Category Archives: wedding reception tips

wedding lighting

Using Wedding Lighting to Create the Perfect Ambiance

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The wedding lighting that you select for your big day is important. Not only does it light the way for you to walk down the aisle, but it also sets the mood for you and your guests on your special day. There are several ways that you can incorporate lighting to create a unique and attractive venue.

Unique Wedding Lighting Ideas

There are several styles and decoration options for wedding lighting that you can utilize for your big day.

Hang Paper Lanterns

Paper lanterns are an excellent choice for creating a soft and subtle ambiance. This type of lighting is great for both outdoor and indoor weddings. You can use paper lanterns as the primary source of light for an indoor space, creating a more relaxed and calming atmosphere. Outdoors, you can use paper lanterns for wedding lighting to define the space and provide a touch of lighting to accent the moon and stars for a more romantic feel.

Incorporate Chandeliers

Chandeliers are a great option for wedding lighting when it comes to creating a more formal and elegant party setting. Chandeliers are fancy and stunning, which can be quite jaw-dropping to see, especially when there are multiple chandelier lights throughout the venue.

Keep It Clean

If you are trying to create a more modern and minimalistic theme for your wedding, you can incorporate metal-structured lighting. Selecting fixtures that are clean and modern with a centered bulb will be the perfect addition.

Mix It Up

Always remember that there is no standard on what lighting you should have for your wedding. Lights come in all shapes, sizes, and brightnesses. Mixing up all different styles, shapes, and elements can make a big statement and truly stand out. 

Consider Your Venue

When selecting your lighting, it is important to consider the space that you are in. This can make a difference when it comes to the light that you choose. For example, if you have an outdoor tent, it may not be possible to hang a lot of big, heavy chandeliers. Instead, you could have one large fixture over your dance floor and several small lights scattered around. If you are indoors, it may be overwhelming to have a lot of bright, white lights concentrated in one space. 

If you would like to explore the different lighting options available for your big day, consider contacting our experts. We can review all of the different styles available and help you choose the perfect lighting for your event.

Contact Our Professionals in Chicago for Help

Since 1998, our team at An Enchanted Evening has performed at more than 6,000 events throughout the Chicago area. Over the past decade, we have received over a dozen industry awards, including the Knot’s Hall of Fame Award. We have also won the Wedding Wire’s Couples Choice Award and The Knot’s Best of Weddings award nine times each. You can trust that we will do everything in our power to ensure you have the most magical experience ever for yourself and your guests. To get started, contact An Enchanted Evening to schedule a personal consultation to discuss the options that are available to make your event magical. 

From Start to End: Ways to Put Your Wedding Reception Over-the-Top

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shot of people dancing at epic wedding receptionPlanning your wedding reception is not as simple as it seems. From dinner to the last dance, there are a million details (or so it feels like!)—and a million ways to make your wedding reception an incredible night (from start to finish).

Unique wedding entrance

Boat, helicopter, sparklers, antique car, red carpet, finish line (more info on unique wedding reception entrances in this post). Start your wedding dance off with a bang—or at least with a unique wedding entrance. Choose a wedding entrance that fits you as a couple or ask your DJ for unique entrances they remember (chances are it’s so distinct that your guests’ll remember it too!).

Cool first dance

Every couple has a first dance at their wedding. Make yours different by choosing a unique first dance; use these criteria to decide what that dance is: 1) that you and your partner can do 2) that fits with your wedding theme. If you need suggestions, ask your DJ. They’re familiar with songs that can make a statement, and can refer songs that fit you and your wedding.

Surprises

Everyone loves surprises, which is why the right surprise is a big hit at a wedding reception. Choosing the right surprise can be a challenge (ideas for wedding reception surprises here), but the moon is the limit. Think fireworks, confetti or balloon drop, celebrity or mascot visit…

“Other” Entertainment

Not everybody wants to “cut a rug” out on the dance floor; make sure you give those guests ways to entertain themselves when they don’t want to dance. Think trivia cards, photo booths, yard games…we’ve outlined a few different ways to entertain those guests who don’t want to join in the dancing (or for those who want to take a break!).

Dance lessons

If you want to give your guests a memorable night, give them a dance lesson they’ll never forget. Bring in a dance instructor who can give your guests a fun dance lesson they’ll remember (and use!) for years.

Late night fuel

If you want to keep your guests dancing, give them fuel to keep going. A late night course of sliders, pizzas, popcorn, or another favorite dish is going to be a big hit with your guests—especially after you’ve gone out of your way to make your wedding reception epic.

6 (BIG!) Ways to ENSURE a GREAT Time for Your Wedding Guests

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guests dancing to wedding djIt’s easy to get wrapped up in planning every detail of your wedding to make sure it fits you, but what about your guests?  Use these tips from the pros (us!) to make sure your guests, and you, have a GREAT time at your wedding reception.

Give them ALL the information up front

Use your invitations and a wedding website to give your guests all the information they need (above and beyond dates and times): parking (and any fees), local hotel information, and any other helpful information that can assist them as they travel to your wedding.

Put out the red carpet

Make your guests feel appreciated at your wedding with a lot of small touches.  Go out of your way to welcome your local and out-of-town guests with small gifts and outings.  Use signs and other small tokens to welcome them to your wedding ceremony and reception.

Keep the talking to a minimum

Ask your “toasters” to keep their toasts short and sweet.  Long wedding toasts can put a real crimp on your guests’ good time, and delay the real wedding reception fun.

Pull out all the entertainment stops

We’ve never heard a wedding guest say, “That wedding was so awesome. We had nothing to do!”  Ensure that your guests have fun on your big day.  Book a great DJ as soon as you can (the best DJs book fast-here’s how to decide if your DJ is top notch).  Get a photo booth to give your guests something to do when they’re not dancing—and so they have a memento from a great time.  For your youngest guests (the kids!), give them coloring sheets, crayons, and other fun games and entertainment that they—and their parents—can appreciate.

Conspire for a surprise

Part of the fun of hiring one of the best wedding entertainment companies (DJ or band) is the potential to plan a big surprise that none of your guests know about.  Whether it’s a surprise first dance, or a flash mob, or…. (shhh!) another fun surprise, make sure you plan it well advance with your DJ or band to make sure it goes flawlessly during your wedding reception.

Keep them fed

Don’t stop feeding your guests once dinner is over.  Schedule a course of late night snacks that’ll keep your wedding guests dancing (another reason to hire an awesome DJ) and having fun throughout your wedding reception.  Talk to your caterer about options, or make arrangements for a food truck or vendor on your own—your guests’ll thank you when they’re having fun.