By now, I’m sure you have heard of “uplighting”. But do you know exactly what it is? More importantly, do you know just how much of a (beautiful) impact it can have on your special event? In short, up-lighting is the art of painting with light to create a truly magical background!
Uplighting can turn a boring room with plain walls, into a unique and colorful venue. If coordinated well in advance, these color schemes can be used to bring out the colors of your event, especially weddings! The colors can match your bridesmaid dresses, flowers and more.
What’s important is knowing exactly what type of lighting to use and where to position them. Up-Lighting can come in many different colors. You can set them to one color but that could get boring. The best look is the ability to set it through dinner to a color or two and having them fade slowly from color to color every few minutes then when it come to the dancing portion.
I’ve also come across some blogs about “doing it yourself uplighting”. Although that is indeed possible, here are some things you should know before spending the money, time and hassle of doing it solo.
First of all, keep in mind that you will need several lights throughout your room/ballroom (an average of 6-8 is a suggested minimum). These lights can range anywhere from $200-$600 for each light for a light that can be set and have enough color to go up the wall in a room has the lights slightly dimed. You will also need special “DMX Cables” to connect the lights and they average about $25 for a 20 foot cable. Obviously, you will need 1 cable for each light, and depending on the size of your venue, you may need more cables and extensions. You can calculate for yourself, but as you can see, it might not be as simple and inexpensive as you may have though.
If you decide to not use a controller, some lights give you the option to connect all the lights together and set the switches in the right pattern, then all you need to do is change the first lights color and it will change the rest of the lights this (Known as “master slave mode”). Then you need someone to control them all night to change colors or you can set and forget on a certain color.
I know I might be biased, but just as is the case, when it comes to important events, it’s best to leave a job like this to the professionals. Some DJ’s have basic up-lighting options, so definitely ask them about what they have to offer. Make sure you see some pictures or videos in advance, so that you know exactly what to expect.
As far as pricing, you can expect to pay anywhere between $50-$100 per up-light, depending on the quantity of lights and whether it requires special “DMX programming”. This would be needed like in order to changes colors or having more advanced displays. If you are already working with a DJ, the lighting package you get with them, will be much cheaper, than working with a separate vendor. As a heads up, you can expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousands dollars on lighting, but it will all depend on your venue and exact needs.
I hope this helps 
Iman H.
