Monogram and Gobo Projection: Sizes, Surfaces and What to Order

A monogram on the dance floor is one of the most photographed details at a wedding, and it is also one of the simplest to get wrong. The image comes out too small, it lands on a dark carpet, or guests stand in the beam and wear the logo on their faces. This guide explains how it works so you can plan it.

What a gobo is

The word comes from "goes before optics." A gobo is a thin disc, usually metal or glass, with a pattern cut into it. It sits in front of the lamp inside the fixture. A lens focuses the pattern onto a surface. A metal gobo gives a crisp one-color image. A glass gobo can show color or fine detail, and costs more.

Other projection options exist: an LED projector that can show custom images or a short video loop; a rented digital projector; and lasers. A static gobo is the most common choice for a monogram.

Choosing the size

There is no one size. The vendor calculates it from the fixture's lens and the throw distance. Lenses differ a lot, so a fixture at 12 feet can throw a small circle or a wide one. Ask for a specific diameter and an angle that the vendor has tested.

A rented white or light-toned dance floor is the most reliable surface. A high-gloss floor can reflect the fixture itself and wash out the image.

Where to mount the fixture

• High and straight down gives the cleanest, least distorted circle, but needs a truss, ceiling point or tall stand.
• At an angle from the side is easier but stretches the image. Pick an angle with the vendor and keep the logo's text readable.
• Behind the DJ works for wall projections.
• Away from the dance floor. Guests dancing between the light and the floor block the beam. Raising the fixture reduces shadows.

If the venue allows no rigging, ask for a tall freestanding stand. See the rigging notes in pin spot lighting, which has the same rigging questions.

Designing the artwork

Good monograms are simple. Thin lines and tiny text can blur at a distance.

• Use bold, high-contrast shapes with generous spacing.
• Limit the design to initials, a date or a short name.
• Avoid very thin script that disappears at 10 feet.
• Provide a vector file (an AI, EPS or SVG file) or a high-resolution black-and-white image.
• Ask for a proof before the vendor builds the gobo.

Typical timeline: custom gobos are made to order, so ask for the vendor's lead time at booking. Do not wait until the last week.

Brightness and room light

A projection needs a dim room. Candles are fine, but bright uplights, a spotlight or sunlight through a tent wall wash it out. Choose the moment: first dance, grand entrance and last song. Turn the pattern off when the dance floor turns into a party. Combine with LED dance floor lighting in a way that does not fight the monogram.

Power

A gobo light draws modest power. LED fixtures use less than older halogen ones. Plan an outlet near the mount, and see the event power needs checklist.

Chicago notes

Chicago's older ballrooms and historic venues sometimes ban stands or taping on the floor. Ask your venue about rigging, floor protection and who may run the fixture.

Plan the floor first

Book a free 15-minute seating call and we will help place the dance floor and tables, or request a quote.