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.
