When it comes to setting up luminarias for your outdoor event, there are several key factors to consider in order to create the perfect ambiance. From choosing the right colors to selecting the ideal light source and securing them down, every detail matters. Let's dive into the essential elements of optimizing your luminarias setup.
What colors work best for luminarias?
Colors play a crucial role in setting the mood for your outdoor/indoor space. Brown luminarias are closest to the most-traditional look; a brown paper bag. Today, however, brown is considered a bit more rustic and is most popular throughout the southwestern states, from Texas to California. Brown and white are our most popular colors. Outside of this southwest region, most of the United States prefer white luminarias. White represents a more pristine color and perhaps more associated with Christmas. If you would like a more original look, full of vibrant color, then perhaps a red/green combination will fill your desires! White has one other aspect giving them a practical advantage; though they look white, in reality, they have no added pigment in the plastic! The advantage with white is in the dark, they become the color of the light source. So maybe you keep them white for Christmas, then change up the bulbs to LED color bulb combinations, like red, white, blue for a patriotic feel. Maybe orange and purple for Halloween. Green, gold, and purple for Mardi Gras, and if you are really into Mardi Gras, consider our Mardi Gras luminarias! Pick the occasion and switch out your bulbs to match! Last, don't forget our colored luminaria theme sets!
Which light source is most effective?
By far, the most popular light source involves using a light string. It may be more difficult to link them to a 110-volt outlet, but when you can succeed, you will be rewarded with the brightest, most versatile, and most reliable source of light! For just the last two years, the new FLAME BULBS have taken the luminaria world by storm! They outsell all other light sources by themselves! The upgrade luminarias from a static lumination, to a fire dance of rhythmic, dancing light; most resembling FIRE! They also possess extra brightness. All of this adds up to an animated light show that you just can't stop watching! Second to FLAME BULBS are standard LED C7 bulbs. These are your most energy-efficient option, and their look is more subtle, with less brightness. LED tea lights are your best option if you can't connect to 110-volt power. The are available in a timered and non-timered version. The timered version is practical for most situations as you just turn them on once at the time you want them on, then they stay on for 5 hours continuously, then shut down for 19 hours. They continue this schedule as long as you keep them powered on. Candles with candle holders are also an option and are typically only used for more ceremonial events. Because of the fire risk, they must be monitored the whole time they are used.
When picking your lighting, it is advised you stick with luminaria sets and the lighting options they are matched with. If you select luminaria color and then go to another page to pick lighting, you might not pick a combination that looks good together. Our sets only show options that look good together!
How to secure your luminarias down?
Securing your luminarias is essential to prevent them from being blown away by the wind or knocked over. One effective method is to use sand or small rocks to weigh down the luminarias from the inside. Alternatively, you can place the luminarias along walkways or driveways and secure them with ground stakes, the most-popular method. Even if your placing them on concrete or stone, these luminaries are designed with a stake hole all the way in the front and back of the luminarias. This allows you to place luminarias right on the edge to where you can stake them back beyond the concrete, like into the yard of flower beds. Typically, you only need one stake per luminaria.
If you plan to use your luminarias on your roof or walls, there are many great options for securing them down. We do offer a page strictly covering this topic. Some of the options we list are double-sided foam tape, adobe wall mounts, and reusable railing ties for railing installations. We are constantly learning more from customers and installers in the field on new methods. One of those new methods involves screwing in disk magnets to the bottom of the luminaria and then they can be secured on flat metal wall and roof crowns.
By carefully considering the colors, light source, and securing methods for your luminarias, you can create a stunning outdoor display that will impress your guests and enhance the ambiance of any event. Remember, attention to detail is key when it comes to setting up the perfect luminarias arrangement.
Always feel free to contact us for personal help! We've been at this for a few decades and can help you create the magic you are envisioning!
