Lights for my first wedding

I don't think any of those are bad options... I might suggest you just ask the client. I have a couple of different "looks" that I offer, and letting the client choose is a sure fire way to make sure they're happy.

Personally I think the truss on top is a bit industrial looking, but they may dig it.

Personally, I would not ask the clients. You may open a can of worms in doing so. No need to buy a different stand. A T-bar isn't going to look any nicer than what you already have. I would look for 3-4 more DJ lights, to make it look a little more full. Good luck with your decisions.

What you have in your picture is actually fine for dance floor lighting.

#1. Did the clients already ask for a light show? If not, do they know they are getting a light show?

- This year, about 1 in 3 of my clients so far has not wanted any light show at all...even with it being a complimentary option with their package.

#2. Don't make it look like a circus from the audience point of view. In reality, not a lot of lighting effects is needed for weddings. A couple of wash lights, and an effect light or two is honestly enough unless they really want a high energy light show. Two totems with moving head lights would be plenty as well...However, I would not set up totems/moving head lights personally unless you are charging a good bit additional for the light show.

DJ Forbes said:

1. I do not charge extra for lights at weddings. I include them in my price and discussions up front. If the guests don't want them, fine, but they ARE included in the price.

2. I use 2 Wash FX Hex lights primarily. I do not have moving heads currently, so if they want the "moving lights" I have a little kinta fx that I will add in between the HEX's. That's it for my dance floor lighting. I also have dmx'd uplighting that can be used around the room as well, depending on the venue and clients wishes.

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IMO, that is plenty. I have always offered a complimentary light show until now. Moving forward for 2023 weddings, I am charging for it, and seeing how many of my clients are actually willing to pay for the lights. Sure, the majority of them take the show when it's included for free if they want them, but I have found that offering it for free is pointless in terms of getting the booking. None of my prospects ask about a light show, or if it's included up front. Well, I wouldn't say "NONE", but the question comes up so very rarely. I probably get the question less than once every 4 years. I always mentioned it being included, and have always thought it helps "Add Value", but I doubt brides/grooms even give it any thought from a value stand point when making their decision on their DJ.

Now throwing in Up Lighting can "Add Value" to make a sale happen...especially when they want up lighting, BUT why throw up lights in when they are an EASY SALE when they want Up lights? Generally speaking, I don't know of any DJ not charging at least $30 per up light in my service area. I am sure there are some who throw them in once in a while, but everyone seems to charge $30 to $50 per light these days.

After so many years of doing this, I would certainly focus on selling the up lights to brides and make money on lighting over what your light effect show encompasses. I believe us DJs just love light effects ourselves, and think they are great to have for our shows, but in reality, most clients don't care too much about effect lighting. Just my observation after hundreds of weddings.