Lighting
Up Your Party - Tips On Lighting
August 27, 2009
Never underestimate the power of lighting. Lighting can
turn an ordinary area into a romantic fantasy or a distorted
nightmare. The style, location, color and brightness are
the key elements in staging lights.
Many professional lighting companies prefer LED lights
for events. LED lights have gained popularity because of
their safety, low electrical demand, versatility and wide
range of available colors. An exciting new product is the
solar LED novelty string lights with battery backup. Lighting
that that can operate on solar and battery power is perfect
for the beach, park or any area where there is little or
no electrical power, the battery packs charged in advance
insure hours of lighting power.
Several websites sell solar lighting and the prices vary
with the quality, style, size and quantity purchased. A
little costly at up to fifty to sixty dollars for hundred
and two light, thirty-seven-foot strand but considering
they can also be used for the holidays and will save you
on electrical bills and eventually will pay for themselves.
Check the shipping and handling charges before ordering,
they vary and can greatly affect your final cost.
Net lights are available with clear or colored bulbs. The
most common wire color is green but search the internet
and you will find brown, white and clear wire is available.
Net lighting comes in various sizes the two feet by four
feet size being the most common and what is usually found
in most retail stores. Online stores however, offer a wider
range of sizes including two feet by ten feet, four feet
by eight feet and six inches by ten feet and fifteen inches
by ten feet. Prices start at around five dollars but will
vary by seller. The best time to buy net lights is during
the winter holiday season. Net lights are also perfect for
arches, canopies, arbors, backdrops and can be wrapped around
tree trunks.
Here are a few ideas for lighting up your next event.
Tree branches are too high to light? Try net lights wrapped
around the tree trunks. What to do when there are no trees?
Try using bamboo poles, PVC pipe or wood closet dowels in
place of trees. Before pounding anything into the ground
speak with the property manager or have the site checked
by an underground locating company to be sure there are
no underground pipes or wire lines.
Once you are certain the area is safe, sink the pole at
least twenty inches deep, twenty-four inches or more for
a sandy beach or damp ground. Do not hammer the pole instead
use a flat piece of wood large enough to cover the top of
the pole, this will prevent splitting or cracking. One or
several strands of string lights, decorative lights or net
lighting may be used to create a wall, a border or a ceiling
the possibilities are limited only by your imagination.
For a uniformed look use a template for hole placement with
each pole. Pre drilling the holes and screwing in the hooks
before sinking the poles in the ground will make hanging
lights fast and easy. Styrofoam balls, tennis ball, ornaments
or wood finials can be put on the top of poles to give them
a polished look.
A tip when using PVC pipe: Remove all writing from pipe
with acetone. Cut the end of pipe that will go into the
ground at an angle, Fill the pipes with sand it will make
the vertical pipe stronger and less susceptible to the wind.
Light up the inside of your table by hanging net, icicle
lights on the inside of main tables such as the buffet table,
gift table, head table, and bar area. Lights can be secured
with small adhesive hooks which come twenty-four to a package
are easily removable and are available at most stores. Tablecloths
and skirting hide the actual lights allowing a soft glow
to shrine through the fabric. The use of colored lights
can add a dramatic touch to your event.
A custom monogram for the bride and groom's table can be
created by using a sheet of Styrofoam and inserting the
bulbs of string lights into the back of the foam so the
wires is hidden and the bulb comes through to the front
of the foam. Hang the Styrofoam behind the table skirting
and you have created a unique focal point.
For outdoor events, only use extension cords rated for
outdoor use and the device that will use it. A minimum 14-gauge
cord is usually required when using extension cords at events.
For safety, the electrical cord should be free of nicks,
breaks or mending tape and not placed near water or on a
wet surface. Some appliances such as refrigerators, stoves
and other devices may require an extension cord specifically
designed for that use. Keep in mind that cords of this nature
will usually be limited in length which makes knowing the
location and number of outlets critical. All appliance extension
cords are three pronged for grounding and are not to be
used with two prong adapters.
Electrical cords that are in the path of traffic should
always be covered with a cord protector to prevent tripping
and damage to the cord. Never hang decorations or fabric
from an electrical cord of any kind.
Here are a few questions to ask regarding the electrical
at your location:What are the policies and regulations for
the location? Does the facility have extension cords available?
If outdoors does the location have electrical power available?
ow many outlets are available? Are the outlets for three
prong or two prong plugs? What is the distance between the
outlet and the area being lit or needing power?
Enjoy you next event knowing that with a little imagination,
the possibilities are endless and the spotlight will be
on you.
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