Never underestimate the power of lighting.
Lighting can turn an ordinary area into a romantic fantasy or a distorted nightmare.
The style, location, color and brightness are the key elements in staging lights.
Many professional lighting companies prefer LED lights for events.
LED lights have gained popularity because of their safety, low electrical demand, versatility and wide range of available colors.
An exciting new product is the solar LED novelty string lights with battery backup.
Lighting that that can operate on solar and battery power is perfect for the beach, park or any area where there is little or no electrical power, the battery packs charged in advance insure hours of lighting power.
Several websites sell solar lighting and the prices vary with the quality, style, size and quantity purchased.
A little costly at up to fifty to sixty dollars for hundred and two light, thirty-seven-foot strand but considering they can also be used for the holidays and will save you on electrical bills and eventually will pay for themselves.
Check the shipping and handling charges before ordering, they vary and can greatly affect your final cost.
Net lights are available with clear or colored bulbs.
The most common wire color is green but search the internet and you will find brown, white and clear wire is available.
Net lighting comes in various sizes the two feet by four feet size being the most common and what is usually found in most retail stores.
Online stores however, offer a wider range of sizes including two feet by ten feet, four feet by eight feet and six inches by ten feet and fifteen inches by ten feet.
Prices start at around five dollars but will vary by seller.
The best time to buy net lights is during the winter holiday season.
Net lights are also perfect for arches, canopies, arbors, backdrops and can be wrapped around tree trunks.
Here are a few ideas for lighting up your next event.
Tree branches are too high to light? Try net lights wrapped around the tree trunks.
What to do when there are no trees? Try using bamboo poles, PVC pipe or wood closet dowels in place of trees.
Before pounding anything into the ground speak with the property manager or have the site checked by an underground locating company to be sure there are no underground pipes or wire lines.
Once you are certain the area is safe, sink the pole at least twenty inches deep, twenty-four inches or more for a sandy beach or damp ground.
Do not hammer the pole instead use a flat piece of wood large enough to cover the top of the pole, this will prevent splitting or cracking.
One or several strands of string lights, decorative lights or net lighting may be used to create a wall, a border or a ceiling the possibilities are limited only by your imagination.
For a uniformed look use a template for hole placement with each pole.
Pre drilling the holes and screwing in the hooks before sinking the poles in the ground will make hanging lights fast and easy.
Styrofoam balls, tennis ball, ornaments or wood finials can be put on the top of poles to give them a polished look.
A tip when using PVC pipe: Remove all writing from pipe with acetone.
Cut the end of pipe that will go into the ground at an angle, Fill the pipes with sand it will make the vertical pipe stronger and less susceptible to the wind.
Light up the inside of your table by hanging net, icicle lights on the inside of main tables such as the buffet table, gift table, head table, and bar area.
Lights can be secured with small adhesive hooks which come twenty-four to a package are easily removable and are available at most stores.
Tablecloths and skirting hide the actual lights allowing a soft glow to shrine through the fabric.
The use of colored lights can add a dramatic touch to your event.
A custom monogram for the bride and groom's table can be created by using a sheet of Styrofoam and inserting the bulbs of string lights into the back of the foam so the wires is hidden and the bulb comes through to the front of the foam.
Hang the Styrofoam behind the table skirting and you have created a unique focal point.
For outdoor events, only use extension cords rated for outdoor use and the device that will use it.
A minimum 14-gauge cord is usually required when using extension cords at events.
For safety, the electrical cord should be free of nicks, breaks or mending tape and not placed near water or on a wet surface.
Some appliances such as refrigerators, stoves and other devices may require an extension cord specifically designed for that use.
Keep in mind that cords of this nature will usually be limited in length which makes knowing the location and number of outlets critical.
All appliance extension cords are three pronged for grounding and are not to be used with two prong adapters.
Electrical cords that are in the path of traffic should always be covered with a cord protector to prevent tripping and damage to the cord.
Never hang decorations or fabric from an electrical cord of any kind.
Here are a few questions to ask regarding the electrical at your location:What are the policies and regulations for the location? Does the facility have extension cords available? If outdoors does the location have electrical power available? ow many outlets are available? Are the outlets for three prong or two prong plugs? What is the distance between the outlet and the area being lit or needing power? Enjoy you next event knowing that with a little imagination, the possibilities are endless and the spotlight will be on you.