A little mood lighting...

You spend a lot of time planning a wedding.  For most couples, you probably can't count the hours that you spent selecting your cake, assembling centerpieces, talking to your florist, or working with a planner on a design plan.  Wouldn't it be a shame if no one really got to see it?

Lighting is something that many people overlook in their plans, but good lighting can change the whole perception of your event.  The Ranch has started offering upgrades to include some lighting, but the options are pretty limitless.  What we have started offering is string lighting, or festoon lighting.

Festoon lighting is a great way to add soft, ambient light to your outdoor spaces.  In addition to being pragmatic, it helps create a space that would otherwise lack explicit function and definition to it.  Since it is not heavily concentrated, but rather evenly distributed, it tends to be very flattering and romantic.  It can instantly turn a picnic setting into an al fresco bistro setting.  Very intimate and comfortable!


But the options don't stop there!  While the Ranch doesn't offer these items in-house, there are other elements in the lighting world that can create ambiance and serve a specific function to create a little drama (the good kind!) in your event.  Pinspots are a great example of this.

Pinspot lights are small, usually overhead, lights that are used to draw attention to a specific space.  In the wedding world this can mean highlighting the cake or the centerpieces on each table.  The lights themselves go unnoticed, but the effect they have is memorable.

Gobos are another popular option for people who want to bring in a personal touch to their lighting arsenal.  Typically displayed on a dance floor or wall, they help create a fun atmosphere and make for fantastic photo ops!

There are a lot more things out there to help you decide how you want to set up your event.  If lighting has never crossed your mind, it should!  It can create a lot of impact at a fairly reasonable price point!

Many thanks to Altared Weddings and Events for the information.