In Pittsburgh, where the weather can vary greatly throughout the year, choosing the right outdoor event lighting is essential for creating the perfect ambiance while accounting for any weather conditions. Here’s what you should know about outdoor event lighting in Pittsburgh, and how to make the most of this vital element in your next event.
1. Understand the Pittsburgh Weather and Its Impact on Outdoor Lighting
Pittsburgh’s weather can be unpredictable, especially if you’re planning your event during the spring or fall months when rain showers or cooler temperatures can occur. It’s essential to plan your lighting with this in mind. You’ll want to consider lighting options from an event lighting company Pittsburgh that are durable and weatherproof to avoid any electrical issues or damage.
Rain and Humidity Considerations: Outdoor lighting should be rated for wet conditions. Make sure your fixtures are either waterproof or rated as “weatherproof” to ensure safety and longevity. Waterproof LED lights, lanterns, and string lights with covered wiring are good choices for rainy conditions.
Wind and Stability: If your event is taking place in a particularly windy area, such as near Pittsburgh’s riverfront or in an open field, consider using lighting that is secure and won’t easily be blown over. This may mean using heavier or more stable light sources, such as uplights secured to sturdy bases or lanterns anchored into the ground.
Cold Weather: In the colder months, outdoor lighting will need to be able to function in lower temperatures. Opt for energy-efficient LED lights, which tend to perform better in cold weather compared to other types of lighting.
2. Select the Right Lighting for Your Event’s Atmosphere
Outdoor lighting is not just about illuminating a space—it's about creating the right mood for your event. Different lighting setups can help achieve various effects, depending on your desired atmosphere.
Romantic & Intimate: For weddings or intimate gatherings, string lights or fairy lights are perfect for creating a soft, warm glow. You can wrap them around trees, hang them overhead to create a canopy, or place them in decorative lanterns along pathways for a magical effect.
Vibrant & Energetic: For more dynamic events like birthday parties or corporate gatherings, LED uplighting or flood lights can create bold splashes of color to energize the space. Moving lights or even colorful spotlights can add an exciting, festive feel to the area.
Elegant & Classy: Chandeliers or elegant lanterns add a sophisticated touch to upscale events. Hanging chandeliers can be draped from trees or placed in outdoor tents to provide a touch of luxury and refinement.
Casual & Relaxed: If you're hosting a more laid-back event, such as a BBQ or casual gathering, consider using Edison bulb string lights or lanterns placed on tables or around seating areas to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
When choosing lighting, think about the overall theme of your event and how you want your guests to feel. Outdoor lighting can help guide your guests' emotional experience and should be carefully selected to match the tone of your event.
3. Consider the Power Supply and Electricity Sources
In any outdoor setting, ensuring there’s an adequate power supply for your lighting is crucial. Unlike indoor events, where power outlets are readily available, outdoor venues may require additional planning for electricity.
Portable Generators: If your venue doesn’t have readily available power outlets, you’ll need to consider a portable generator. Make sure the generator you choose is powerful enough to support your lighting needs without overloading. It’s important to estimate your power usage before renting a generator to ensure it can handle all your lighting requirements.
Battery-Powered Lighting: For smaller setups or areas where running extension cords is impractical, battery-powered lighting is a great alternative. LED battery-operated lights are efficient, portable, and easy to use. They can be placed almost anywhere without the need for a power source, making them a flexible option for outdoor events.
Solar-Powered Lights: Solar lights are an eco-friendly option that can work well in areas that have access to sunlight. They are ideal for outdoor areas with no immediate access to electricity and can provide a soft, ambient glow throughout the evening.
Be sure to test your power setup in advance to avoid any mishaps or surprises on the day of the event.
4. Highlight Key Areas with the Right Lighting Placement
Proper lighting placement is essential for guiding your guests through the event space and highlighting key areas. Pittsburgh’s outdoor venues often have scenic views or unique architectural features that can be accentuated with the right lighting. Consider the following areas for focused lighting:
Pathways & Walkways: Guide your guests safely to key areas by lighting up walkways or paths with low-level lighting, such as stake lights, lanterns, or string lights along the ground. This will ensure that people can navigate easily and safely, especially as the evening darkens.
Food & Beverage Stations: Highlight food and drink areas with pendant lights, chandeliers, or LED spotlights. This will draw attention to the food setup and provide adequate lighting for guests to see clearly.
Dance Floors or Stage Areas: If your event features dancing or performances, lighting the dance floor or stage is crucial. Use LED uplights or spotlights to illuminate these areas and create a fun, vibrant atmosphere.
Decorative Features & Focal Points: If your venue features outdoor fountains, sculptures, trees, or other decorative elements, accentuate them with focused lighting to add depth and highlight these unique features.
By strategically placing your lights to highlight key areas of your event, you’ll not only ensure guests are able to navigate the space safely, but also enhance the visual appeal of your venue.
5. Consider Safety and Visibility
In addition to creating ambiance, outdoor event lighting is vital for ensuring your guests' safety. Pittsburgh’s outdoor spaces can be expansive, and without the right lighting, guests may have trouble seeing or navigating the area.
Task Lighting: Task lighting helps illuminate areas where guests will need more visibility, such as food stations, bathrooms, or any elevated surfaces. This is especially important for evening events, where safety can be compromised without adequate lighting.
Stairway & Step Lighting: If your venue has stairs or any uneven surfaces, it's important to light them to prevent accidents. Step lights, ground lights, or markers can be used to clearly define stairs, ramps, and any potentially hazardous areas.
General Visibility: Ensure that all pathways and seating areas are well lit so your guests can move about the venue safely. It’s a good idea to walk through the space in the evening to identify any dark spots that may need additional lighting.
Incorporating adequate safety lighting doesn’t have to detract from your event’s beauty. You can use lights that complement the design while serving a functional purpose.
6. Lighting Rentals for Stress-Free Setup
If you're feeling overwhelmed by the thought of setting up outdoor lighting for your event, consider working with a professional event lighting company Pittsburgh. In Pittsburgh, there are plenty of companies that offer rental packages that include setup, maintenance, and takedown of your lighting.
Expert Advice: Lighting rental companies can help you choose the right fixtures and setup based on your event’s needs, venue size, and theme. They have experience in understanding how lighting can affect the mood and atmosphere of an event.
Variety of Options: Rental companies often provide a range of lighting solutions—from string lights and chandeliers to LED uplights and spotlights. You can rent multiple types of lights, giving you flexibility in how to light your space.
Stress-Free Setup and Breakdown: A lighting rental company will not only deliver the equipment but will also handle the setup and breakdown, taking the burden off your shoulders and ensuring that everything works smoothly.
7. Check for Permits and Regulations
Before setting up your outdoor lighting, make sure to check if you need any special permits or approvals, particularly if your event is held in public spaces, parks, or historical venues. Some locations may have regulations on the use of outdoor lighting, particularly when it comes to brightness or color restrictions, especially in residential or commercial areas.
Be sure to confirm these details with your venue or local government offices to avoid last-minute issues or fines.
Conclusion
Outdoor event lighting in Pittsburgh plays a significant role in the success of your event. From the unpredictable weather to the diverse range of outdoor spaces, it's essential to plan ahead and select the right lighting to create the desired mood, ensure safety, and highlight the beauty of your venue. Whether you’re using string lights for a romantic wedding or vibrant LED uplighting for a lively corporate gathering, the right lighting can elevate your event to new heights.
At Star Design, we specialize in providing high-quality outdoor lighting solutions tailored to your specific needs. From planning to installation, we can help you create the perfect atmosphere for your next event in Pittsburgh. Reach out to us to explore our range of lighting options and ensure your outdoor celebration shines bright.
