Lighting, Lounges and Linens

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262 longislandbrideandgroom.com FLOWERS + DECORATIONS WRITTEN BY Katie Day lighting, lounges + linens Create a one of a kind space that will enhance your reception and “wow” your guests. L OUNGES AT YOUR RECEPTION are a great way to give your guests a whole other experi- ence. Your lounge is essentially a hideaway inside the reception, which you can make as elaborate and fun as you’d like. “The main purpose of a lounge area is to give people a spot to relax and mingle in a more casual seating arrangement,” says Susan Graham of Susan Graham Signature Events. “When it’s set in or near EXO PHOTOGRAPHY your dining space it gives them a chance to kick their feet up, so to speak, away from the dance area and the formal dining areas.” The lounge is meant to be a small, intimate setting nestled away in your reception venue. Be sure to keep the size of the lounge smaller than the dining area, you don’t want your lounge to overpower the formal dinner area. While you want your lounge to be intimate and relaxing, don’t "

Transcript of Lighting, Lounges and Linens

Page 1: Lighting, Lounges and Linens

262 longislandbrideandgroom.com

FLOWERS + DECORATIONS

WRITTEN BY Katie Day

lighting, lounges + linens

Create a one of a kind space that will enhance your reception and “wow” your guests.

L OUNGES AT YOUR RECEPTION are a great way to give your guests a whole other experi-

ence. Your lounge is essentially a hideaway inside the reception, which you can make as elaborate and fun as you’d like. “The main purpose of a lounge area is to give people a spot to relax and mingle in a more casual seating arrangement,” says Susan Graham of Susan Graham Signature Events. “When it’s set in or near

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your dining space it gives them a chance to kick their feet up, so to speak, away from the dance area and the formal dining areas.” The lounge is meant to be a small, intimate setting nestled away in your reception venue. Be sure to keep the size of the lounge smaller than the dining area, you don’t want your lounge to overpower the formal dinner area. While you want your lounge to be intimate and relaxing, don’t

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put it too far away from the dance floor and dining area. “It should always be accessible to the main action,” says Graham. “You don’t want guests to sit and stay.” As far as décor goes, there are endless options. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the furniture and accessories. The classic options of leather sofas and loveseats are still available, but rental companies have added a wide variety of chairs, couches, rugs and lamps to help create a unique atmosphere. Play with all of the fabrics, designs, colors, and accessories to create a one of a kind space that will enhance your reception and “wow” your guests. “Wedding lounges are having a moment right now and rental companies have taken notice,” says Graham. Thinking outside the box when it comes to decor as well as adding personal touches to your lounge is recommended by Graham. One of her favorite ways to add a personal touch is with monogrammed pillows that can be placed on the couch or in the chairs. “You can use them in your home post-fete.” To give your lounge a private, inviting feel try adding “walls,” with tall white draping around the perimeter of the lounge. The draping will give the room a more private feel, away from the music and dancing nearby. Another bonus to the walls is that they provide a great backdrop for lighting effects and designs. The lighting you choose for the lounge will have a major impact on the feel. It can make the lounge peaceful and relaxing, or give it more of a club scene, like a party within a party. “Lighting is the single most dramatic ele-ment that can be added to your wedding’s décor,” says Shannon Powell of Illumene. “With lighting we can enhance architecture, illuminate centerpieces, break up the monotony of plain spaces, and even paint the entire room with color.” To give your lounge an upbeat party feel try break-up lighting. These will be projected on the draped walls of the lounge, or even directly on the furniture to add light and life to the area. The break-ups can be anything from flowers and clouds to interesting geometric patterns and will add

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a bit of pizzazz to your lounge area furniture. “White leather couches with big ottomans or beds are a beautiful canvas for a lighting designer to paint on,” Powell says. The color will happen in two layers, the first being a solid color and the second being the pattern. “Layer number one is always color,” Powell explains. “We prefer to use blues or purples. These are cooler colors that create just the right atmosphere for a lounge area and are best achieved by using LED lights.” Another way to create a unique atmosphere with lighting is with a fabric background that will then be lit with brighter lights. “Adding a fabric background or a painted background, possibly something of special interest to the bride and groom, or a drape covered in hanging beads will surely highlight the lounge area and make a great conversation piece,” says Jackie Lieby of MAGNUM Companies.

To differentiate the lighting of your lounge from the lighting for the dining area, experts recommend a totally different approach. Not only will the break-up pattern and color scheme be unique, but the positioning of the lighting as well. “Usually lounge lighting is projected down on the space to really wash the space in color,” says Powell. “This is different from uplighting, which defines the look of most dining areas.” To have a truly unique space, make your lounge an event within your event. Graham suggests a bar serving after-dinner drinks that are unique to the couple. There are endless possibilities for your lounge. You and your groom can get really creative and “wow” your guests with a truly unique space. “Introduce a masculine edge to your event with a cigar lounge,” she says. “Set the area apart with an area rug, lush velvet seating, wingback chairs, leather-bound books and residential lighting. Or create an

upscale sports bar with high top seating, team memorabilia and bar bites, such as salty peanuts and mini sliders.” Don’t worry; the lounge isn’t all about the men. While they relax in their luxurious cigar lounge, the women can get a lounge of their own. “Set up a ladies primping lounge,” Graham suggests. “With a tufted sofa, counter-height mirrors and a makeup artist to do quick touch-ups, think lips and eyes.” If you’ve created a fun set-up for your guests to enjoy, it’s a great idea to have a reveal of the lounge. If your venue allows, keep the lounge hidden away until after the dinner is over. Revealing the lounge post meal is an easy way to create surprise and interest for your guests, and make them eager to check out the new area. Once you’ve come up with the theme for your lounge and your reception, it’s time to start thinking about linens. Linens make a big impact on the look and feel of your reception space. “Linens change the whole game,” says Graham. “The majority of what you see as you look out across your reception are the table tops and linens that fall to the floor.” Think about how you want your recep-tion space to look. There is an assortment of high-quality linens to support your vision. Basic colors or embroidery give off a classic and laid back vibe, while bold patterns and lively colors bring energy to your reception. Be sure to take the timing into account when choosing your linens. Velvets and brocades are ideal for winter, while you may want garden patterns and brighter colors for a spring or summer wedding. Don’t shy away from being creative with your linens. Linens are becoming a major statement at receptions. “Sequins are huge as are bold patterns like Greek key,” Graham says. Sequins are great for creating a fun, party atmosphere and will have your guests feeling like they stepped into a chic nightclub. If you’re looking for a classic idea with a twist, try adding textures. “Other of-the-moment looks include crushed and crinkled fabrics and quilting.” Adding textures to classic colors will give

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your linens a “wow” factor that guests will love. Don’t be afraid to mix and match linens. Not every table needs to have the same décor. There are certain spaces in your reception, such as the cake table and the head table, which should stand out. “Make your cake table and your head table, if you are having one, ultra-decadent,” Graham recommends. “They are centerpieces of the entire party. Try layering linens on these tables or using a pattern or texture that you want to use in small doses for added impact.” Once you and your groom have selected eye-catching linens, be sure to make a count of every table you’ll want covered. Smaller tables, such as buffet tables, the guest book table and the gift table can be easy to forget, but you want to make sure these areas are also decorated. You’ll also want to discuss the set-up of the linens with the company you choose. “Always ask whether your linens will be steamed upon installation,” Graham says. This may seem like a minor detail, but fresh, wrinkle free linens make a big difference. With all of the fun combina-tions of themes and lighting, there are endless possibilities of what your lounge and reception can become. Maybe you’ll have a quieter setting where guests can chat and get to know each other or you can opt for an elaborate mini event complete with stunning lights, colorful linens and fun cocktails. Just remember that your lounge is a place for everyone, even you and your groom, to relax and enjoy the music and your guests. n

Not every table needs to have the same décor. There are certain spaces in your reception, such as

the cake table and the head table, which should stand out.

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