You’ve picked your venue, designed your décor, and chosen your playlist — but what about lighting?
Lighting isn’t just an add-on. It’s one of the most powerful tools for transforming a wedding reception from “pretty” to absolutely unforgettable. The right lighting makes your décor glow, your photos pop, and your dance floor come alive.
At VanBuren Entertainment, we’ve used lighting design to completely change the atmosphere of weddings across Upstate NY — from rustic barns to modern ballrooms. Here’s how.
Quick Takeaway
Lighting affects mood, emotion, and guest experience more than almost any other design element. Use it strategically to guide energy from elegant dinner vibes to all-out dance floor fun. That's what we do for you at VanBuren Entertainment.
Lighting Sets The Mood
Lighting determines how your guests feel the moment they walk in.
Warm amber uplights = romantic and cozy
Cool blue and purple tones = modern and elegant
Dynamic moving lights = high-energy party atmosphere
The key is progression — start soft during dinner, then amp up color and movement once the dancing starts.
Lighting Makes Your Photos And Videos Look Better
Your photographer and videographer will thank you. Good lighting eliminates harsh shadows, enhances skin tones, and highlights details like florals and centerpieces.
At venues like Franklin Plaza Ballroom and Old Daley on Crooked Lake, uplighting and accent fixtures bring out the architecture and make every photo feel cinematic.
Uplighting Transforms Any Room
Uplighting — fixtures placed along the walls — instantly changes the feel of a space.
In rustic venues like The Barn at Lord Howe Valley, amber uplighting brings warmth to the wood tones.
In elegant venues like The Hall of Springs, cool white or gold uplighting adds depth and dimension to marble and columns.
Pro Tip: LED uplighting allows color changes throughout the night — perfect for shifting from formal dinner to high-energy dance floor.
Dance Floor Lighting Brings The Energy
When it’s time to party, lighting drives the vibe.
Moving head fixtures, strobes, and wash lights sync with your music and pulse with the beat — literally making your guests feel the rhythm.
VanBuren Entertainment’s setups often include DMX-controlled lighting through SoundSwitch, allowing us to choreograph every cue in sync with your soundtrack.
Spotlight Key Moments
Lighting directs attention — it tells your guests where to look.
Use spotlights for entrances, toasts, and first dances.
Dim everything else during emotional moments.
Add shimmer or “bokeh” effects for cake cutting or grand exits.
It’s storytelling through light.
Outside Weddings Need Smart Lighting, Too
If your reception’s outside — especially around Saratoga, Ballston Spa, or Lake George — lighting is essential once the sun goes down. String lights and soft LED fixtures can define pathways, highlight décor, and keep everyone comfortable and safe after dark.
Local Insights - Lighting Trends In Upstate NY
Couples around the Capital Region are going big with lighting — not just for aesthetics, but for ambience and guest experience.
Saratoga Springs: Elegant uplighting with modern LED tones for black-tie venues.
Albany: Hybrid lighting setups — part decorative, part performance-based.
Lake George: Warm string and festoon lighting for waterfront receptions.
Your lighting can match your venue’s story — from glam ballroom to barn chic.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wedding Lighting
Absolutely. It transforms plain walls into glowing backdrops and adds instant luxury.
Yes. Many pros (like us) include full lighting design with color control and DMX synchronization.
Plan $400–$800 for uplighting and $800–$1,500 for full dance floor effects.
Yes! We program lighting scenes that change throughout the night — from dinner to last dance.
Yes. Décor looks better when properly lit — especially florals, centerpieces, and textured walls.
Warm amber, blush, and gold for romance; cool blue and lavender for elegance; dynamic color shifts for energy. Any color should photograph okay if your photographer is prepared. Let them know in your planning call that you plan to have professional lighting so they know what to expect and which lenses to bring, especially if they are staying during the dancing portion of the night.
100%. Modern LED systems can replicate almost any hue or theme palette. We always suggest allowing creative change for added effect on your dance floors, but absolutely talk about and plan color themes!
