A common topic when we’re designing an event is lighting. Whether we’re working on an indoor or outdoor project, proper use of lighting can absolutely transform the experience. It has so many uses and benefits beyond the obvious function of allowing guests to see. It’s actually a major design element and can powerfully elevate your event when used properly.

We went through our archive to find some of our favorite examples from our events of great lighting in various uses. Enjoy + be inspired!

To transform this tent for a corporate event, we used different colored uplights and bistro lighting combined to create a whimsical vibe that really set the tone for the theme. We included lit letters to finish off the carnival vibe. 

For this wedding at Casa Real, patterned light not only created a beautiful design element, it signified the dance area on the floor. 

These two images are the perfect example of how lighting elements, while pretty and festive during the daylight, are absolute statements when the sunsets. We designed this so that the pretty chandeliers would add sparkle to every photo, and the bistro lighting would add functional light as well. Again, the pattern projected on the dance floor adds another layer of visual interest.

We took this wall space behind the head table, and filled it with light to highlight the table. It created an instant focal point as well as a soft ambient backdrop for the most important table in the room.

Even at it’s simplest, bistro lighting alone can take a beautifully simple room and make it feel fit for a celebration.

To bring some serious “wow” to this tent, we projected patterned, colored lighting on the ceiling of this tent in addition to the lights lining the perimeter of the tent itself. 

In an especially large space, strung lights serve multiple functions, but most importantly, visually signify where the event will actually happen. Properly designed, they photography beautifully:

These next two are from one of our favorite events (hello COLOR!). We loved really being able to play with how the color would complement the linens and florals. The red wash of light on the walls was really festive when paired with the purple behind the stage. It was the perfect backdrop for the projected design to be a focal point for the evening. 

There’s nothing quite like lighting up the night with lights strung inside a clear tent. 

We’ve been working on an incredibly special wedding, our Caitlin’s sister’s wedding in Colorado! If we’re being totally honest, we’re over the moon for how this wedding turned out-photo’s just went live and we just LOVE every single one. Not only was it a stunning destination wedding, it meant so much to us to have our team there to help Caitlin ensure her sister had her dream day. We even brought Nicole Ha with us!

We’ll let the photos speak for themselves, but let’s just say, we would do it all over again!

Full Vendor List:

Venue – Spruce Mountain Ranch
Planning & Design – Amazáe Events
Floral – Nicole Ha Design
Photography – Ali & Garrett
Rentals – Event Rents
Guitarists – Beat Street
DJ – Celebrity DJ
Catering – Buffalo Gals Grilling
Bar – Peak Beverage
Donuts – Horseshoe Donuts
Cake – The Makery Cake Co.
Hair & Make Up – Kim J Beauty
Dress – Felicé Bridal
Suit – J. Hillburn
Bridesmaids Dresses – Azazie
Groomsmen Suits – The Black Tux

Wedding and event planning is what we do, and we work hard to keep every event feeling fresh. We often are asked how we do that, and if were being honest, it’s really about digging deep and finding the personal details that can translate into elements that can elevate the guest experience.

Here’s a few of our favs:

1. 1. Including the totally adorable children in a wedding always gets us. We love how this darling babe made it down the aisle in a beautiful carriage. We had the florist add floral to the carriage and a totally adorable flowergirl assisted. #allthefeels.

2. Don’t underestimate the power of the food that is served at your cocktail hour and reception. Food is such a major part of our lives and cultures, including food that part of the lifestyle of our couples and their families is one of the most impactful ways to elevate your guests experience.

3. Wedding Stationery not only sets the tone for an event, but can double as a stunning memory of the venue and the overall experience. Custom designed suites serve as a thread running through the event style, bringing everything full circle.

4. Properly used lighting not only extends the outdoor party into the wee hours of the evening, but it brings a magical ambiance. We love the way it transforms the evening and creates glow that just feels intimate.

5. Favors that double as a thank you note are always appreciated. We love incorporating these into the event design as the perfect finishing touch.

6. There is something momentous about the cake cutting… we love using the opportunity to create a stunningly beautiful design element that is such a statement. And of course, guests love a cake that tastes incredible.

7. Creative repurposing of “regular” elements, for example, place cards that double as wine tags surprise and delight guests.

9. Incorporating an unexpected element to space not only looks beautiful in photos, but positive and fun effect on the overall guest experience.