The cost of a drone light show depends mainly on the number of drones, whether the animation is stock or bespoke, the venue and airspace, the number of performances, and the production support required.

As of August 2026, FlightShows’ current prices are:

  • Wedding drone shows at £6,500, £7,500 and £9,750
  • Other stock drone shows at £12,500
  • Fully bespoke drone shows from £29,500

The wedding and stock-show prices are fixed package prices. Every venue still needs to be assessed for suitability, but a suitable venue does not change the advertised package price. Bespoke shows are quoted individually and start from £29,500.

Heart formed by purple drones

The number of drones

Fleet size is one of the biggest influences on price. More drones can create greater visual detail, show several elements at once and produce more complex three-dimensional animation. A larger fleet also requires more equipment, transport, preparation and on-site resources.

However, more drones do not automatically make a better show. A well-designed sequence using the right fleet for the idea can be far more effective than a larger display with no clear story.

FlightShows’ smallest current package is the 30-drone Bronze wedding show. Our Silver and Gold wedding packages use 50 and 100 drones respectively. Our other stock shows use 150 drones, while bespoke projects can be designed around the scale and detail the client needs. Our guide to choosing the right number of drones explains the differences in more detail.

FlightShows logo plotted with 50 drone positions
FS Logo in 50 Drones
FlightShows logo plotted with 100 drone positions
FS Logo in 100 Drones
FS Logo in 150 Drones
FS Logo in 150 Drones
FS Logo in 150 Drones

FlightShows tip

The artwork often tells us more than the event size. A short word, recognisable icon or simple sequence may need fewer drones than detailed lettering, several logos or a complex animated character. Breaking a long message into separate scenes can also reduce the fleet required without weakening the effect.

Repeating the show

The first performance carries much of the creative and planning work. Repeating the same show across several nights or locations can therefore reduce the cost per performance.

FS Logo in 150 Drones

FlightShows tip

There may also be efficient ways to adapt part of the show. For example, a common main sequence could finish with a different sponsor or message on different nights. This has to be designed and planned properly, but it can create more value than commissioning several completely separate shows.

Show duration

A five-minute show is not necessarily half the price of a ten-minute show. Site assessment, authorisation, mobilisation, crew, equipment and much of the creative setup are still required for both.

Around ten minutes is often an effective length: long enough to tell a story or deliver a message, but concise enough to hold the audience’s attention. Significantly longer shows may require additional aircraft, animation and operational planning, particularly if more than one fleet is needed.

FS Logo in 150 Drones

FlightShows tip

Lighting, lasers or projection can sometimes extend the wider production without simply adding more drone-flight time.

Creative complexity

Complexity is not just about the number of images in the show. Movement, transitions, three-dimensional forms, lettering, synchronisation and the number of elements visible at once all affect the animation work.

FS Logo in 150 Drones

FlightShows tip

At FlightShows, creative design and animation are included within the agreed quotation. We do not want clients to choose dull animation simply because every creative improvement carries another small surcharge. Instead, we agree the project scope and design the strongest show we can within it.

Stock or bespoke animation

A stock show uses an existing creative framework, which substantially reduces the design and production work required. It is a good fit when the theme, format and available venue space suit one of our established packages.

A bespoke show is created specifically for the event. It can incorporate custom storytelling, branded animation, unusual audience viewing angles and a creative approach designed around the venue. Because the concept, animation and technical planning are developed for that project, bespoke shows start at a higher price.

FS Logo in 150 Drones

FlightShows tip

Our bespoke drone light shows start from £29,500.

Venue, airspace and site logistics

Every drone show needs suitable operational space, a secure area and a clear view for the audience. The exact requirements depend on the show.

Existing boundaries such as fencing, hedges or water can sometimes make a venue easier to manage. A site that needs extensive temporary fencing, additional security or specialist power may add external costs. Airspace requirements can also affect the planning timetable and the work needed before the show can be confirmed.

FS Logo in 150 Drones

FlightShows tip

Speaking to us early gives us the best chance of finding a practical show position that protects the audience view while keeping additional site requirements proportionate.

Current prices and what is included

Unless the quotation says otherwise, FlightShows includes the core work needed to design, plan and deliver the agreed show. This includes our aircraft and equipment, £5 million public liability insurance, show design and animation, operational planning, flight crew, transport and crew accommodation.

The following are normally the client’s responsibility because they are specific to the venue or wider event:

  • Fencing
  • Event security
  • Site power

We discuss these points early so that the client understands the full event requirement rather than discovering an unexpected item close to show day.

Three common project types

A wedding finale

Our wedding drone show packages begin at £6,500. Stock animation keeps the creative and production process efficient while still creating a strong shared moment for the couple and their guests.

A stock celebration show

Our other stock drone shows use 150 drones and cost £12,500. They use proven creative formats that can be planned more efficiently than a completely bespoke production.

A bespoke brand or public event

Bespoke shows begin at £29,500. The final quotation depends on the creative scope, fleet, site, airspace, production requirements and number of performances.

What should I send for an accurate quotation?

The most useful initial brief includes:

  • The event date and approximate show time
  • The venue name, full address or coordinates
  • The type and estimated size of the audience
  • The idea, story, logo or message you want to show
  • Whether you want a stock or bespoke production
  • Your approximate budget
  • Any known restrictions at the venue

Ready to tell your story in the stars?

That is enough for us to begin checking the creative and operational options. Get in touch with FlightShows and we will help you understand what can be achieved at your venue and budget.

This Post Has One Comment

  1. Avatar photo
    Dale Plath

    Absolutely well written subject material, regards for information .

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