Plan lighting cues for the first dance and open dancing
A lighting cue sheet connects the atmosphere you want with the people delivering the evening programme. Describe the important moments, name who gives each cue and ask what the proposed equipment and operator can actually provide. Keep requests provisional until reviewed. A brief, agreed cue sheet is easier to use than several separate conversations about introductions, a first dance and the start of general dancing.
List the featured moments
List the lighting moments in event order, including introductions, first dance and open dancing if applicable. Include the sequence surrounding the featured moment, not just a single start time. An introduction, music start and invitation for other guests to join may involve different people. Give each a recognisable programme reference so the lighting discussion follows the same running order as entertainment.
Describe the change you would like
Describe the intended mood at each moment without assuming programmable or remote controls. Explain the requested look in plain terms and distinguish it from a promise about specific settings. Ask which changes the proposed arrangement can make. A request to adjust mood at one moment does not establish programmable scenes, remote control or an exact transition capability.
Name the cue caller and operator
Name who gives the cue and which operator must confirm it can be delivered. The person introducing the moment may differ from the person operating lighting. Agree how the cue reaches the operator and who can authorise a delay. Share the same names with the DJ or band so separate suppliers are not each waiting for a different signal.
Coordinate related suppliers
Coordinate with DJ, venue and any separately permitted smoke effect. Any smoke effect needs its own venue and supplier review. Keep that decision separate from approval of the lighting cue sheet. Ask the photographer or other relevant providers about the intended moment, then resolve requests through the people responsible for the agreed equipment and venue arrangement.
Issue an achievable cue sheet
Prepare an achievable cue sheet based only on the agreed equipment and operator. Record only the reviewed changes and retain outstanding ideas in a separate question list. If the evening timetable changes, flag the affected cues and handovers. Confirm an appropriate check or discussion opportunity with the operator rather than assuming they will reconstruct the plan at guest arrival.
| Record | Detail to agree |
|---|---|
| Programme moment | Introduction, featured dance or open dancing |
| Requested atmosphere | Plain description of the desired change |
| Cue caller | Person authorising the agreed moment |
| Operator response | What the proposed arrangement is confirmed to provide |
| Status and version | Reviewed cue or outstanding question; issue date |
Questions about this worksheet
Can we plan a lighting change before the equipment is confirmed?
Describe it as a request and ask the supplier and proposed operator what can be delivered. The cue sheet should show the confirmed response once reviewed, rather than treating a requested change as proof of available controls or settings.
Does lighting approval also approve a smoke effect?
No. Bring any smoke proposal into its own venue-specific permission and supplier discussion. Keep the lighting cue and smoke decision identifiable, then coordinate them only within the arrangement actually agreed by the relevant people.