How to change the lighting or dim it

Soundsnice but will the heat of the lights in the ceiling pop the balloons? lol Might end up scaring the wits out of your guests if that happens. If you don't think that will happen, sounds like a good plan

What is your DJ budget? Because if you are willing to shell out the extra cash, most DJs can provide lighting that includes different colors, special effects, whatever you want.

My dj has lighting. i never thought to ask if it would light the whole place though.

You can use big pieces of coloured fabrics to dim the light and for the tone you want. If you use patterned fabric it will also give you a really nice effect.

Ask your DJ if he/she can provide "uplighting" (as seen in my picture to the left). This is lighting that sets a mood in the room and can be in any color you desire (16 million choices). I typically use 8 fixtures, but have used as few as 4. You can see over 12 fixtures in the picture, but there are actually 18 that were used.

It's the "rage" across the country and is becoming more and more popular as more DJ's learn how to operate this equipment. There is a learning curve on operating it, so make sure you're DJ can do it... but it will cost you extra.

If you need to, have your DJ contact me for assistance. I love to teach this lighting to others.

Larry

Up lighting was a thought, but my budget is very small.

as for the fabric how can I hang it?

The fabric would be good for then when done with it, you can make some pillows out of it and always have parts of your wedding around the room.

I believe that you're not allowed to use any nails or hooks in your hall? Are there any beams at the ceiling that you could drape or tie the fabric to?

Maybe you can get ceiling high poles in every corner and along the walls and fasten the corners of the fabric to them.

If all else fails, ask if you're allowed to drape the fabrics around the lights themselves, but be careful not to get any easily inflammable fabrics.

I see different colors fabrics being used all the time not only at weddings but different events. You can always ask the vendor to put it up for you. They are usually very helpful and they might even show you a better way to do it.

Do they just have ceiling lights? or do they also have wall sconces? if they have wall sconces, you could replace the bulbs with softer light ones, or even colored ones! I do like the fabric draping idea, Fortunatley, or hall has dimmable lights.

Fabric draping seems like the best/lease expensive option to me. If it has the old square foam tiles on the ceiling paper clips work very well. Painters tape is good for those places where you'd have to pay for any paint damage--just be careful about how heavy the fabric is. A few hidden push pins could also hold it in place and be pretty hard to see on the ceiling afterwards.

Good idea southern girl. The lady will be down stairs the whole reception though.

If your budget is small skip the fabric and just uplight the walls. That will get you the most bang for your buck.

Jamie

You can see examples at the website below. Should give you some ideas.

www.myhiltonheadwedding.com

Since they do not allow ceiling hangings the next option might be to use beautiful japanese umbrellas set into tall stands and placed to diffuse the lights.

Go to my site to see ribbon poles like this.

It looks romantic and you can add ribbons or even trailing flowers from the inside of the umbrellas to hang down, these can be placed between tables and made as tall as needed to bring them close to the ceiling without attaching.

Just use ridgid piping for the poles!

have fun

How about having the lights off and getting some one to do your lighting for you. I am getting lighting (upstage) for the banquet and have my lights very dim.

You should consider not using any of the ceiling lighting and just wash the walls and dance floor. Lighting can completely transform a room if placed correctly.

Yes, UpLighting is definitely the answer... turn off the main lights, and Light the ceiling with par lights.

Look at the pics in the link below, there are no overhead lights in any of those pictures.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/portaparty/4016693356/in/set-72157622472019841/