How to Choose a Chandelier Ballroom

Chandeliers are an event’s must-have, creating a statement that both grounds the decor and highlights the other details you’ve selected for your big day. While some couples opt for one massive showpiece to anchor their tent or float over the dance floor, others want to scatter chandeliers throughout the space. The lighting options can range from modern to vintage and everything in between, making them an ideal choice for a wide variety of aesthetics. For the ultimate in glamour, try a crystal chandelier hung low over a more ornate reception table or a brass showstopper above an industrial-style bar. Alternatively, mix things up with a cluster of modern light fixtures or a handful of antique glass jars or baskets. Or, add a dash of texture with a floral-covered chandelier like this gorgeous creation by Alstonville Florist.

In the early 1920s, Milwaukee brewery owner Joseph Schwartz funded this octagonal “Great Hall” for his new dance hall, which became popular with the city’s swingers and big band crazes. The enormous wrought iron art deco fixture was designed by Milwaukee architect Robert Messmer and weighed almost two tons, with a total of 1,200 light bulbs. It was named a National Historic Landmark in 1998.

The ballroom was sold several times after Zivko’s death until it was purchased in the late 1990s by a group of local Rotary members. The group wanted to generate revenue for the city and ensure that the building would remain in Hartford for generations to come. The Hartford Historic Preservation Foundation was formed to maintain the facility, and Executive Director Michele Price has been handling the day-to-day operations since 2003.  Xlightings

When choosing a chandelier, consider the size of your room and how much light you’ll need. A small foyer or powder room requires a smaller fixture than a grand master bedroom. It’s also important to factor in the color scheme of your decor, as a chandelier will help set the tone for the entire look.

If you’re planning an outdoor wedding, a chandelier can make the transition from the ceremony to the reception feel more elegant. Instead of one large piece that may block the view of your guests, opt for a series of smaller chandeliers that hang above each table and soften up the crisp edges of the open-air space.

If you’re hosting your event in a barn or other nontraditional setting, think outside the box and create a chandelier from unique items like flowers, jars, or even birdcages. Got Light transformed this rustic-inspired barn into a modern space with this creative hanging solution, which featured a medley of round and cubed pale wood pieces adorned with greenery and florals from Urban Chateau Floral. If you’re working with a limited budget, you can still get the effect of a chandelier by spreading a bunch of smaller light fixtures around your reception tables like the experts at Images by Lighting did here. They hung floral-covered hoops and even included a few with exposed filament bulbs to add a bit of extra glamour.