By Lena Imamura, founder and artist at GLO Studio
We've been making neon for events since 2014, from a silent auction piece for amfAR's generationCURE to the LED logo on the CBS Sports set for Super Bowl LVIII, plus neon for House of Peroni's New York Fashion Week opening and TBS's Search Party pop-up. Here's what we've learned about getting neon right at weddings, brand launches, conferences and parties.
Start with the moment you want people to remember
Event neon works best when it has one clear job. At Create & Cultivate's NYC conference, that job was photo moments: we made several neon "wow" spots where guests stopped to take pictures. Decide first whether your sign is a photo backdrop, a welcome sign, a brand logo or the centerpiece of the room. Size and placement follow from that.
Glass neon or LED neon?
Both glow beautifully, and we design both.
- Glass neon is real glass tubing, bent by hand over fire and filled with gas. It has that warm, classic glow, and it's the choice for art pieces and permanent installs.
- LED neon is lighter and tougher, so it's great for pop-ups, traveling activations and events where the sign gets moved around. We launched our LED line at the Brooklyn Flea.
| Glass neon | LED neon | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Warm, classic glow | Bright, even glow |
| Weight | Heavier, fragile glass | Light and tough |
| Best for | Art pieces, permanent installs | Pop-ups, traveling activations |
Not sure which fits? Tell us about the event and we'll recommend one.
Put it where people already gather
Good spots are the entrance, behind a stage or DJ booth, at the bar, or on a backdrop wall built for photos. Neon photographs best without flash, so a dimmer room makes it pop.
Give yourself time
Custom neon is made to order. We can turn things around very quickly when an event needs it, depending on the piece and the budget. Rush timelines come with a rush fee, so reaching out as soon as your date is set gives you the most options.
Questions we get a lot
How far ahead should I order?
We can move fast when we need to. Put your event date in your quote request and we'll tell you what's possible, including whether a rush fee applies.
Can you install it?
Yes. Installation is one of our services, and we also make backdrops and step-and-repeat walls.
What happens after the event?
It's yours to keep. A wedding sign can go up at home afterward, and a logo sign can move into the office or store.
Do you work outside New York?
Yes, we make neon for clients across the US.
Planning an event? Start a custom neon quote or browse our event neon.