An array of gadgets and gismos have brought new aspects to lighting design for events.
Mirror balls in a variety of sizes, not to mention other shapes, flambeaux, sound to light, ultra violet, strobes (if permitted), led in the right combinations and for the right occasion create spectular and atmospheric settings - add a little haze and you have the real night club feel.
It's not just about the range of effects - it's the way they are rigged and used that counts just as much in getting the best results - laser equipment has reduced in size dramatically from a few year ago.
It remains a specialist area for both inside and outside usage - indoors with regard to the height and scale of the venue and outdoors with regard to siting, safety and permissions.
The operation and maintenance of the equipment - such as the outdoor sky tracker - is strictly for the professionals and equipment hire in this field is therefore expensive.
Although perhaps a bit on the retro side, the effective use of neon for logos and signage still has a distinct showbiz feel and ideal for sixties and seventies theme nights.
It is possible to hire neons to suit many occasions or the alternative is to commission bespoke work.
A simple and effective idea but the tubes have to be large enough and displayed carefully to achieve the best results - put together, bubbles in colour backgrounds, gives a theme related look - perhaps on the futuristic side or more likely the seventies multi colour scheme.
Siting is all important and the use of bubble tubes is usually most effective if part of an overall lighting package.
Tv shows involving dance demos have brought mirror balls right back into fashion and the bigger revolving mirror balls are decoratively pleasing as well as creating intricate lighting patterns - smaller half mirror balls or mini mirror balls can be used as table centres for glamour based theme events.
For dance related events, a single large mirror ball will throw its patterns on to the floor but if complete room coverage is required, several will be required - usage is by suspension from the roof in a safe and efficient manner.
Candlelight is seductive and atmospheric and remains as popular as ever with a huge range of candlebra for hire and an even bigger range of candles.
Small tea lights to large church candles to the use wax crystal table centres - a range of colours to complement theme colours.
Some venues and locations do not allow the use of naked flames and there are now a range of led lighting additions to floral and artificial table centres - some venues will only allow tea lights.
The christmas season typifies the use of decorative candles by tradition and tea lights are only really effective when used in suffient quantities to create real impact.
Although they are now available in different colours, the simple white tea light placed on a mirrored or plated base is the ideal focal point for table decoration - either enhanced by a vase or other container with feathers, flowers or synthetic displays.
Tea lights and candles cancel out the use of pin spots and vice versa.
