A glow party looks simple, but the room only lights up if you plan the light count, the aim and the things that should glow. This black light party setup guide covers how much floor one rented light covers, how many to order, where to aim them and how the lights get back to the warehouse after your event. It suits birthdays, school dances, Sweet 16s, Mitzvahs and wedding after-parties alike.
Key takeaways
- One of the cannon-style black lights Rent My Wedding rents covers an area of about 60 by 60 feet.
- Most customers use 2 to 4 lights, depending on the size and shape of the room.
- Anything white or fluorescent glows: shirts, linens, neon paint and highlighter ink.
- Setup takes less than a minute per light: set it on a table, plug it in and aim it.
What a black light does at a party
A black light gives off ultraviolet (UV) light that your eyes barely see. When that light hits white fabric, neon paint or fluorescent ink, those surfaces glow. Everything else in the room fades into the dark.
The light itself doesn’t make the glow. The items in the room do. So a good plan has two parts: enough lights to cover the space, and enough glowing things for the lights to hit. If you want to read more about the different UV bands, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has a plain overview of ultraviolet radiation.
Black light party setup by room size
Start with the floor plan. Each light Rent My Wedding rents covers up to about 60 by 60 feet, so a single light can handle a small room. Larger rooms, long rooms and rooms with pillars need more than one, because the light has to reach every corner you want to glow.
Here is a simple way to think about it:
| Room or event | Lights to consider (rough guide) | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Basement, living room or small hall | 1 | One light covers about 60 x 60 ft |
| Mid-size party room or school cafeteria | 2 | Covers the room from two sides and fills shadows |
| Gym, ballroom or long reception hall | 3 to 4 | Reaches far corners and the dance floor evenly |
If you aren’t sure how many you need, the black lights page has a quote button where you can describe your venue and get a suggestion for your space.
Measure before you order
Before you pick a number, note the room’s length and width, where the dance floor will be and where the outlets are, so each light gets power and a clear view.
Where to put and aim each light
Black light party setup is quick. Place the light on a table, plug it in and aim it at the middle of the room, or at whatever you want to glow. It takes less than a minute per light, and no lighting experience is needed. An optional mounting stand is also available if you want the light up high.
A few placement tips help the glow look even:
- Put lights behind or beside the crowd, not in front of a stage, so guests don’t look straight into them.
- Aim two lights toward the same area from different sides to cut down on shadows.
- Keep tables, speakers and décor from blocking the beam.
- Test the room in the dark an hour before guests arrive, then adjust the angle.
UV safety basics: tell guests not to stare into the lights, and keep them out of reach of small children.
What glows under a black light
Almost anything white or fluorescent glows. That gives you a lot of cheap ways to add to the effect:
- White T-shirts or a white dress code
- White linens on tables
- Neon face and body paint
- Highlighter markers for signs or guest messages
- Glow-friendly balloons, tape and party supplies
Rent My Wedding also rents white drapes and backdrops that pop under UV light. The backdrops come with the frame, tripods and drapes, so you can turn a plain wall into a bright glowing stage or photo spot. You can see the options on the backdrops and pipe and drape page.
For more theme and décor ideas, see the glow party lighting guide.
Mixing glow with other lighting
You don’t have to keep the whole night dark. One simple plan is normal lighting for dinner, then UV for dancing. Colored uplighting can light the walls between songs, and special effects lighting such as starry night projectors can cover the ceiling. Dim other lights when the UV goes on, since strong white light washes out the glow.
How delivery, setup and returns work
Here is how renting works, based on Rent My Wedding’s published rental policies:
- Order online for your event date. There is no minimum order, so you can rent one light or several.
- Your package is scheduled to arrive at least two days before the event. The rental period is 5 days.
- Setup instructions are included, and the lights only need a table and an outlet.
- After the event, pack everything in the same box, attach the prepaid return label and drop it at any FedEx location within two days. Returns must be handed in at a physical FedEx location, not left in a FedEx drop box. You can also schedule a FedEx pickup.
Free ground shipping both ways applies within the continental U.S., and no security deposit is required. Once your order ships, you get tracking details by email. For cancellations and changes, check the refund policy before you order.
A quick checklist before the party
- Pick the number of lights from the room size.
- Confirm outlets and extension cords where each light will sit.
- Plan a white or neon dress code, and tell guests early.
- Add white drapes or a backdrop for photos.
A little planning means the room glows from wall to wall. Renting the lights also means you skip storing fixtures you may only need for one night.
Planning a glow party?
Tell us about your venue and date, and the team can suggest a light count.
FAQ
How early do rented black lights arrive?
Rent My Wedding schedules each order to arrive at least two days before your event. The rental period is 5 days, which gives you time to unpack and test the lights before the party.
Is there a security deposit or a setup fee?
No security deposit is required. Rent My Wedding does not offer a professional setup service, but every order comes with setup instructions, and each black light takes less than a minute to set up.
How do I send the lights back?
Repack the items in the same box, attach the prepaid return label and drop the package at any FedEx location within two days after the event. Returns must be handed in at a physical FedEx location, not left in a FedEx drop box. You can also schedule a FedEx pickup at your location.
People Also Ask
How many black lights do I need for a glow party?
It depends on the room. One cannon-style black light from Rent My Wedding covers about 60 by 60 feet, and most customers use 2 to 4 lights for a full party space.
What is a black light party?
A black light party, also called a glow party, uses ultraviolet lights in a dark room so that white clothing, neon paint and fluorescent items glow. It is popular for birthdays, school dances and after-parties.
What should you wear to a black light party?
Wear white or neon clothing, since white and fluorescent fabrics glow under UV light. Neon face paint, glow accessories and white shoes also stand out. Darker colors will mostly disappear in the dark.
