Whether you’re a bride, groom, DJ, or wedding planner, designing a custom wedding gobo can be a bit confusing. We are going to do our best to make it easier than pie. We’re going to start with the design of the gobo first, rather than the more technical aspects. This is the fun part. Let your imagination soar, big ideas can always be scaled down to suit lighting capabilities, budget constraints, and time tables.
CC BY 2.0 Photo by thedjnetwork
If you’ve always dreamed of your name in lights, gobos are a great way to do it. While sometimes people call them anything ranging from “logos, monogram light thingies, wedding bogos, stencils, or gobo light discs” a gobo is essentially a stencil for a special light, the image that is projected is “your name in lights.” Many times the choices available can be quite overwhelming. If you can dream it, it can likely be projected.
Classic designs for gobos include a couple’s monogram, often the same one created for their invitations. It’s a great way to continue the design throughout the wedding. If you aren't into monograms or find them old fashioned, there are many ways to express your love. Find a symbol or design that suits your special day. There is no wrong or right in artwork creation.
A simple search on Google for “wedding gobo images” will reveal a plethora of ideas to choose from.Â
Popular ideas include:
Couple’s first names
First names, last initial, and date of wedding
First names surrounded by hearts, doves, or fanciful scrollwork
Using multiple copies of their monogram in varying sizes to create a breakup pattern (small repeating images of the same or similar images) to project on the dance floor or ceiling. Nothing is quite as romantic as dancing under many tiny versions of your monogram at your wedding.
Photo Copyright StageSpotIf going with a glass gobo, we’ve even seen a couple use one of their engagement photos. This can become a great keepsake for the happy couple.
You can play with ideas using our very own gobo creator if you don’t have artwork at the ready. This tool is a great way to assist you in building the image you like. Choose from different fonts, borders and images to make that perfect design.
 Photo Copyright Rosco Laboratories
Once your feature gobo image is created consider adding some stock images to continue your theme and add ambiance. Scrolling ivy, stars and moons, hearts, snowflakes can all add just a little bit more wow to that already stunning wedding design. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about designing your gobo. Stay tuned for next week when we will discuss how to use the gobo and make sure that you have everything you need for a marvelous time in lights.
