Questions to ask your venue about lighting

When planning any type of event, one must keep in mind venue policies. With that said, there’s no reason to let it limit your creativity in terms of event design as long as there is open communication with the on site coordinator.

Going into the planning period, there are a handful of questions you can ask to ensure a smooth and efficient process leading up to the event.

What lighting does the venue already have?

For the most part, overhead lighting is not the most glamorous option for an event but sometimes venues already have some mood lighting built into their spaces. Gauge what is already available before jumping on design ideas – it’ll save the time and money of going overboard with lighting equipment if there’s already some in place.

Are there any open flame regulations?

Oftentimes, indoor properties have rules regarding candles and other open flames, whether it’s venue-specific or a regional regulation. If it’s strictly an open flame restriction, vessel candles may be allowed but be sure to confirm with the venue. This is imperative to know before planning anything, as it can have a huge effect on the placement and use of candles. If there is a significant risk, opt for LED candles, which look similar and are flameless.

What have past events done for lighting?

Some places may have standard lighting procedures for events that they’re already well equipped for. For example, if your client shows you pictures of beautiful vessels lighting up the aisle or dramatic uplighting around the room, ask about it! They may be able to tell you who provided it and what the setup requires.

What is the overall lighting capacity for the event space?

Nobody wants a blown out fuse on the day of an event, so make sure that their lighting plans can be easily accommodated by the venue itself. Using wax or battery candles in the plan can help lessen the demand while still adding to the overall lighting design. If they’re expecting an extravagant light show on top of standard lighting and they’re planning an outdoor celebration, they may need to budget in a generator or 220 volt box to ensure that everything goes as planned.

Once you have these answers, it’ll be much easier and more efficient to create a design plan for the event’s lighting. Even after you’ve consulted with the venue, be sure to give them a rundown of the plan once it’s completed, just so they’re able to give it the go-ahead.

Audrey Isaac is the spokesperson for 100 Candles, a wholesale market for candles and lights. Since 2002, thousands of wedding and event professionals have entrusted 100 Candles with their wholesale candle accounts. For more information, please visit http://www.100candles.com/.