 feet in front of the backdrop and arrange the lights so their light is focused upward toward the backdrop. Plug each LED light into the power strip.
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Select the desired color or colors, following instructions and using the LED lights' program controls. Many LED lighting instruments can run preset programs that change the colors emitted in a continuous loop.
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Secure all power cords with gaffer's tape to avoid a trip hazard or the LED lights being accidentally moved.
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Tips & Warnings
The use of color is a matter of personal preference, but the goal of an effective backdrop is to enhance, not distract from, the ceremony. Avoid fast multicolor transitions. Use of solid cool (blue, dark green) colors can be particularly effective. LED lights offer incredible color flexibility. Consider complementing the color themes already used in the clothing or decorations.
Avoid locations where water is present. This is a especially important for outdoor locations. Avoid locating lights near fountains, swimming pools, anywhere the electrical current used to power the lights could come into contact with water.
