On New Year’s Eve, guests at an elegant wedding in Westchester County, N.Y., bundled in blankets and gathered near heating lamps, turning their attention to the night sky above the Hudson River. For the next 15 minutes, 300 synchronized drones danced above, telling the newlywed’s love story through a series of animations played out on the night sky’s dark canvas—from an image of a ring being slipped onto a finger to one of the couple’s beloved dog and a theater mask that represented a love for date nights at Broadway shows.
It’s official: Drone-mance is in the air, as more wedding parties begin to opt for short drone shows instead of fireworks after their ceremonies. Oftentimes, like in the instance of this New Year’s wedding, the drone show is organized by the family and even comes as a surprise to the couples.
“It’s a unique way to make a wedding or event personal,” said the wedding’s planner JoAnn Gregoli, of Elegant Occasions by JoAnn Gregoli. “It’s unexpected and fun, and a drone show can tell a love story in a way that fireworks can’t. You can have a lot more animation, and it can be customized more.”
Drones are a Growing Wedding and Events Trend
Drone photography has already transformed how resorts and those holding events capture stunning aerial photos and videos. But more recently, drones have taken on an entirely new role: live entertainment.
Over the past two to three years, Gregoli said she’s seen drone light shows emerge as a unique feature at various events—and in the past year, they’ve begun making their way into wedding celebrations, too.
These captivating shows typically feature fleets of drones flying in coordinated patterns, using LED lights to form animations, text, and even personalized designs custom to a wedding or event.
Beyond offering a unique and memorable experience, drone shows also come with practical advantages. Drones are more feasible in hot and dry summer conditions, when firework bans are often in effect to prevent wildfires. They’re also considered more environmentally friendly since they don’t emit particles into the atmosphere like fireworks do.
Of course, planning a drone show does come with logistical considerations. Gregoli notes that planners need to coordinate with local airports to ensure compliance with flight regulations and avoid interfering with nearby air traffic.
She also advises factoring in the weather, particularly wind, which can delay or ground a show. And since the sky must be completely dark for the drone’s lights to be visible, be sure to keep in mind those later sunset times during peak summer months.
Still largely unexpected, these types of drone shows wow guests and often work great as a grand finale to a wedding or event. They typically last between five to 10 minutes, Gregoli said. Planners also collaborate with drone companies well in advance to gather details and ensure the show is customized to match the event’s theme or the couple’s love story.
Resorts Are Opting for Drones Over Fireworks, Too
Resorts are increasingly discovering that drone shows are a hit—not just with leisure guests, but also with meeting and event groups.