What is a gobo?
A gobo GOes Between Optics (the lamp and the lens) of a spotlight. Also known as a projection pattern, a gobo can be made from plastic, transparency film, metal, or glass. The most common type of gobo used for weddings is metal.

A design is laser cut or etched into a round metal gobo. When placed into a lighting fixture, light passes through the gobo to project the design onto a surface.

What equipment do I need?
To project your image, you’ll need the following three items:

• Spotlight
  
• Gobo Pattern Holder
  
• Gobo

What kind of spotlight do I need?
The most common fixture for gobo projection is a profile or ellipsoidal spotlight with a pattern holder slot. There are many manufacturer and trade names used to describe these lights – Source 4 or S4, Leko, Shakespeare, gobo projector, 360Q, and framing spot, to name a few. They range in wattage from 50 watts to 1000 watts. The higher the wattage, the brighter the image.

IMPORTANT: Before you order your gobo, you’ll need to know what type of lighting fixture or spotlight is being used. Gobos are made in different sizes, and the fixture being used will determine what size gobo you will need.

Your wedding coordinator, event venue, DJ, or band may have a spotlight readily available. Contact them to ask if they have a gobo projector and if so, which brand and model. Include this information on the Wedding Gobo Order Form. If they do not have an image projector, PREMIER has several available for rent. Please check this option on the Wedding Gobo Order Form and a member of our staff will contact you.

What is a pattern holder?
A pattern holder holds the gobo within the lighting fixture. It is generally made of two metal plates, in between which the gobo will fit. There are many different types of pattern holders, each designed to fit specific lighting fixtures - another reason why you will need to know which spotlight will be used to project the gobo.

How do I project my gobo?
Insert the gobo into the pattern holder, then insert the pattern holder into the gobo slot in the middle of the spotlight.

Two things to keep in mind: The closer the fixture is to the surface it is being projected on (floor, ceiling, wall), the smaller the image will be. Also, if the lighting fixture is pointing at an angle, this will stretch or distort the projection. Whenever possible, make sure the lighting fixture is facing the surface head-on.

I know what lighting fixture is being used. How do I order my gobo?
Once you know what lighting fixture is being used, download the PREMIER Wedding Gobo Order Form. You can choose from three designs and three fonts with our standard wedding gobo packages. If you have a specific font in mind, please note which one on the order form and we will check to see if it is available.

Your PREMIER Wedding Gobo will be customized in metal, for a crisp, clear, white projection. For color or last-minute gobos, rental of lighting fixtures, or to submit your own gobo design, please call our team at (800) 770-0884 and we would be happy to assist you!