Author: kelsiva

There are many elements that go into bringing an event to life. For instance, we work with a wide range of vendors to enhance the setting for an event. This often includes caterers, furniture rental services, floral designers, musicians, and audio/visual professionals as well. Lighting is an effective and efficient way to transform a space with flip of a switch. From defining a space, highlighting features, setting a mood, and altering the room entirely, there are so many ways to utilize lighting in events. Let’s dive into some examples to show how lighting can transform an event.

Up lighting

One of the more traditional ways to use lighting in events is called up lighting. This is when the light shines upwards to create a dramatic effect. This is a great way to highlight the perimeter of the space and create ambiance without harsh, overhead lights.

Up lighting can be used for a wide range of events. Here are a few examples including how we’ve used it to transform a tent for a wedding reception as well as an indoor space for a corporate event.

Photo by Amanda Wei Photo

This type of lighting is effective for transforming the ceiling as well as creating more interest around the perimeters of a space.

Photo by GoodEye Photography

As you can see, up lighting is a simple way to illuminate a space while reducing the use of overhead lighting.

Photo by GoodEye Photography

Chandeliers

Chandeliers, and pendants alike, are a grand way to bring an element of elegance to a space. The intricate details and dramatic presentation enhances the atmosphere in a very unique way. There are a wide range of styles that each bring a different layer to the overall ambiance.

Photo by Jasmine Lee Photography
Photo by Amanda Wei Photo

Market lights

Market lights are a great way to add an element of whimsy and charm to an event. Softly lit bulbs hang from a strand and often draped from above. Similar to market lights there are string lights and fairy lights that offer a similar effect.

Photo by GoodEye Photography
Photo by Vero Suh

Whether used sparingly or in excess, market lights help create an enchanting ambiance.

Photo by Tyler Rye Photography

Candles

Candles bring an element of romance and intimacy to an event that is unparalleled by other forms of lighting. The use of candles is an effective way create more dimension within table settings. Additionally, they can be used to create dramatic moments and moodiness throughout an event space.

Photo by Karina Santos Photo
Photo by Ashley Maxwell Photography

Pin spot lighting

Pin spot lighting, or spot lights, are useful to highlight a specific element or feature within a space. This type of lighting allows different aspects of a space or event to remain in focus, even as other lighting is adjusted or lost throughout the day.

Photo by GoodEye Photography

This type of focal lighting directs attention and can aid with the flow of the event.

Photo by Karina Santos Photo

Neon lighting

Neon lights have a long history, particularly in businesses and retail space. They are also extremely useful in events! Neon lights provide a an element of playfulness to a space adding to the overall festive atmosphere.

Photo by Jasmine Lee Photography

Color lighting

Another way to add a touch of vibrancy to an event is through color lighting. This is a very effective way to transform a space. With color wash lighting, there are a wide range of hues to choose from that can instantly change the atmosphere.

Photo by GoodEye Photography

Color lighting works well for creating a branded atmosphere. It can also be a great way to shift the energy of an event as it evolves.

Specialty lighting

There are so many ways to use lighting in an event, including some very unique elements. Dance floors, entertainment, and focal points can all be highlighted with the use of specialty lighting.

Photo by Russ Levi Photography

Mixed lighting

There are many times that we use several types of lighting to create something new and completely unique. Mixing colors, styles, and types of lighting brings a layers and depth to event design.

Photo by Kat Ma Photography

Lighting can be such an integral part of event production when done well. Whether you’re looking to add an element of intimacy, create a dramatic effect, or completely transform a space there is a lighting option to assist. If you need help with bringing your event vision to life, we are here for you. We are so excited to share our expertise of lighting and event production.

It was a warm day in August when the couple began getting ready for the day. We had been in preparation for months, and it had all lead up to this. It would be a day to honor tradition and celebrate authentic love, complete with a dinner reception, cocktails, and dancing. It came together magically. This blog takes you on a visual journey through the two romantic ceremonies for one couple at a villa in California.

The couple got ready for the first of two ceremonies. Both took place at Villa Montalvo.

As mentioned in our previous post, dramatic ceilings are a continued trend. Adding fabric to an outdoor setting offers shade and provides contrast creating an elevated look.

From the very beginning on the event, the love surrounding was obvious.

After beginning with a ceremony to honor their heritage and tradition, the day took a more modern direction.

The second ceremony was to take place steps away, which means we had to be ready to wow guests once more.

The backdrops is stunning in itself, which allows us to focus on bringing the event to life.

Once we celebrated the couple’s love with two separate ceremonies, it was time to continue with a proper reception.

The bar design was minimalistic, yet playful, reflecting the couple’s unique taste. This was showcased throughout different elements of the event. For instance, the seating chart and napkins both offered a touch of playfulness.

The seating and backdrop continued to impress as the couple’s love developed throughout the evening. We love working with Villa Montalvo because the venue provides a wide range of settings that are all elegant.

We always adore bringing custom events to life for our clients.

As the evening progressed, so did the love, fun, and celebration.

Although the event went by in a romantic blur, we will always remember the celebration of Nika and Anotonio. It was so meaningful to be at Villa Montalvo that beautiful August day.

We’d like to thank Karinas Santos for the photos of this event. View the entire album on our PartySlate profile.

Hosting an event at a winery is a lovely choice whether planning a wedding, company function, or a special celebration in general. The backdrop is stunning and there are often many unique elements that lend to an extraordinary experience. However, it can be difficult to make the experience unique. With that in mind, we’ve written this blog post to inspire you and share our best advice of how to elevate an event at a winery.

The invitations set the tone

The invitations are the introduction to any event. To elevate the experience, you want to start here making a strong and lasting impression. It’s important to have all necessary information presented in a way to create hype while reflecting the overall theme of the event. We suggest writing the date out completely for an additional element of class.

  1. Let the event evolve as it unfolds

  1. When planning, consider the guest experience from arrival to departure. How will they be greeted? Will there be food served? Are there any activities or ceremonies that need to be included in the timeline? By creating several different experiences or elements throughout the event space as well as the time passes you will offer guests different opportunities to engage.
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  3. Serve a unique variety of wines

  1. This may be obvious, but when hosting at a winery, the wine is a key part of the experience. We recommend offering one or two classics, one or two that the winery is best known for, and two to three more unique varieties. This will allow guests to experiment and taste a range of flavors.
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  3. Florals compliment the surrounding beauty

  1. Often events at wineries are set in beautiful locations with picturesque backdrops. Adding florals to the event decor can take the scenery to the next level. There are many florists who are excellent at working within a theme and budget to create dramatic pieces that add drastically to the surrounding beauty.
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  3. Wine barrels as a statement rather than a centerpiece 

  1. We know it can be tempting to use the wine barrels as the cocktail tables, guest book table, or other functional item. However, a much more elevated use of them is to allow them act as a statement on their own. Center your cocktail hour, dance floor, or photo booth in front of the wine barrels to create a memorable moment indoors and make use of the entire property.

Have a meal amongst the vines

One of the best ways to add wow factor to your event at a winery is to bring guests out into the vineyards to dine amongst the vines, alfresco. This creates an unforgettable element. With the vines surrounding, and the wine flowing this experience adds an extra special touch. The vines look different through the year and should be taken into consideration.

  1. Gift bottles of wine as favors

  1. To let the event live on beyond the last drop, opt for bottles of wine as favors. This is a gracious way to show your appreciation for those attending as well as honor the winery where the event took place. Additionally, it may go without saying, but a bottle of wine is a pretty lovely favor in our opinion.

Wineries are wonderful places for events for many reasons. The surroundings are beautiful and there are often many ways to make the event an experience. However, there are things you can do to elevate the experience. Looking for more beyond our best advice how to elevate an event at a winery? We are here to help!

about us

Amazàe Events

Amazàe Events is your boutique event production company. With two decades of industry experience and accolades, we succeed in offering so much more than event production services. We ensure professional, elegant and enjoyable execution of all your wedding, corporate, social and/or destination event visions.