Luxury weddings are defined by many factors, from elaborate entrances and sumptuous menus to dazzling dance floors. One of the most significant aspects of a luxury wedding, however, is the specialty lighting that is used to create the perfect atmosphere to showcase all of the other gorgeous details throughout the night.
First and foremost, begin at the beginning. When it comes to entrances, there is no better way to tell people where to go than with an aisle lined with candles. The sky is the limit with what you can use--votives and pillars both work wonders with a space and leaves you the flexibility to get creative with vessels
Hoping for a more dramatic statement as guests arrive? Look no further than grand candelabras paired with taper candles--this combination is sure to take guests’ breath away before they even walk through the door.
Uplighting is another lighting style that is great for creating a soft glow in a couple’s color (or colors!) of choice. It can be used either to match or to contrast with the event’s color palette. Regardless, uplighting can have a major effect by filling a large space with color and light.
Looking for a little more? Take things up a notch by incorporating reflective pieces, such as mirrors and crystals, to capitalize on the look.
For a more dramatic effect, chandeliers continue to be the top choice for couples thinking on a grander scale. These days, however, they are no longer relegated to ballrooms. As long as you have the right team in place, you can find them hanging just about anywhere--from the trees lining a property to inside a tent.
For a romantic feel, candles are a timeless touch that will always exude elegance. With luxury events, you will surely want to go big--lining staircases, pairing with florals and elevating over tables are all fabulous ways to make the most of candles (and lots of them).
Candles are also perfect for creating flow within a space. An open-concept floor plan can easily be broken down into different areas with walls constructed to hold candles. In fact, this is a great way to create different and unique scenes for guests to enjoy. The candle walls will guide them to the next “stop” to take in an entirely new scene. In addition to that, candles can also serve as a beautiful backdrop for guests’ photos throughout the evening.
When it comes to luxury events, lighting is such a central feature so it is important to include it as a top consideration when discussing design schemes with clients. The possibilities are endless, so take some time to really break down and discuss the options with couples as they plan their Big Day.
Fabrice Orlando is the CEO of Cocoon Events Management Group, a luxury event planning company based in Marrakech, Morocco, that specializes in high-end weddings and special events worldwide.
