Chicago Event Lighting | Frequently Asked Questions
Below, you’ll find the answers to our most frequently asked questions. If there’s something we’ve missed, please give us a call at 708.320.8301 or contact us via our website.
Why do I need custom lighting for my event?
Would you wear sweatpants to your wedding? Would you forego makeup for your prom? Would you serve guests at a corporate retreat fast food out of a bag? Probably not. Standard venue lighting is the equivalent of “comfortable shoes.” It functions, but without any style, flair, or distinction. For your event to be truly memorable, professional, and seamless, add custom lighting design to your plans.
What types of custom lighting do you offer?
We offer everything from ambient lighting that matches your event colors to uplighting to create drama and add to the décor, to spotlights that carry the corporate brand through the event to lanterns, chandeliers, and other lighting accessories. If you can dream it, we can make it happen.
How Does Uplighting Work?
Lights are placed on the ground facing the wall or the element of the room you would like to illuminate. Designers use different types of lights to create various experiences. KaitRose designers will match your tastes and interests with the right equipment for the job. All you need to do is describe the feeling or mood you want to achieve, and we’ll design a lighting plan to create it. If you can provide us pictures of the effect or look that you’d like to create at your event, we will put together a package to meet your needs. Together, we’ll brainstorm all of the possibilities that fit within your vision and price range.
What types of lights do you use?
We use LED lighting exclusively for every event at which we provide uplighting. These are the safest and most environmentally friendly lighting options because there are no bulbs to burn out or replace and lights draw very little energy.
Can I see the lights at my venue ahead of time?
Yes! We are more than happy to meet you at your venue to show you what the lights look like and to help you choose a color. In fact, we highly recommend it! Our service area includes Chicago and Northwest Indiana.
What colors can I choose for uplighting?
You can pick just about any color you can think of, with the exception of dark colors like black and brown. We have the ability to mix red, green, and blue to make thousands of different shades. Examples of colors for uplighting include pink/fuchsia, red, purple, blue, teal/turquoise, green, yellow, orange/amber, and white.
Can I use your services for only a custom monogram/gobo?
Absolutely! A custom monogram is something that is typically added to a larger lighting package; however, if this is all you need we’ll be more than happy to accomodate.
What is included with a custom monogram?
When you add a monogram to your lighting package, it includes assistance with design, production of the gobo, and rental of the projector. You also get to keep your custom gobo stencil as a keepsake from your wedding date. The design can include things such as initials, names, dates, designs, and pictures. Pricing varies based on the complexity of your design.
Where can I place my custom monogram?
Since the projector must be placed on a tripod stand, it needs to be set up against a wall or in an area where it won’t be in the middle of the floor. The image looks best when the projector is perpendicular to a wall; however, it is not always possible to shine it on a wall. This is because the projector needs to be about 10 to 20 feet away from the surface where it is projected (so that the image isn’t too large or too small). A monogram also looks nice when projected on the dance floor, which is usually the easiest place to put it, unless your dance floor is in the middle of the room with tables surrounding it on all sides. We will work with you to find a place what spotlights your monogram without disrupting the rest of your event.
How do you put a spotlight on my cake?
We use a black tripod stand and clamp the light to the top of the stand. We are usually able to raise the light about 8 to 10 feet in the air. The stand is typically placed about 6 to 8 feet away from the cake table, so that it cannot be seen in your pictures.
What do you require for a deposit and to hold my date?
We require a $100 retainer fee to secure your date. This deposit is non-refundable.
I found a lower price somewhere else, will you match it?
Well, it never hurts to ask. If you don’t ask, you don’t “get it” right? However, we have very competitive pricing for custom event lighting in the Chicago and Northwest Indiana areas, and as such, we do not have a price matching guarantee.
