Lighting Design for Events
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Overview
Event lighting designers provide uplighting, string lights, pin spotting, and specialty lighting transforming event spaces.
With lighting dramatically changing atmosphere and essential for photos, lighting generates revenue of $100,000-$370,000 with 70-85% margins.
The business requires lighting equipment inventory, wireless uplights, string lights, power distribution, setup crew, and transportation.
Services include LED uplighting, bistro and string lights, pin spotting for tables, gobo and pattern projection, outdoor lighting, and custom lighting design.
Pricing typically $1,000-$4,000 per event depending on complexity.
Success factors include wireless battery-powered uplights, offering string light installations, creating dramatic transformations, setting up day-before for efficiency, and working with venues and planners.
Marketing focuses on before/after transformations, venue partnerships, and wedding shows.
With lighting transforming spaces and essential for atmosphere in 2025, event lighting offers illuminated opportunities creating ambiance.
Required Skills
- Lighting design and theory
- Electrical knowledge and safety
- Wireless lighting systems
- Installation and rigging
- Color and atmosphere
- Power distribution
Pros and Cons
Pros
- High margins on equipment reuse
- Dramatic visual impact
- Equipment investment pays off
- Day-before setup often possible
- Corporate events also
Cons
- High equipment investment
- Heavy equipment transport
- Setup time and labor
- Electrical knowledge needed
- Storage space
How to Get Started
- Acquire wireless lighting equipment
- Learn lighting design
- Build string light inventory
- Develop setup systems
- Hire setup crew
- Partner with venues
- Show before/after transformations
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