Lighting is more than decoration. It sets the mood, shapes the energy and completes the atmosphere in any space. At weddings, venue lighting can make a ceremony feel warm and intimate, bring out the beauty of attire and decor, and transform a dance floor into something lively and unforgettable. It’s a subtle art that sometimes goes unnoticed. But when done well, the impact of lighting is undeniable.
At The Atrium at Rich’s, one of Rich Entertainment Group’s premier wedding venues, lighting plays a central role in the design of every event. The space’s built-in lighting capabilities are intentionally crafted to elevate weddings of every style, giving couples the ability to create ambience that feels personal, polished and completely seamless.
Behind the scenes, Rich’s Catering & Special Events works closely with couples to plan and execute these details, ensuring every photograph, every place setting and every memory is highlighted in the best possible way. Their team understands that thoughtful lighting isn’t just about what guests see; it’s also about how they experience the celebration as a whole.
How Venue Lighting Impacts a Wedding
From the moment guests step inside The Atrium, the space is carefully designed to feel inviting, elegant and memorable.
“There are three different lighting options included in the room, so there are plenty of ways to customize lighting without spending additional money,” Maureen Latone, Catering Sales & Event Planning Manager, shares.
The chandeliers behind the fireplace are one of the most versatile features. These lights can shift to different colors, making them an easy way to weave your wedding palette into the background of your ceremony or reception. Whether couples choose a soft blush for a romantic feel or a bold jewel tone for added drama, the chandelier lighting helps tie together the decor throughout the room.
The Atrium’s portable bars also include back-bar lighting that can be customized to an accent color. This adds a subtle but impactful glow to a high-traffic area of the reception, reinforcing the theme without overwhelming the space. For weddings, couples often select tones that complement their floral arrangements or table decor.
The most transformative built-in option is the main house lighting, which creates the biggest shift in atmosphere during the evening. These lights remain warm and neutral during dinner. After dinner, the house lighting can transition to a more vibrant color for dancing, helping the room shift seamlessly from elegant to energetic.
Popular Event Space Lighting Upgrades at The Atrium
While the default lighting at The Atrium creates a beautiful foundation for any wedding, many couples choose to enhance their celebration with custom lighting upgrades.
One of the most popular upgrades is string lights suspended from the ceiling.
“Because of how high the ceiling is at The Atrium, adding string lights with the ceiling draping adds a dramatic effect to the space,” Maureen shares.
The combination of soaring ceilings and twinkling lights creates a romantic, almost magical atmosphere that guests remember long after the wedding ends.
Another favorite is the firefly lights in the five large trees within the venue.
“Firefly lights in the trees are also extremely popular,” Maureen says. “They twinkle on and off, giving off an effect of fireflies in the trees. Since the head table for weddings typically goes in front of the large trees, the firefly lights are a great way to add decor to a main focal point of the night.”
Couples also love the projections available above The Atrium’s signature grand fireplace.
“Couples can choose to have the letter of their new last name or a custom monogram projected over the fireplace,” Maureen says. “The fireplace is such a statement piece in the room, so it’s nice to add something to it that is meaningful for the newlyweds.”
Misconceptions About Lighting for Wedding Venues
It’s normal for couples to have questions about the lighting process. After all, lightning can feel technical or intimidating, especially for those who don’t have a lot of experience working with it. The team at Rich’s Catering & Special Events works closely with couples to clear up these misconceptions and make lighting a stress-free, exciting part of the planning process.
One of the most common worries is that colored lighting will make the room feel too dark or won’t photograph well. Maureen understands this hesitation but reassures couples that the lighting system at The Atrium is extremely flexible.
“Some couples may be afraid that changing the lighting will result in the space being too dark or that it won’t look good in photographs. Since our lighting is completely customizable, we can adjust how saturated the color is and make it lighter or darker for clients,” she says.
Another concern is how lighting affects professional photography throughout the night. Maureen and her team collaborate directly with photographers to strike the right balance.
“We always work with photographers and ensure they can get the photos they need, even if that means we need to adjust the lighting for them. Since photographers typically don’t stay the entire evening, once they leave, we can readjust the lights again if couples want,” she explains.
Learn More About The Atrium at Rich’s
At The Atrium, every wedding is enhanced by thoughtful event lighting design. Rich’s Catering & Special Events works with couples to customize the lighting, highlight décor, and create an unforgettable atmosphere from start to finish. Schedule a consultation to start planning your perfect celebration!