How to Set Up Uplighting for Your Event

Setting up rental uplights takes about 10 to 15 minutes for a typical room. No tools or experience required. This guide walks you through every step, from opening the box to getting the perfect color on your walls.

Before Your Event

When Your Lights Arrive

Your lights arrive at least 2 days before your event date. Open the boxes right away and do a quick check:

Count the lights to make sure the right quantity arrived
Plug one light in to confirm it powers on
If you ordered wireless lights, plug them all in to start charging (allow 6 to 8 hours for a full charge)
Save all boxes and packing material for the return shipment

Plan Your Layout

Before you get to the venue, decide where the lights will go:

Measure or estimate the wall length. You want roughly 1 light for every 6 to 12 feet of wall space. Closer spacing gives a more even color wash, wider spacing still works but creates visible gaps between beams.
Identify your power sources. Each light comes with a 15 foot power cord, and you can link lights together (plug one into the next) so you only need one outlet per chain. Plan which outlet each chain will connect to.
Decide which walls to light. You do not have to light every wall. Most events focus on the walls guests will face (behind the head table, behind the DJ, or around the dance floor).

Not sure how many lights you need? See our room size guide.

Setting Up at the Venue

Step 1: Place the Lights Along the Walls

Set each light on the floor about 6 inches from the base of the wall. The light should face the wall and point upward. Use the adjustable bracket on each fixture to tilt the beam:

Straight up (close to the wall): creates a tall, narrow beam that reaches the ceiling. Best for tall walls and dramatic looks.
Angled slightly away from the wall: creates a shorter, wider wash of color. Best for shorter walls or when you want broader coverage.

Space the lights evenly along the wall. If a table, chair, or doorway is in the way, skip that spot and place the light on the other side. Small gaps are not noticeable once the room is dim.

Step 2: Connect the Power

Each light has a 15 foot power cord with a pass-through plug, which means you can chain lights together:

Plug the first light in the chain into a wall outlet
Plug the second light's power cord into the back of the first light
Continue chaining until you reach the last light in the row

How many can you chain? You can safely chain up to 8 to 10 lights on a single household outlet (LED lights draw very little power). If you have more than 10, start a second chain from a different outlet.

Cord management: Run the power cords along the base of the wall, behind furniture, or under table edges. If cords must cross a walkway, tape them down with gaffer tape (not included) to prevent tripping.

Step 3: Choose Your Color

Each light has a small digital display on the back with buttons to scroll through settings:

Turn the light on (power switch on the back)
Use the menu buttons to select "Static Color" or "Color" mode
Scroll through the preset colors, or use the RGB sliders to mix a custom color
Adjust brightness using the dimmer setting

Tip: Set one light to your desired color first, then match the rest to it. This is easier than trying to set all lights simultaneously.

For help choosing the right color for your event, see our Uplighting Color Guide.

Step 4: Fine-Tune the Look

Once all lights are placed, powered, and set to your color, step back and look at the room:

Adjust angles. If one beam looks too narrow or too wide compared to the others, tilt the bracket slightly.
Check for dark spots. Walk along the walls and see if any sections are noticeably darker. Move a nearby light a foot or two to fill the gap.
Dim the room lights. Uplighting looks best in dim or dark rooms. If the venue has dimmable overhead lights, turn them down. If not, ask the venue manager about partially turning off overhead fixtures.

Placement for Common Venues

Banquet Hall or Event Space

Line the perimeter walls with lights spaced 8 to 10 feet apart. Focus on the walls behind the head table and the dance floor first. Skip walls with large windows (they reflect and scatter the light).

Tent or Canopy

Place lights at the base of tent poles, pointed upward along the pole and tent wall. The fabric reflects the light beautifully. For open-sided tents, place lights on the inside edges. Use outdoor rated lights if the fixtures will be exposed to weather.

Restaurant or Smaller Room

Fewer lights, closer together. 6 to 8 lights in a restaurant dining room is usually enough. Place them behind any focal area (the bar, the head table, the entrance).

Gym or Large Open Space

You need more lights (20 to 36 for a standard gym). Space them every 8 to 10 feet around all four walls. If possible, elevate some lights on tables or bleachers for better coverage in high ceiling spaces.

Troubleshooting

Problem	Solution
Light won't turn on	Check the power connection at both ends. Try a different outlet. Make sure the power switch on the back of the light is in the "on" position.
Colors don't match between lights	Different models produce slightly different shades. Group identical models together on the same wall. Adjust RGB values manually to get closer matches between models.
Beam is too narrow	Move the light a few inches further from the wall, or tilt the bracket to angle the beam more toward the wall.
Room still looks too bright	Uplighting works best in dim rooms. Turn off or dim overhead lights. Cover windows if the event is during daylight.
Not enough power outlets	Chain more lights together (up to 8 to 10 per outlet). Or use wireless battery powered lights for areas with no nearby outlets.

After Your Event

Turn off and unplug all lights
Let them cool for a few minutes (LED lights stay cool, but the housing may be warm)
Pack each light back into the original box with its power cord
Use the pre-paid UPS return label included in your shipment
Drop off at any UPS location before the due date

Ready to Rent Uplights?

Browse our uplighting rental options starting at $17 each with free shipping both ways. For wireless options, see our wireless uplighting page.