Under the Big Top
Six Ways to Spice up your Tents this Summer
by Frans Klinkenberg | Published in June 2007 Focus on Production
It’s summer — time to think about spicing up your next tent event. Chances are, you know most of the tricks in the book, but many planners skimp on lighting, which can make a huge impact, especially when working with a simple tent as your background.
Lighting techniques range from straightforward uplights to complex patterns, but overall they are actually quite easy to implement and deliver serious bang for your buck.
Plan Ahead
Even the most perfect flowers and linens look wilted if you don’t bring in the right light, and this is especially true with tents.
Even during the day, you must consider what type of lighting puts everything in the right perspective. Since tents usually aren’t located near convenient power sources, you will be in a serious bind if you don’t plan ahead, ensuring you have everything from the right cable to the right lighting equipment.
Draw People In
The outside of the tent offers almost as many opportunities for exciting lighting as the inside. From simply illuminating the entrance to lighting the entire exterior or projecting special logos or images, well-placed lights can make your event a success before the guests even walk inside.
Look Up
One of the most amazing things you can do in a tent is project a customized image onto the ceiling. This is quite affordable and there are almost no limits to what you can do with color, gobos and other effects.
In addition to adding a significant wow factor, ceiling projections can also make the space look larger and bring the theme together. Your lighting vendor can make it simple by offering standard options or taking an image you have and translating it into a custom pattern.
From a simple logo to a blanket of flowers covering the ceiling, the options are virtually endless.
Consider Color
Consider the color of your tent, as it will greatly affect the lighting. For example, black tents, which are becoming very popular, need a completely different type of lighting than the traditional white tent.
Also remember that lighting with color can add to the overall mood you are setting. For example, cool colors like green, blue and turquoise can have a calming effect, while warmer colors such as red, yellow or orange tend to create excitement.
Don’t Forget about Daylight
Just because the event is held during the day doesn’t mean there will be enough ambient light. This assumption has gotten many planners in a jam, especially when they realize that all their hard work and beautiful settings lose their luster in the shadows, so consult with your lighting vendor to see if he or she can offer some suggestions based on the time of day and the event location.
Also consider which way the tent faces so that you can determine sun exposure and whether there are any large trees or buildings that will come between your tent and the sun.
If Nothing Else…
If your budget is stretched and you simply can’t consider any of the above options, at least think about two simple, inexpensive elements that will save your guests from being left in the dark:
- Uplights are easy to use and position and will accent your florals, trees and other props by providing on-the-spot illumination. Depending on the mood you are setting, you can choose different colors and levels of brightness and even add color-changing effects.
- Pin spots are lights that can be focused on the center of each table, providing illumination for guests without interfering with the rest of your theme. They are subtle yet powerful accents.
Remember, you don’t have to skimp on lighting. Using these simple and cost-effective tips, you can turn your next event from ordinary to extraordinary.
About the author: Frans Klinkenberg
Frans Klinkenberg is president of Hollywood, Calif.-based Angstrom Lighting, a full-service lighting supplier serving the entertainment industry since 1977.
Contact: frans@angstromlighting.com