Setting the tone of your event using lighting

For any event, from a fashion show to live theatre, or a gala dinner, creating the right atmosphere is essential. From a casual, relaxed setting to an energised event, different events are suited to different different moods. One of the most effective ways to control the atmosphere or mood of your event is to use lighting. But choosing the lighting that will have the biggest impact on your event can be a challenge. Here at Light Design, we are leading industry experts, and we offer a range of lighting solutions and services that can ensure your event is a success. As a result, we have produced this guide to setting the tone of your event using lighting.

The importance of setting the right tone

For events to run smoothly, and effectively, controlling the tone of the evening is essential. This is because the mood and the atmosphere at different points of your event will need to change and flow smoothly, as your event progresses. This will help your audience keep up with developments, e.g. moving from a formal dinner, to live entertainment. One of the easiest ways to suggest this change visually, is with lighting. 

So, how can lighting help to set the tone of your event? And what kind of difference does different lighting make, to the atmosphere or mood of the room? Well, lighting is an essential component for any event, and it can influence atmosphere and mood in 3 key ways. These include:

  • Colour – the colour of the lighting can effect the atmosphere in a room, when this is paired with the correct decoration and setup. A warm orange glow can be welcoming and relaxing for eating together. While a room using multicoloured LED lights will automatically feel more enegerised and fun.
  • Brightness – its not just the colour of the lights either, it’s also the brightness of the light itself. Dimmer lights will automatically set a more serious atmosphere that will keep your guests talking quietly, while bright lights tend to indicate action.  A dark space lit with small, dim task lights for example, is perfect for indicating intimacy and relaxation. While a brightly lit room is much more energising.
  • Movement – you also have the option of using lights that move, or lights that are stationary. Both of these options can be effective for creating different atmospheres. Moving lights for example can encourage your audience to get active and feel involved, while stationary lights are more subtle. For events where you want your guests to mingle and talk, and maybe even dance, you will need to consider some form of moving lights.

As you can see, using lighting to create the right tone or atmosphere for your event is essential. But it can also be complicated, depending on your aims and goals. Why not talk to the experts today, here at Light Design, so that you can be sure of the best quality lighting for your event?