Bad lighting in the reception area-- ideas?

suzabeth

To save money, we'll probably have our reception in my church's fellowship hall. It's the perfect size, but the problem is that the lighting is harsh, fluorescent panels. We're having an afternoon wedding and I want the reception to have an afternoon feel-- very difficult in a room in a basement. Does anyone have ideas for indoor lighting that doesn't give a dusky, evening feel, but rather a cheerful, springtime feel? If it helps, the theme of our wedding is a French picnic (because my fiance and I met studying abroad in Normandy ). 

LuckyGirl1713

If it's in your budget I would get a lighting company in.  Uplighting does such wonderful things to a room and maybe you can do a sort of draping over the lights in the ceiling so they aren't so harsh.

Cortney1982

I don't think your going to save money by having your reception at your church if you have to spend a bundle on a lighting solution.

normalane

look for battery lighty in led  as well as look for battery operated UNDER vase lighty in led

LuckyHeather

Talk to your florist or your DJ about whether they have ideas about lighting.  Sometimes you can change the whole look and feel of the room by adding lighting.

harpsdesire

Maybe the more flattering 'pink' florescents would work if you replaced the bulbs?

Or add pretty lamps scattered about with warm-colored shades.

matcha

Try draping fabric over the lights to dim the intensity (like white or black lace- just don't use colors). You can try to get those spot-light floor lamps, or anything that would create up-lighting for the corners, (Walmart has a bunch) and use a TON of candles for the tables.

Or turn them off completely and attach a TON of Christmas lights on the ceiling.

DJs often bring lighting, so they can help light the dance floor.