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Outdoor Weddings
knottie08c1a72622699a92
member
Gym (not using florescent lights, so outdoorsie lighting situation) string light suggestions
Hello everyone. Me and my bride to be are planning on doing our wedding in the gym of the church we are to be wed at. I'm not a fan of the super high gym ceiling so the plan is to put thin rope/string across and have tulle (scrunched up) draping between these ropes, about 8-10 feet wide. Between the drapes will be lights. I found this image which is very similar to what I'm aiming at, if not on the mark, just imagine with tulle. 
My problem is what lights to use? We are talking probably only 5 or so strands down the gym, each strand being potentially 100~ feet. I have found something like this: Wedding Party LED Fairy String but I'm not sure if that will be bright enough. We won't be having huge rows of tables like in that picture, as we also won't be having a meal, but more heavy horderves. If these lights won't be enough, what would you recommend instead that is similar budge wise? What about table lights? Or should I simply rethink my spacing of amount of drapes between the lights?
My problem is what lights to use? We are talking probably only 5 or so strands down the gym, each strand being potentially 100~ feet. I have found something like this: Wedding Party LED Fairy String but I'm not sure if that will be bright enough. We won't be having huge rows of tables like in that picture, as we also won't be having a meal, but more heavy horderves. If these lights won't be enough, what would you recommend instead that is similar budge wise? What about table lights? Or should I simply rethink my spacing of amount of drapes between the lights?
Re: Gym (not using florescent lights, so outdoorsie lighting situation) string light suggestions
What about adding hanging lanterns, or chandeliers? You could also add lighting to the walls with uplighting (ask your DJ or go through an equipment company) or with more string lights.
I do think you might want an extra light source; uplighting would be a great option. They can even be different colors, or dimmed later in the evening. Does the gym have any options to control the lighting that's already there? If you had them dim their normal lights and then still used the tulle, it would definitely dull the effect of the gym lights.
It's a good idea, but I still don't think it would be enough. Gyms typically have very high ceilings - like 15 feet. So your lighting is basically Christmas lights in pitch dark space and they're high up, making the tables even darker.
I really think you need to look into an additional source (even if you add lights up top. Uplighting is meant to address situations exactly like yours. It's not cheap, but at a very bare minimum, people need to be able to see.
For the string lights, you want to figure in length for swag because the lights will be heavy with that length (500' each way down the gym). It may be best to have a rental place come in and install them (especially with the tall ceilings of a gym) for you so you know they are supported correctly - wouldn't want them coming down on guests. I don't think just adding more string lights overhead would be that much better, but check with a rental place... they may have suggestions for you. LED bulbs are bright, but sometimes they give a harsh lighting. Just things to consider. I love the gym idea!