Create an Atmosphere: Lighting, Fog Machines & Mirror Balls

Planning an event and want to leave your guests in awe? Whether it’s a wedding, birthday party, concert, or corporate gathering, the secret to a truly memorable experience lies in three key elements: stage lighting, fog machines, and the ever-classic mirror ball.

These aren’t just fun extras—they’re powerful tools that shape the vibe of your event. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what each one does, why they matter, and how to use them to light up your event (literally).

When people walk into your event space, the first thing they’ll notice—before the food, music, or decorations—is the lighting. Good stage lighting sets the mood instantly, whether you’re going for romantic, dramatic, energetic, or sleek.

Stage lighting includes all the lights you use to illuminate your space and highlight key areas like stages, dance floors, or performers. This can be anything from warm wash lighting for a wedding to fast-moving, colourful lights for a DJ set.

• Spotlights – Great for highlighting speakers or performers.
• LED Stage Lights – Colourful, energy-efficient, and programmable.
• Moving Head Lights – These rotate and follow the action on stage or across the dance floor.
• Wash Lights – These fill the room with soft, coloured light to create ambiance.

• Draws attention where you want it (like the couple’s first dance or a keynote speaker).
• Sets the tone—cool tones feel modern, while warm lighting feels romantic and soft.
• Makes your photos and videos look way better.

If you’ve ever been to a concert or club and seen beams of light cutting through misty air, that’s not magic—it’s a fog machine at work.

Fog machines make your lighting effects pop by creating a misty atmosphere that lets light beams and lasers become visible in mid-air. Without fog, those beautiful lights just sort of… disappear into space.

• Standard Fog Machines – Create thick, dramatic fog. Perfect for grand entrances or spooky vibes.
• Haze Machines – Produce a lighter mist that stays in the air longer. Great for enhancing light without overwhelming the room.
• Low Fog Machines – Create fog that hugs the ground. Think of the “dancing on a cloud” effect at weddings.

• Amplifies your lighting effects
• Adds mood and mystery
• Looks amazing in photos and video

The classic mirror ball—also known as a disco ball. You might associate it with 1970s dance floors, but it’s making a huge comeback at weddings, club nights, and modern events.

It reflects light in hundreds of tiny beams across the room, creating a starry, shimmering effect. Paired with a spotlight and a little fog, it turns a regular dance floor into something magical.

• Works for all kinds of events—romantic, funky, or elegant.
• Easy to set up—just hang it and aim a light at it.
• Pairs perfectly with other lighting and fog for a dramatic effect.

You don’t need to be a lighting technician to make your event shine. Here’s how to use stage lights, fog, and a mirror ball in harmony:

Start by lighting the stage, dance floor, or focal area with wash lights or LED uplights. You can choose your colours to match the event’s theme—warm amber for weddings, cool blues for corporate events, or bold purples and reds for concerts.

Next, use a haze machine or fog machine to bring your lighting to life. Fog makes beams of light visible and adds depth to the room. Use it subtly during speeches or dramatically when the music drops.

Finally, hang your mirror ball in the centre of the dance floor and aim a spotlight or two at it. If you’re using fog, you’ll see spinning beams of light dance across the room—absolutely perfect for creating that magical moment.

If you’re working with a DJ or lighting professional, they can use a DMX controller or software to sync the lighting, fog, and mirror ball rotation to the music for a fully immersive experience.

When you combine stage lighting, fog machines, and a mirror ball, you’re not just decorating a space—you’re creating an experience. It’s about turning heads, setting moods, and helping people remember your event for years to come.

Whether you’re planning a wedding first dance that feels like floating in the clouds, or a full-blown club night with lasers slicing through fog, these tools give you the power to make it happen.

Start simple, experiment a little, and don’t be afraid to ask professionals for advice. You’ll be amazed at what the right lighting can do.

Check out Maplin's full range of Stage Lighting and Effects today and start planning your next big event!