Secrets Behind- Lighting

Well, I hope that everyone had an amazing Thanksgiving.  I will say that I have so much to be thankful for and one of them is definitely this interview!  RCS Corporation was kind enough to get me this interview before Thanksgiving but like most of you, I took a little break from business to spend time with my family and friends.

Now that we are back on track and back to business, here is a great interview, along with some incredible photos for our series- Secrets Behind- LIGHTING & EVENT PRODUCTION by RCS



RCS has been an Event Production company and a leader in Audio, Video, Lighting and Staging since 1988.

And now for their Secrets Behind- Wedding Lighting, Setup and Event Production.  

Q: What is the biggest misconception about your industry?  
A: That the cost is too much or that the idea of decorative/environmental lighting is beyond their reality.  For most people it is uncharted waters, they have no idea of what lighting can do.  That’s why photos are great to reference. When you think about it, the average individual’s reference when it comes to lighting is concert lighting and DJ lighting. This lighting is not that.  This is creating a mood, accenting or creating a focus, and visual magic for a special day.

Q: What are a few mistakes brides sometimes make when choosing their vendor/site? 
A: Power- lighting requires power.  If the bride wants to incorporate lighting in the wedding design or décor as an element, not having the power will limit what we can do.  There is an option of providing a generator at an additional cost, but can be done.  

Q: What things should a bride look for, look at, when selecting a vendor/site?
A: 1. Venue contract with their production providers- some venues will have in their contract that you must use their production in house.  You have the right to use whoever you want.  You can always cross it off the contract, then initial.  I have seen clients waste thousands of dollars because they signed a contract not realizing that they just committed to using the in house, which charged them a lot for services they wanted.  Sometimes, the venue will also charge you a fee if you bring in your own contractor.  Again, in this economy, they want your business.  Protect you ability to bring in who you want.
2. Power charges- some venue will charge you for what you will use and add a service charge on top of that.  So the question is – how do you know how much power you will need or use?  That is where your lighting company can help you out.  We know exactly what we need when it comes to power and will confirm with the venue what we need and ultimately when you get your bill, you know it will be correct.
3. Difficulty loading in and out- that will cost you in labor.
4. Little or no rigging points- that gives us the ability to hang equipment verses ground support, which can cause site line issues.
5. Coordination of logistics and schedules when an event is booked in the same room as yours.  You need to make sure the lighting company has the time they need to set up the equipment that you paid for.

Q: What is the one thing a bride should save on when booking with you?
A: The DJ- let them provide dance floor lighting.  That is usually included in their packages.  If not, RCS Corporation can design for you.

Q: What is the one thing a bride should splurge on when booking with you?
A: Their imagination.  Let’s create a memory. Lighting photographs beautifully.

Q: What is the worst story you have heard about a mistake someone in your industry has made, anyone, ever. 

This is a roof collapse where the rigging, load bearing specifications were not adhered to or even addressed.  Whenever you hang something in the air over people’s heads, not knowing what you are doing can result in injury and death.

Q: If you had a client who had endless funds what unique ideas and products/services would you offer them? 
A: A turn key package – video, lighting, audio, scenic elements as in fabric designs which make great surfaces to light.

For lighting, I would light their entrance; project a custom pattern with the bride and groom’s names.  This could be on the entrance floor, any blank wall or area.  We could also put that into a moving light and pan throughout the room all evening. 
I would also highlight the table center pieces and cake. 
When the bride and groom enter the room, I would have them in lights- great entrance also when toasts are given, I would spot light the best man or whoever is giving a toast. 
Other unique idea is to have a theme to your wedding and use lighting patterns that would move and color change slowly throughout the room.  In a nut shell- you can highlight or fully transform a room with lighting.  
Outside- I would light the building with the wedding colors.  I could also put their name in lights.
For other production elements- I would have a video of the bride and groom from baby to now, including them as couples when they first got together. On wedding day, camera work that records and projects live images on screens. I would get the wedding party as they enter, parents, toasts, the kisses- a lot of fun.

Q: What are a few things that bridal clients should review in contracts with their vendor/site?
A: Mentioned above- you can negotiate.  

Q: What is something you wish all of your clients knew, or a certain thing you wish all of your clients would do to make working with them easier? 
A: Bring us in, early in the planning process, so we can work with them on their plans.  It is  more cost effective in the long run.  
The other service we offer which I did not mention earlier is pipe and drape.  We have the presidential blue, white and black. You can get creative with lighting the ceiling or installing fabric swags.
Tent lighting is also something we provide.  That would include food station and bar lighting, again accenting the center pieces and cake and chandeliers.

Thanks for the opportunity to share. Please visit our website for more examples of our work! www.rcseventproduction.com

I would love to hear your feedback on the interview.  This is one area where I was very excited to learn more about and see their "secrets" behind lighting and setup.  I'm hoping to do a few more interviews with underused vendors in the wedding industry.  I have been working with a great videography company on the next interview, so keep your web pages ready!