Lighting Basics
Tented receptions have very similar lighting needs as a reception held at a banquet facility. Most banquet
facilities use a warm, even lighting. Primarily this is accomplished by using multiple lighting fixtures installed in high
locations. We replicate banquet facility lighting in several different ways.
In pole style tents we primarily use globe lighting. Globes are strung high to spread the light out as evenly as
possible. We also can use chandeliers hung on brackets attached to the center poles.
In frame tents we primarily use chandeliers, although we can use globes style lighting. In lined frame tents we
always use chandelier style lighting. Lined frame tents should have lighting even if it is a daytime event. This will
highlight the beauty of the liner.
Chandelier lighting is always incandescent and can be dimmed with optional dimmer switches.
Globe lighting that is to be dimmed use incandescent bulbs. Globe lights that do not require dimming use
florescent soft white bulbs. These bulbs give a light that is the same tone as incandescent lighting but only use 1/4
of the power. This makes lighting up a large tent easier. Florescent lighting cannot be dimmed.
You should not depend on decorative lighting as a primary lighting source. Decorative lighting is generally not
bright enough to safely light up a tent. Up lights can look nice but leave your guests tripping over obstacles due to
low light conditions.
Don't overlook lighting for walkways leading to a tent.(We carry portable lamp posts)
If your looking for a disco style of lighting, talk to a your DJ or band first. Music and dance floor lighting go hand
and hand. If your interested in disco style lighting. We recommend you strongly consider the availability of disco
lighting from your DJ or band. Paying more for a DJ that has their own lighting can be allot cheaper and effective
than renting lighting packages from a party rental company.
Energy needs must be considered when choosing your lighting. Portable generators are a pain and can be noisy.
We can give you recommendations to minimize your energy requirements.
GFI protected circuits can be extremely sensitive when using allot of extension cords. Under some circumstances
you may have to install a temporary sub-panel if your GFi's become a problem(this is rare). We will work with you so
you can avoid this expense, but if you do require a sub-panel we have highly experienced personnel that can
advise you on your electrical needs.
Tented receptions have very similar lighting needs as a reception held at a banquet facility. Most banquet
facilities use a warm, even lighting. Primarily this is accomplished by using multiple lighting fixtures installed in high
locations. We replicate banquet facility lighting in several different ways.
In pole style tents we primarily use globe lighting. Globes are strung high to spread the light out as evenly as
possible. We also can use chandeliers hung on brackets attached to the center poles.
In frame tents we primarily use chandeliers, although we can use globes style lighting. In lined frame tents we
always use chandelier style lighting. Lined frame tents should have lighting even if it is a daytime event. This will
highlight the beauty of the liner.
Chandelier lighting is always incandescent and can be dimmed with optional dimmer switches.
Globe lighting that is to be dimmed use incandescent bulbs. Globe lights that do not require dimming use
florescent soft white bulbs. These bulbs give a light that is the same tone as incandescent lighting but only use 1/4
of the power. This makes lighting up a large tent easier. Florescent lighting cannot be dimmed.
You should not depend on decorative lighting as a primary lighting source. Decorative lighting is generally not
bright enough to safely light up a tent. Up lights can look nice but leave your guests tripping over obstacles due to
low light conditions.
Don't overlook lighting for walkways leading to a tent.(We carry portable lamp posts)
If your looking for a disco style of lighting, talk to a your DJ or band first. Music and dance floor lighting go hand
and hand. If your interested in disco style lighting. We recommend you strongly consider the availability of disco
lighting from your DJ or band. Paying more for a DJ that has their own lighting can be allot cheaper and effective
than renting lighting packages from a party rental company.
Energy needs must be considered when choosing your lighting. Portable generators are a pain and can be noisy.
We can give you recommendations to minimize your energy requirements.
GFI protected circuits can be extremely sensitive when using allot of extension cords. Under some circumstances
you may have to install a temporary sub-panel if your GFi's become a problem(this is rare). We will work with you so
you can avoid this expense, but if you do require a sub-panel we have highly experienced personnel that can
advise you on your electrical needs.