Complete guide 2025
Organizing a drone show:
the complete guide
From concept to show day, everything you need to know to succeed with your light drone show.
Planning: from D-6 months to Show Day
D-6 months
Define the project
- Choose date and venue
- Set preliminary budget
- Contact a drone show coordinator
- Verify site regulatory feasibility
D-4 months
Validate the concept
- Validate storyboard and animations
- Confirm number of drones
- Start prefectural procedures
- Book certified drone provider
D-2 months
Prepare logistics
- Obtain prefectural decree
- Coordinate with city hall and security services
- Plan security perimeter
- Arrange sound system if needed
D-2 weeks
Final preparations
- Confirm backup weather date
- Brief ground teams
- Verify Professional Liability insurance
- Communicate to guests
Show Day
The show
- Set up takeoff zone (2-3h before)
- Technical tests and GPS calibration
- Security perimeter briefing
- Show (8-15 min depending on package)
Estimated budget
Essential
€5,000 - €12,000
50-100 drones
Ideal for: Weddings, birthdays
Premium
€12,000 - €25,000
100-200 drones
Ideal for: Companies, local festivals
Grand Show
€25,000 - €60,000
200-500 drones
Ideal for: Large festivals, municipalities
Major Event
€60,000+
500+ drones
Ideal for: National events, inaugurations
* Indicative prices. Final budget depends on location, animation complexity and chosen options.
Regulations
Mandatory steps
- Activity declaration with DGAC
- Prefectural decree request
- NOTAM publication (notice to airmen)
- Setting up a security perimeter
- Drone-specific Professional Liability insurance
What we handle for you
- All prefectural procedures
- Coordination with DGAC/DSAC
- NOTAM publication
- Site security plan
- Provider insurance verification