Lighting Makes A Difference

Why Lighting is a Must-Have for Your Event

Entertainment and atmosphere are the two most important factors in creating an unforgettable event, especially when it comes to getting that dance floor packed. While entertainment is easy to understand—the music needs to be on point, and the flow of the event should feel smooth—atmosphere often gets overlooked. If the mood isn’t right, even the best entertainment can fall flat.

While candles may create a nice touch, it’s the overall lighting design that truly impacts the energy of a space. When I talk with couples, I often hear comments like, “The venue has beautiful string lights,” or “The ballroom lights can be dimmed,” and they assume that’s all they need. It’s a common misconception, and understandably so—couples often don’t realize what’s necessary to bring their event to life. If you’re aiming for a more relaxed, cocktail-party vibe, then sure, string lights and dimming might work. But if you’re dreaming of a high-energy dance party, these aren’t enough.

I like to joke that my living room lights are on dimmers, and my backyard is filled with bistro lights—but that doesn’t mean people will be dancing when I play music! Dimmable lighting and accents like bistro lights are a great start, but the real magic happens with step two: adding uplighting and dance floor wash lighting. These elements don’t just brighten up the space—they energize it. Subtle during special moments, but absolutely electrifying once the dancing begins.

Think about the last time you went to a concert, a play, or even visited a high-end store. Did you notice the lighting? It’s everywhere—highlighting features, creating atmosphere, and enhancing the experience. Lighting bridges the gap between audible and visual entertainment, adding depth and emotion to every moment.

What About Venue-Supplied Lighting?

If your venue offers lighting, you might wonder how it compares to what your DJ can provide. The key difference lies in control and coverage. Ask two important questions: First, how many fixtures does the venue use? Most venues require 15-25 uplights to light a room effectively. Second, can you control the lighting to change throughout the event? Lighting needs to evolve as the event shifts—from a romantic dinner ambiance to a high-energy dance party.

Venue lighting is often a “set it and forget it” system. It might work well for the dinner portion of the evening, but it won’t bring the same elevated energy once the dance party begins. Let’s face it: that’s the part everyone’s excited about. With a DJ providing lighting, the experience is much different. Your DJ can coordinate the lighting with the music, taking your event to the next level. DJ-provided uplighting and dance floor lighting create an exciting synergy that builds energy and keeps the vibe going all night long.

Is Lighting Right for You?

Take a moment to think about it: Do you envision a packed dance floor? Are you ready to elevate the energy and atmosphere of your event? Lighting can transform any space, creating a dynamic atmosphere that evolves throughout the night—from the elegance of your ceremony to the high-energy excitement of the dance floor. If you’re looking to take your event to the next level, lighting isn’t just a nice addition—it’s essential.

Written by Andy Sussman of TSG Weddings, Boston, MA