Up Lighting???

I like the idea but will the drapes and shades keep out all of the light? And if you want that kind of effect why not just have an evening reception?

Evening reception is double the price.

I guess my question is, do you really not like the view from the windows? Is it just to add more flair?

That would make a difference in how I respond to you. However, that company shouldn't be turning away business like that.

But, I might add that unless the room has blackout shades, it probably won't get very dark at all - I would check on that before investigating lighting further.

I was wondering the same thing for my venue. The view is not bad at all. The wedding starts at 5pm, but by the time we start the reception at 7pm, it will still be some daylight. Could the use of uplighting still be ok?

I was coming from the perspective that the up-lighting would add more of a party atmosphere. I'm already going to have colorful flowers and decor. However, I don't want it extremely bright in there so people don't feel comfortable dancing and partying.

@K K I'm on almost the same time as you, my weddings at 5 30 and I'm having uplightning I think you'll be fine cause its not like it'll be light for your whole reception

It's really going to be difficult unless you can totally blackout the room.

I've been to 2 daytime weddings. One didn't have too much of a party atmosphere, but it was a brunch wedding and I don't think the couple wanted the party. The other one was a party and people danced even though it was daylight.

Thanks mrs. s!

Save the money. You can make the atmosphere fun with a great DJ and maybe a photobooth

Thanks andrene!

Sure! A great DJ really makes a difference, and remember people will follow what you do. If you're on the dance floor, your guests will follow.

@Emily F: Thank you. I was wondering if any other brides had the same idea. I think I will go ahead and do it.

The benefit of ANY additional lighting will depend on the ambient light in the room and how powerful your additional lighting is. If you can decrease the room and outdoor lighting, your additional lighting may enhance the ambiance. Also, check what time sunset is on your wedding day. Finally, not all light fixtures are the same. LED fixtures vary GREATLY in output from one brand to another and conventional lighting output depends on lamp size and beam spread. In short, there's way too many variables to say that a lighting effect will be beneficial or not without seeing the room. If that lighting company said it wouldn't work without seeing the room, either they weren't available or they felt the job was too small to be worthwhile.

Our reception started during daylight and we used uplighting/some minimal draping. It was just very, very soft until the lights went down all the way, but we started off with a candlewash/amber uplight anyway.

I'm sure there's something a design company can do but honestly I'd save the money on lights and spend it elsewhere. The draping could be really pretty. Maybe drape the windows to soften the daylight and just use a lot of candles to make it a little dimmer and more romantic in there?

It's hard to say without seeing the space, can you post pics of your venue?

Yes, a great DJ makes all the difference. My DJ hosted my daughters' high school graduation party in June and he had everyone (even my 74 year old mom) dancing at 3:00 pm in picnic grounds.

I'm having a brunch wedding and I plan to dance and have fun as if I'm having an evening reception!

As a professional wedding photographer, i have to advise you to notify your photographer if you decide to do this. this will seriously effect your wedding photos. most professional wedding photographers have the proper equipment to deal with these low light situations, but it will definitely limit what can be done in that space. your photographer will need a heads up ASAP. imagine showing up to a kitchen, expected to create a wonderful meal, and the only thing in the fridge is eggs and toast. it's still possible, but with the proper heads up, you can prepare for it alot better.

Here's photos of the outside building and inside the room itself. There are a few windows. It's definitely not wall to wall.

After seeing the space I definitely think you could do without the lighting. Invest in the decor, flowers and DJ and you will get the atmosphere you are looking for.

Just pull the shades and skip the lighting. At my brother's wedding in June, the reception and dance started around 5:30 and it was still l very light out. Their venue had an entire wall of windows facing the lake and while it was a nice view I will say that as a guest I just couldn't get myself in the mood to dance and party because of how bright it was in the room. They ended up pulling the shades and voila! soon after that people started to get up and dance. I think your venue has enough character on it's own that you can skip the uplighting and still get the atmosphere you want.

Thanks folks!! Your opinions definitely help a lot!