Lighting may not seem like a big deal, but the truth is, it can make or break your event. From setting the mood, to spotlighting important details, to making your event beautiful and original, lighting design is key.

Below are some of the most unique and innovative lighting ideas we've found to inspire your next event.

1. FURNITURE AS LIGHT FIXTURES

Incorporating light features into the setup of your space is a unique way to illuminate the room and create a "mood." Ambient lighting can be placed inside or under furniture. It offers a soft yet structural glow and can be designed with specific colors to reinforce your brand.

For example, the tables in the cocktail setup featured above act as light fixtures and provide a soft, yet modern and "space-age-y" feeling.

2. LIGHTING AS ARCHITECTURE

You don't always need to rely on physical structures to make a visual impact. Lighting can create the illusion of architectural details in myriad ways:  runways, paths, spheres, vertical pillars. 

In addition, unlike existing structures, lighting fixtures are fully customizable with color, movement, and pattern.  

3.LIGHTING TO CREATE MESSAGING

You’ve spent a lot of time considering the messaging at your event. You’ve made sure it works well with your brand and your theme—so why not use light to make it all "pop?"

Whether you're using light to create 3-dimensional elements like the one pictured above, or employing vide light or neon signage—there's a ton of creativity and "wow-factor" that can come from a bit of smart lighting design. 

4. LIGHTING AS ART

Want create a truly big "wow?" Consider lighting as "art," like the concept featured in the image above.

Light is a uniquely malleable design element and can be made into some of the most beautiful and interesting installations. It's also one of the more affordable ways to make your event truly memorable.

5. BRANDING YOUR LIGHTING

Gobos, backlighting, uplights and ambient lighting can all be combined (as pictured above) to give your event space the atmosphere you desire—and to subtly infuse your brand beyond standard print signage.

6. LIGHTING TO REINFORCE THE EVENT THEME 

We love how gobos were used to create a celestial feeling for this astronomy conference and award ceremony, pictured above.

Not only does this approach create a memorable, ethereal atmosphere—it literally transforms the inside of a cathedral into an other-worldly dimension.

WOW!

7. LIGHTING FOR ATMOSPHERE

Hoping to strike an elegant or mysterious mood—in an otherwise average conference room or banquet hall? Consider using smaller organic lighting elements like the largely available variety of small-format LED fixtures, candles, crystals, and pin spot lighting (like those pictured above) to create a soft, glowing ambience.

Like these ideas? There's a whole lot more where these came from! At Blackstone, one of our specialties is creative, immersive lighting design.

Give us a call so we can share ideas for YOUR next event. We promise to bring the "WOW"—without breaking the bank!