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How To Change The Mood Of Your Wedding Reception With Lighting

Did you know you have the power to lighten the mood and attitudes of the guests at your wedding reception? Would you believe it's as simple as just adding a little color? Surprisingly, it's a scientific fact that certain colors can change the way people feel and act. Now how does one go about changing the colors of a traditional reception hall without paying a fortune to repaint the facilities? Well believe it or not it's actually really easy. It can be done through the power of lighting.

That's right, proper light done with the right colors and right intensities can really change the tone of the room. For example: the color red is hot and exciting while the color magenta is warm and romantic. The color blue is cool and somber while the color pink is active and flashy. Often time the more saturated the color the more pronounced the effect. So if the colors are more pastel the more delicate and subdued the effect.

To color the room with enough light you'll want to make sure you have enough lighting fixtures to cover the entire circumference of the room. Rather than purchasing these expensive fixtures you can often times rent them from your local production company or maybe even a local entertainment.

The new trend in wedding reception lighting is known as L.E.D. up-lighting. L.E.D. up-lighting is a low power consumption and low heat producing light that uses the primary colors (Red, Green, and Blue) to create a dramatic lighting effect. These lights are often placed next to a wall or corner and pointed up towards the ceiling. Along with changing the colors of the lights you're even given control of the intensities of the lights for a more dramatic or less dramatic effect.

You'll want to think of your reception hall as a white canvas that you're about to paint a picture onto. Choose colors that match the existing decor and be sure to cover the room with enough light. Try to stay away from the color green if you can. Often times the color green is looked upon as being less flattering. Try to choose colors that compliment skin tones. Colors like magenta and rose are often very effective and very elegant. As the night progresses you may also want to consider changing the colors to create some excitement and mood changes. Often times slight variations in the same color are very effective.

Remember though, it's you're wedding reception and you'll want to have full control. Opt for a lighting designer that knows your exact desires and outcomes you want for the event. Often time the right designer can help coach you in the appropriate colors and fills that are necessary to create that exact mood you want.

About the Author

Stevie Dee works for Operation Getdown DJs. His company provides DJs and lighting for Chicago wedding receptions. Visit the following links for more info about the services we offer. Chicago DJ or Chicago Wedding DJs

“Patches� Puppy Cozy (Blue) $34.99 It's the next best thing to man's best friend! This adorable cozy features a puppy head with flapping ears and measures 24�, so there's plenty of room for your little one to play. Features and facts:Light blue puppy cozyMeasures 24�Full satin underside

A Star Is Born 2-Piece Door Hanger & Bank Set (Blue) $36 While baby boy sleeps, the stars come out to play with this delightful, personalized door hanger and bank set!Door hanger is blue with color-coordinated stars in the background, a big, yellow star, baby's name and the words Sweet DreamsBank is white with dark-blue stars, light-blue stars, yellow stars, baby's name and the words Candy Fund around the bottomSmooth ceramic and fiber-reinforced plasticDoor Hanger and bank may be personalized with baby's name (max of 12 characters) on each item at no additional chargeDoor hanger measures 9"" h x 4"" wBank measures 3 ½ "" h x 3"" in diameter

Precious Cargo Train Tea Light Holder $3.4 All aboard for one of Kate Aspen's most adorable baby shower favors! Choo-choo choose the ""Precious Cargo"" Train Tea Light Holder, and you'll be on track to thank your guests with a charming gift that carries the warm glow of pleasant memories from the shower to a shelf at home. Features and facts:Colorful, ceramic choo-choo train tea light holder in pastels of blue, yellow and green with white accentsTea light measures 2"" h x 3 ½ "" w x 2 ¼ "" dFavor presentation includes clear gift box with color-coordinated base and a background with choo-choo-train smoke clouds, White-satin ribbon and bow imprinted with light-green border and blue ""choo-choo,"" and a round ""For You"" tagGift box measures 4 ½ "" h x 3 ¾"" w x 2 ½ "" d

The Nest Egg Scented Egg Soap in Nest (Pink or Blue) $3.25 Do you remember how delicately you held a robin's egg as a child?Just the way a new mother holds a baby. Kate Aspen sweetly brings thatmemory back especially for baby showers with a magnificently designedfavor that celebrates the present and looks to the future. Features andfact:Pleasantly scented soap is pink or blue with tiny, brown speckles Cello-wrapped egg sits in a lifelike bird's nest resting on natural, shredded raffia Egg measures 1 ¾� h x 1 ¼� in diameter Nest measures 1� h x 2 ¾� in diameter Enchanting gift box has clear top and decorated pastel-pink or light-blue base with Toile print of babycarriages, birds, nests with eggs, trees with tiny nests and happyhomes Gift presentation is completed with a chocolate-brownsatin ribbon and bow and an oval “For You� tag with a pink or blueborder and a small, brown bird Gift box measures 3� x 3� x 1 ½�

My Favorite Blankie Cable Blanket - Pink Blue or White (Available Personalized) $35 Give a gift with personality with a personalized cable knit blanket!  This cuddly, soft blanket with ribbed border is the perfect size to warm baby’s heart and soul.  Baby's information can be embroidered in your choice of thread color:  Facts and features:          Six thread colors to choose from:  pink, light blue, red, navy, natural and white          Personalize with baby name, initials or monogram.          Available in white and pastel blue.            100% cotton           Measures 36"" x 45""

Feathering Our Nest Bronze-Finish Metal Tea Light Holder (Set of 4) $12.15 When a new, little chick is about to hatch, the mom-to-be is busy preparing a loving, nurturing nest. That's why we have baby showers, and that's what makes the contemporary and captivating ""Feathering Our Nest"" tea light holder a meaningful favor! It's all about home and family—and the glow from the candle in the nest is truly a welcoming light in the window. Features and facts:Tea light holder is sculpted from high-quality wire with a bronze finishVine-inspired design includes two delicate leavesCandle includedNest tea light holder measures 1 ¼ "" h x 2"" in diameterClear, robin's-egg blue-and-chocolate brown display gift box includes charming graphics of birds in trees, a white-satin bow on top and a brown, bird-shaped ""For You"" tagGift box measures 4"" h x 3 ¼ "" w x 2 ¼ "" d

Shower With Sweetness Baby Shower Chocolate Bar $23.88 Send your sweetest sentiments with these celebration chocolate bars with full color labels and gorgeous detail, right down to the fun ""nutrition"" information on the back. What a sweet way to welcome your shower guests! - Six styles available- Name and date personalization- Choice of Hershey or Hershey with Almonds bar- Foil colors available: medium blue, royal blue, light blue, red, light pink, silver, gold, green, and light green- Measures 5 ½"" x 2 ¼""

My Dreidel Ceramic Plate (Boy) $40 Celebrate baby boy's first Festival of Lights with a handsome, personalized baby gift that highlights one of the most beloved traditions of Hanukkah! Decorative, hand-painted ceramic wall plate with dreidel and Stars of David dark blue, light blue and goldLead-free and food-safeMeasures 8 1/4"" in diameterPersonalize with baby's name

Baby Theme Flower Top Favor Box $2.5 A cute little favor box for a baby shower, our basic brown, ivory or white favor boxes look adorable topped with a pretty pale yellow, light blue or light pink fabric flower. Add a label in matching pastel shades, or be bright, bold and modern with our other 7 floral shades. Features and facts:Square favor box features a silk flower affixed to the lid and can be personalized with custom labelFlowers measure 3"" and each comes with a crystal centerBox measures 2 1/4"" x 2 1/4"" x 2 1/4""Each box is shipped flat with the flower attached (Simple folding of the top and bottom is required)Box colors: brown, ivory or whiteFlower colors: antique blue, black, ivory, red, light blue, light pink, green, hot pink, pale yellow and purplePersonalized labels with up to two lines of text may be added for an additional $0.10 eachMinimum 25 pieces

Just Plain Ducky Two-Piece Sweater and Hat Set $54.99 This adorable baby outfit includes a hand-knit light blue cap and sweater accented by a white duck on each. Perfect for cool days and chilly nights. Features and facts:Yellow hat and sweater set with white ducks on the front with white dotted accents on the sweaterAvailable in size 0-6 months

“Patches� Puppy Cozy (Pink) $32.5 It's the next best thing to man's best friend! This adorable cozy features a puppy head with flapping ears and measures 24�, so there's plenty of room for your little one to play. Features and facts:Light blue puppy cozyMeasures 24�Full satin underside

Monkey Tunic and Capri Legging Set $27.99 Skipping, running, dancing and even turning cartwheels are what the Monkey Tunic and Capri set were made for. Cheery colors of white, red and light blue make this such a great choice for any baby girl. Baby gifts as cute as this one is might have you turning cartwheels as well. Features and Facts:Color(s): White, Red, Light Blue and Brown Materials: Cotton-Spandex BlendSize: 0-6 MonthDetails: This 2 piece tunic set features monkey appliqu... and racer bow back. Dimensions: N/APackaging Dimensions: N/ASelling Unit: EachMinimum Quantity W/O Personalization: N/AMinimum Quantity With Personalization: N/AAssembly Required: No

First Things First Personalized Hooded Towel $44 A perfect accessory for bath time! This amazingly soft terry cloth towel is custom embroidered with baby's first initial and beautifully packaged with color-coordinating ribbon. In your choice of block or script letter, this is a truly appreciated baby gift! Features and facts: Made of 100% cotton Size: 33"" x 33"" Embroidery colors: light blue, yellow, royal blue, red and pink

Elephant Personalized Divided Plate $44 As nursery decor or a food-safe, divided feeding dish, this elephant-themed personalized wall plate is surely the keepsake you've been looking for!Decorative, hand-painted, divided ceramic wall plate with elephant and polka dots in dark blue, light blue and greenLead-free and food-safeMeasures 8"" in diameterPersonalize with baby's name and birth date

“Wow!� Big Brother Baseball Cap $13.99 Light blue, classic baseball cap with adjustable strap. Printed with the phrase “Wow, I’m A Big Brother,� everyone will know that your little guy is proud of his new role. Features and facts:Blue cotton baseball cap printed with phrase “Wow, I’m a big brother� on the bib with baseball and glove designAdjustable strap in backCottonToddler size (2-3 year old)

Preppy Plaid Personalized Wall Decal $36 Bring an element of timeless, All-American appeal to your son's room with our Preppy Plaid Wall Decal. Fashioned with a low tack backing and personalized at absolutely no extra cost to you, this colorfully woven decal is available in several color options to surely fit everyone needs! Both fun and functional, this unique piece of wall art makes for a great keepsake as he grows through the years.Color(s): Navy blue/red, light blue/yellow, royal blue/orange or cobalt blue/green plaid backgroundMaterials: Vinyl and removable, low-stick materialsDetails: The Preppy Plaid Wall Decal may be personalized with a single block initial and name (max of 12 characters) at No Additional CostDimensions: 22 1/2"" wide by 22 1/2"" tallPackaging Dimensions: N/ASelling Unit: EachMinimum Quantity W/O Personalization: N/AMinimum Quantity With Personalization: OneAssembly Required: No

Giraffe Shortall $26.99 This giraffe shortall takes cute to another level. With it's textured cotton and giraffe design--this color pattern is perfect for your little one's spring time wardrobe! Available in size 0-6 months. Features and Facts : Color(s):White, Light blue, Grey and Red Materials: Textured Cotton Details: This one piece features blue chevron pattern and giraffe appliqu.... Inner leg snap closure.Size: 0-6 months.Dimensions: N/APackaging Dimensions: N/ASelling Unit: EachMinimum Quantity W/O Personalization: N/AMinimum Quantity With Personalization: N/AAssembly Required: No

Personalized Baby Outfit Gift Set (Boy) $49.5 Imagine the new parents delight when they open your baby gift and see this personalized baby outfit for their darling baby boy. The set includes our popular 100% cotton interlock, USA made baby outfit sporting a convenient zipper bottom and stylish back flap. A matching cotton interlock bib and a very cool cap round out this beautiful ensemble. Features and Facts: Color(s): White with blue initialMaterials: 100% cottonDetails: Three-piece white baby outfit features an appliqued and embroidered initial on the body suit, bib and hat in light blue with coordinating blue trim on the bib. Outfit features a convenient zipper bottom and back flap with matching hat and bib. Presented in a beautiful gift box.Dimensions: Available in 6-9 months or 12 monthsPackaging Dimensions: N/ASelling Unit: EachMinimum Quantity W/O Personalization: N/AMinimum Quantity With Personalization: OneAssembly Required: No

Muslin Blankets (Boys Set) $31.99 Light and comfy, these muslin blankets are perfect for your little guy. The set comes complete with coverlets, designed especially for boys, are white with blue and contrasting bright colors and have the added bonus of a matching storage bag. Perfect for a baby shower gift or a ""just because"" gift for a new bundle of joy. Features and Facts:Color(s): Blue and WhiteMaterials: MuslinDetails: This set designed especially for boys includes two soft blankets color with soft hues of blue and brighter contrasting colors. The set also include a matching bag for easy storage and portability. Dimensions: N/APackaging Dimensions: N/ASelling Unit: EachMinimum Quantity W/O Personalization: N/AMinimum Quantity With Personalization: N/AAssembly Required: No

Sneaker Socks for Girls $24.99 Racing her way through the day, this set of ""sneaker"" socks will help your little girl keep up. Designed to resemble a shoe, this useful baby gift includes seven colored socks to easily coordinate with just about any sporty outfit. Putting her feet in the game, this collection will keep her stylishly in step. Features and facts:Set of seven baby socks features ""sneaker"" design and comes attractively boxed in a purple-and-pink, polka-dot gift boxIncludes orange, lavender, light blue, mint, light aqua, yellow and pink socksFits sizes 0-12 months

Eco-Friendly Chubby Bear Plush Toy $32.99 A plush bunny that's just the right size for baby's tiny fingers! Destined to become baby’s favorite, the eco-friendly rabbit is made of washable, organic cotton, and the cream-colored hatbox packaging is made from 100% recycled paper. Bunny's light-brown, floppy ears sit atop a friendly face, and shoes that match the outfit cover two cute feet. Chubby Rabbit measures 8"" h x 8"" w, and the hatbox, which has light-blue leaves on the top, is 3 ½"" h x 7 ½"" in diameter. Bear is not available at this time.

I Love New York Layered T-Shirt $28 It's up to you New York, New York! For anyone having a baby in New York, from New York or just proud of New York, this t-shirt is a great choice. Send one to a friend or just get one for your baby! These cute and adorable two-layered baby t-shirts are available in New York Blue and Light Pink in various sizes. Cotton polyester blendAvailable in pink and blueSizes: 3-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-18 months, 2T and 3T

A Bucket Full of Baby Stuff (4-piece Gift Set) - Just Duckie $56 All these personalized goodies come in our adorable bucket hat! This gift set includes: - an extra soft short sleeve bodysuit made of 100% cotton interlock - 2 coordinating burp cloths beautifully wrapped and tied with a bow - an infant size light blue twill bucket hat to keep the sun off baby's delicate skin For that extra touch, personalize with baby's name, up to 10 characters. Choose from Block font style as shown or Script.

Personalized Double-Layered T-Shirt $34 A great present for a new baby or to purchase for your little one, these double layered short-sleeved shirts come in two colors, blue and light pink, with white long sleeves underneath. Available in various sizes from infant to toddler, they can be personalized with a single letter, initials or full name. Features and facts:Cotton polyester blendAvailable in pink and bluePersonalization with a single letter, initials or full name includedSizes: 3-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-18 months, 2T and 3T

Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep-Prayer Stool (Boy) $74.99 Encourage his nightly prayers with this adorable blue and white hand painted kneeling stool. Prayer reads: ""Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep. His love guides me through the night, and wakes me with the morning light."" Features a special shelf for Bible storage and cushioned pad for comfortable kneeling! Arrives fully assembled. Please note bible shown not included.

Rubber Ducky Candle $18 It's not often you can give guests the gift of heartwarming childhood memories, but Kate Aspen didn't duck from the challenge! Our sweetly smiling ""Rubber Ducky"" Candle is adorably designed to do just that. Features and facts:Yellow, rubber ducky candle with smiling orange beak and playful black eyes sits on a light-blue ""pond""Candle measures in 2 3/4"" h x 1 3/4"" w x 2"" diameterGift presentation includes clear display gift box with blue-and-white water-bubble base, bright-orange ribbon and bow with white polka dots, and a color-coordinated ""For You"" tagGift box measures 3 3/4"" h x 1 1/2"" dSold as a set of 12 individually gift boxed favors

Monkey Dress $29.99 Red diamonds, blue zig-zag ruffles and a cheery little monkey will make this Monkey Dress your baby’s favorites of all her baby gifts. Babies love bright colors and this dress is as vibrant as can be. Add to that a sweet little circus monkey doing a cartwheel and you might not be able to get this outfit off your baby daughter. Features and Facts:Color(s):Light Blue, Red, Brown and WhiteMaterials: 100% cottonSize: 0-6 Months Details:Patterned pillow case dress features monkey appliqu... with curly grosgrain ribbon.Dimensions: N/APackaging Dimensions: N/ASelling Unit: EachMinimum Quantity W/O Personalization: N/AMinimum Quantity With Personalization: N/AAssembly Required: No

Personalized Stroller Blanket with Football (Many Colors Available) $56 Perfect gift for your future football star. 22"" x 30"" stroller blanket available in acrylic (20 colors) and 6 fonts. Sample shown in Chocolate/Light Blue and Copperplate Font. Feature and Facts:Color(s): Available in a variety of colors.Materials: 100% AcrylicDetails: Personalization is included and All blankets are packaged like candy in butterscotch foil paper tied with bronze tulle ribbon on the ends. Made in USA.Dimensions: 22"" x 30""Minimum Quantity W/O Personalization: N/AMinimum Quantity With Personalization:1 Assembly Required: No

Giraffe Sleeper $28.99 The Giraffe Sleeper is one of those baby gifts that will bring smiles to boys and girls alike. Turquoise and white zig-zags make a bold background for a sweet giraffe with a little red friend on its back. Bright kiwi-green cuffs at the arm, as well as a band at the neck, really make this trendy outfit pop and be noticed. Features and Facts:Color(s):Green, Light Blue, Grey and WhiteMaterials:Cotton spandex blendSize: 0-6 Months Details:Cotton spandex blend sleeper features giraffe appliqu... and inner leg snap closure.Dimensions: N/APackaging Dimensions: N/ASelling Unit: EachMinimum Quantity W/O Personalization: N/AMinimum Quantity With Personalization: N/AAssembly Required: No

Baby On Board Expandable Pen $3.9 Sitting snug as a hug in a color-rich car seat is the ""write"" baby shower favor to drive everyone wild! This bundled-up baby heading down life's highway is actually an expandable pen! The multi-colored, polka-dotted ""baby blanket"" is the base for the pen, and baby's almost-bald head becomes the top of the colorful-yellow, light-green, pink and blue-telescoping pen. Cleverly contained in clear, gift-box packaging, this ""noteworthy"" baby rides comfortably in a cute, cardboard car seat covered with polka dots that match baby's blanket. The pen is approximately 3"" high and 5 ½"" high when expanded. The gift box measures 3"" high, 2 ¼"" deep and 1 ¾"" wide.

Giraffe Dress $27.99 Appliqu...s, pom poms, ruffles and pretty colors; what more could a little girl possible need? How about a cheery spotted giraffe with a little friend on her back? As far as baby gifts go, this Giraffe Dress is a real winner; stylish, fun, girly and colorful. Oh, and comfortable because this sweet dress is a racer-back dress and that means comfort. Features and Facts:Color(s): Light Blue, Grey, White and Green Materials: 100% cottonSize: 0-6 MonthsDetails:Giraffe Dress with racer-back and features giraffe appliqu..., pom pom trim and ruffle accents.Dimensions: N/APackaging Dimensions: N/ASelling Unit: EachMinimum Quantity W/O Personalization: N/AMinimum Quantity With Personalization: N/AAssembly Required: No

Seaside Sand and Shell-Filled Globe Bottle Stopper $6 ""And hand in hand, on the edge of the sand, they danced by the light of the moon."" Like a poet who captures the romance of the seas in words, Kate Aspen infuses the fun and feeling of a seaside event in a befitting beach-themed favor--as expressive as it is practical--that lets guests take home as many memories as there are grains of sand in the globe. Features and facts:Finest-quality chrome bottle stopper topped with clear, glass globe filled with sand and small seashellsBottle stopper with sturdy, black-rubber gasket measures 4 1/2"" h x 1"" in diameterShowcase gift box includes stylized, cutout waves on soft-blue base with the words ""Seaside""Globe Bottle Stopper, a natural raffia tie and coordinated, shell-motif ""For You"" tagGift presentation measures 5 1/4"" h x 1 3/4"" w x 1 3/4"" d

Blue and Green Ribbon Hat $14.99 Keep the sun out of your little one's eyes with this stylish hat. This blue hat made out of ribbon adorned with white polka dots will keep your little one in the shade. Features and Facts:Color(s): White and Green Materials: Ribbon Size: Size 0-6 monthsDetails: Blue Ribbon hat with white polka dots. Dimensions: N/APackaging Dimensions: N/ASelling Unit: EachMinimum Quantity W/O Personalization: N/AMinimum Quantity With Personalization: N/AAssembly Required: No

Blue and Grey Stripe Jumpsuit $35.99 What an awesome jumpsuit for an awesome little boy. Made with cotton, this cute blue and grey jumpsuit is the perfect baby gift for your new addition. Features and Facts:Color(s): Blue and GreyMaterials: CottonDetails: This cotton knit sweater suit has button closures for ease, perfect when you have to do a diaper change. Dimensions: N/APackaging Dimensions: N/ASelling Unit: EachMinimum Quantity W/O Personalization: N/AMinimum Quantity With Personalization: N/AAssembly Required: No

Blue Sparky Diaper Cupcake $26.99 Lil' Blue Sparky Diaper Cupcake is the perfect gift for the upcoming baby shower or newborn baby. It's topped with a cute fuzzy blue pup, that will remind baby of your love and loyalty to them.Color(s): As shown with blue dotted ribbonMaterials: Diapers, ribbon, plush toy and baby itemDetails: Gift includes 10 Pampers Swaddlers brand diapers (size 1), Johnson’s baby powder (1.5oz.), Baby Gund® Spunky Rattle (4"" tall) and coordinating premium ribbon. Each diaper cupcake comes beautifully wrapped with white tulle and bow created out of premium ribbon….. ready for giving!Dimensions: 6"" wide x 9"" tallPackaging Dimensions: N/ASelling Unit: EachMinimum Quantity W/O Personalization: OneMinimum Quantity With Personalization: N/AAssembly Required: No

Precious Pup Personalized Ceramic Tile (Blue) $36 Add a playful touch to your child's room. With a precious pup in the corner and your baby's info, the design is heat-sealed into a ceramic tile for a long lasting keepsake. Features and facts:Original artwork is heat sealed for a lasting memento<Ceramic wall tile w/ ribbonMade in U.S.A.Size: 6"" x 8""

Fisherman Cable Blanket (Blue) $74 Wrap your baby in luxury with this intricately designed hand-knit Fisherman Cable Blanket. This blanket is sure to keep baby warm and cozy. With rich detail, it makes a useful yet elegant gift for Mom and baby to enjoy. Facts and features: Made of 100% cotton Choose from pastel pink, baby blue and ivory Measures 34"" x 38""