What Is Uplighting? Why It’s the Secret Weapon for Weddings, Conferences & Live Events

When people ask me what the most underestimated element of event design is, my answer is almost always the same: uplighting.

I’ve worked in AV production for over a decade—supporting everything from black-tie galas and corporate conferences to wild outdoor concerts and luxury weddings. No matter the type of event, the right lighting has the power to transform the space. And uplighting is often the simplest, most cost-effective way to do it.

If you’re planning an event and keep hearing the term “uplighting,” but you’re not sure what it actually means, this is for you.

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What Is Uplighting?

Uplighting refers to a lighting technique where small, powerful LED fixtures are placed on the ground and pointed upward at walls, drapery, columns, or architectural features. The light beams “wash” the space in color, adding drama, depth, and ambiance.

Think of it as the visual equivalent of music—it sets the mood before anything else happens.

At Centric Events, we use professional-grade LED uplights that are wireless, battery-powered, and DMX controllable (more on that later). That means we can program color changes, lighting cues, and dynamic effects without the need for cords or tape all over the floor.

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Uplighting for Weddings

Let’s start with the most popular use case: wedding uplighting.

Whether you’re transforming a Scottsdale ballroom or enhancing a backyard reception in Paradise Valley, uplighting adds that “wow” factor without blowing your budget. It’s one of the most requested services we offer for weddings—and for good reason:

Benefits of wedding uplighting:

• Enhances your color palette – Match your uplights to your wedding colors for a seamless, personalized look
• Creates depth and texture – Blank walls become elegant focal points
• Sets the mood – Romantic amber tones during dinner, energetic color changes for dancing
• Improves photography & video – Proper lighting makes your décor and guests look amazing on camera
• Transforms plain venues – Even a basic ballroom can feel high-end with the right lighting treatment

One of our favorite Arizona weddings used nothing but string lights, a pinspot for the cake, and 12 uplights around the perimeter—and the room looked like something out of a magazine. That’s the power of intentional lighting.

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Uplighting for Conferences & Corporate Events

You might not think of uplighting as a “corporate” thing—but it’s quickly becoming a must-have at conferences and business events. Here’s why:

• Branding & professionalism – Match company colors to give the event a polished, intentional feel
• Highlight key areas – Use uplighting to subtly guide guests toward stage entrances, sponsor booths, or product displays
• Set the atmosphere – Cool tones for tech conferences, warm ambers for nonprofit galas, bold colors for entertainment launches
• Versatile & non-intrusive – No big trusses or bulky fixtures—just clean, modern lighting that blends into the background

We recently supported a leadership conference at the Arizona Biltmore. The client didn’t want a flashy setup—just clean, high-end energy. We lined the room in deep navy uplighting that pulsed gently with transitions between speakers. It was minimal, elevated, and totally on-brand.

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Uplighting for Live Events & Concerts

In live entertainment, uplighting becomes a storytelling tool.

For concerts, brand activations, and stage performances, uplighting:

• Adds dynamic visual movement between acts
• Frames the stage or runway with clean symmetry
• Acts as part of a timecoded light show when synced with audio
• Complements fog or haze for a stunning 3D effect

We often combine uplighting with wash lights, moving heads, and strobes—but even on its own, uplighting can elevate the production value of a stage without adding complexity.

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Key Benefits of Uplighting (At a Glance)

Benefit	Why It Matters
Affordable transformation	Big visual impact with minimal equipment
Versatility	Works for weddings, conferences, concerts, and galas alike
Customizable color	Match brand or event themes easily
Wireless & clean	Modern fixtures avoid ugly cabling
DMX programmable	Dynamic control for live events or timed sequences

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What Colors Should You Choose?

One of the questions I get asked most is, “What color uplighting should we use?”

Here’s my advice:

• Weddings: Amber, champagne, blush, or your wedding color theme. Avoid harsh purples or bright greens unless it’s part of the aesthetic.
• Conferences: Stick to brand colors or professional hues like deep blue, soft white, or teal.
• Live events: Go bold. Magentas, reds, blues, and changing sequences work great—especially with haze.

And if you’re not sure, we’re always happy to mock up a lighting plan with recommendations based on your venue, theme, and budget.

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Does Uplighting Replace Stage Lighting?

Not quite. Uplighting is decorative, not directional.

It’s perfect for atmosphere and background, but it won’t light the speaker, highlight a product, or illuminate the dance floor. For that, you’ll need wash lights, stage spots, or pinspotting. But when paired with other lighting elements, uplighting ties everything together beautifully.

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Uplighting Rentals in Arizona

At Centric Events, we offer uplighting rentals as part of both our full-service AV packages and standalone rental orders. Whether you need 6 lights for a small Scottsdale ballroom or 60 for a tented wedding in Sedona, we’ve got you covered.

We also program your lights to fade, shift colors, or respond to music—no need to mess with anything yourself.

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Final Thoughts

Lighting is often the last thing people think about when planning their event—but it should be one of the first. Done right, uplighting completely transforms a space, sets the tone, and elevates the entire experience.

Whether you’re planning a wedding, a business conference, or a live performance, uplighting is an investment that pays off in energy, emotion, and unforgettable moments.

If you’re unsure how many uplights you need, what colors to pick, or whether your venue allows them—just reach out. I’ve seen hundreds of Arizona events come to life through simple, strategic lighting. Let’s make yours next.