Afternoon/Evening Reception Lighting

That looks like a lot of ceiling space but would it be in your budget to drape fabric across the ceiling/over the skylights...like a semi see through fabric?

What about some paper hanging lanterns...they look real pretty and give soft lighting. you can go with white or even your wedding colors.

Unfortunately, adding color wash with "uplighting" isn't going to be very effective when the sun is out. You could put in uplighting to add a "touch" of wash, but unless you dim the sunlight, you're going to be disappointed. It's GOT TO BE DARK!

We're hanging custom made "papel picado" from the beams as part of our decor.

I could maybe incorporate fabric there. But, I also want the photographer to be able to take photos from above (there is a room/loft above the space).

@Tyrone Thanks for the tip. I was wondering about uplighting, but I really don't think it will be dark in there at that hour. *sigh*

I think this would look really nice and it's kind of like CPeterson was saying...

Or here is the paper lantern idea and I found a glass lantern idea too....

@Lauren B I love the drapery idea! What type of fabric should I use?

Hmmm...I am guessing like a sheer fabric! I don't really know the names of fabrics and all that..sorry!!

That's okay, I'll figure something out!

Choose a Sheer fabric, think DRAPERY LINER!!!

I gotta say this... from both of your comments, it appears to me that your dream is to have the walls washed in color. I agree with you 100%. I'd move the time back so you can have darkness, so you can have what you want.

You don't say where you are, but if you're in central Minnesota... And, you can talk the venue into going past darkness, call me, I'll do it for the meal and gas money.

I'd LOVE to put my lights in that corridor and get some promo shots. A great lighting shot with custom uplighting might do wonders for the venue too. Beautiful location!

I love the idea of draping sheer fabric there! Have you thought about stringing lights behind the fabric? It makes a soft light and looks beautiful in pictures!

Wow Tyrone! Nice offer

@Sylver Weddings Thanks for the idea on drapery liner. I'll check into that.

@Tyrone Actually I like the color of the brick walls, I just want the look to be a bit softer. No chance on the time change either, we've already sent out the invitations! And, I'm in Omaha, NE. Thanks for the ideas though.

@Jessica G. LOVE that idea! I already have some string lights that could work, too. YES!

Thanks everyone!

If you do lighting behind the sheers, look into clear icicle xmas lights. I have this AWESOME decorator that taught me that trick years ago. or Just String Xmas lights, and you can get them in solid colors, like blue, green, red, etc, gives you some splashy color if your looking to add color to the mix (I'd shoot for either clear or red if you like the brick so much..)

If you're thinking about doing the fabric yourself, make sure you get a flame treated fabric.

And make sure you have at least 4 people to do it, and two ladders or scaffolds that can reach that high. It goes a lot faster when you have one person at each side up, and one or two on the floor helping.

Depending on where you are, it might be something we could do. We cover most of the midwest. If you'd like a quote, let me know.

And uplights could work, but it would depend on not only how much daylight is in the room, but how powerful the lights are and what color you choose them to be.

Make sure your photographer knows how dark you are wanting to have during your reception. sometimes flash photography doesnt translate those gorgeous mood lights