A New York wedding took an unexpected turn when, following the traditional breaking of the glass, 300 drones ascended into the night sky, creating a breathtaking spectacle for newlyweds Bobby and Siobhan Underwood.
The surprise, orchestrated by Siobhan’s mother with the help of their wedding planner, featured a dazzling light show depicting images meaningful to the couple: a baseball player (reflecting Bobby’s passion), and a diamond ring.
“It was honestly remarkable, very overwhelming – and incredibly emotional,” Siobhan recounted, describing the initial shock and awe of the display.
The event, held on New Year’s Eve 2024, showcased the growing popularity of drone shows. Once a novelty, they’re now seen at diverse events, from birthdays and weddings to major sporting events and theme parks.
Glastonbury Festival even incorporated a drone show in 2024, highlighting their mainstream acceptance. A record-breaking display in China last October, featuring over 10,000 drones, further underscores the technology’s rapid advancement. The question arises: could drones eventually replace fireworks?
Drone industry commentator Sally French (“The Drone Girl”) points to the artistic beauty and sophisticated capabilities of drone shows, citing examples ranging from Star Wars-themed lightsaber battles to corporate events.
However, cost remains a significant barrier. With individual drones costing around $300, a 500-drone show can exceed $150,000, as noted by Ms. French, citing SPH Engineering data. While the Underwoods’ show cost tens of thousands, major displays by companies like Skymagic can surpass $1 million.
Skymagic, a leading drone show company with a fleet of 6,000 custom drones, has performed at events ranging from Coachella to the King’s Coronation Concert. Co-founder Patrick O’Mahony highlights the technological advancements, including GPS geo-fencing for safety and automatic landing mechanisms in windy conditions.
While fireworks offer an undeniable “boom” factor, analyst Bill Ray from Gartner notes that some drones now integrate pyrotechnics, adding a spark-like effect. The precise synchronization of drone movements with music is another key advantage, although the setup and takedown process remains time-consuming.
Pedro Rosário, CEO of Drone Show Animations, emphasizes the creative freedom offered by drone displays, allowing for the creation of emotionally resonant, story-driven spectacles. He highlights the need for navigating diverse international regulations concerning drone flights.
The Underwood wedding’s drone show was a resounding success, becoming a memorable highlight for guests. As Siobhan stated, “The drone show is something people bring up as something they never expected to see.”
It comes as streaming services attract hundreds of millions of users around the world but cable TV has seen audiences decline.
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