A lighting plot is a technical drawing used in stage lighting, event production, concerts, theatre, television, and weddings to show the exact placement and specification of lighting fixtures. In French event terminology, a plan feu describes the lighting equipment, its position, orientation, color, circuiting, control channels, and function. The lighting plot is more technical than a general lighting plan because it gives the lighting crew the detailed information needed to install, focus, patch, and operate the fixtures correctly.
Definition and elements
A complete lighting plot usually includes a scaled floor plan or stage plan, fixture symbols, fixture numbers, types of projectors, lens angles, positions, rigging points, hanging height, focus areas, gel colors or color presets, gobos, dimmer numbers, DMX addresses, circuit information, and notes for installation. It may also include a legend, cue references, power distribution information, and safety instructions. In digital production workflows, the lighting plot may be prepared with specialized software and shared with the venue, rental company, lighting designer, and technical director.
Role in wedding and event production
In a wedding, a lighting plot helps ensure that the ceremony, dinner, speeches, dance floor, stage, floral installations, architecture, and key decorative elements are lit according to the creative concept. It prevents improvisation during setup and reduces the risk of missing equipment, incorrect fixture placement, weak coverage, or unsafe cabling. The lighting plot is especially important when the event includes a stage, live band, DJ performance, moving lights, architectural uplighting, projection, gobos, or a complex transition between dinner ambiance and party lighting.
- Fixture placement: the lighting plot indicates where each projector, LED bar, moving head, wash light, spot, or uplight must be installed.
- Fixture type: each symbol identifies whether the source is a PAR, Fresnel, profile, wash, beam, moving head, or decorative fixture.
- Orientation and focus: arrows, notes, or focus areas show what each light must illuminate.
- Color and effects: the plot can specify gels, color temperatures, programmed colors, gobos, dimming levels, and scene changes.
- Control and power: circuits, DMX universes, addresses, and power needs support safe technical execution.
Professional importance
The lighting plot is a communication document between creative design and technical production. It allows the lighting designer to preserve the intended visual result while giving technicians precise instructions. For wedding planners and event producers, the lighting plot should be checked against venue restrictions, ceiling height, rigging authorization, electrical capacity, setup time, and guest safety. A clear lighting plot improves installation speed, visual quality, and coordination with sound, scenography, video, catering, and photography teams.