Choose aerial performers who are trained, insured and work with qualified riggers, and who will check your venue's ceiling height and rigging before they agree to perform. Start with the venue, because an aerial act is only as good as the space and rigging it hangs from.
Key takeaways
- Confirm ceiling height and rated rigging points, or space for a freestanding rig, first.
- Ask for insurance, a risk assessment and a method statement for the rig.
- Plan install and removal times around your venue's schedule.
Can your venue support an aerial act?
This is the most important question and the one to answer before anything else. The venue needs enough clear height for the act, with no chandeliers, lighting or drapes in the performance area, and either rigging points rated for aerial loads or enough floor space for a freestanding rig.
Ask your venue if they have a technical specification for the room and if aerial acts have been rigged there before. If they have, they may already have approved points and procedures.
- Clear ceiling height measured below lights and chandeliers
- Rated rigging points with written venue approval
- Or floor space for a freestanding rig and its footprint
- Load-in access for heavy equipment
- Time for rigging before guests arrive
What safety paperwork should you ask for?
Aerial work is specialist, and the paperwork should reflect that. The team should provide public liability insurance, a risk assessment specific to your venue and, for most venues, a method statement explaining how the rig is installed, checked and removed.
Rigging should be done by someone trained and experienced in aerial rigging, not improvised on the day. All Party Central partners are vetted and hold public liability insurance.
Tip from our team: Ask who is responsible for rigging and if they will be on site throughout the performance, not just at setup.
Want a quote for aerial performers?
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Which questions should you ask the performers?
Once the venue is confirmed, look at the act itself. Recent footage from a real event tells you far more than a studio showreel.
Then check the details that affect your running order. A good team will answer these quickly and will often raise points you had not thought of.
- Which apparatus do you recommend for this room?
- How long is each set, and can you perform twice?
- Can you perform to live music or our own track?
- How long does rigging and derigging take?
- Do you need safety matting, and where will it go?
What are the red flags?
Walk away from any act that offers to rig from a beam or fitting without checking it is rated, that cannot explain who rigs the equipment, or that does not provide a risk assessment. Vague answers about ceiling height are also a warning sign.
Be cautious of anyone who promises aerial work in a standard marquee without talking to the marquee supplier. Most marquee frames are not built to take aerial loads.
Tip from our team: If a team seems relaxed about rigging details, treat that as a reason to look elsewhere. With aerial work, careful is exactly what you want.
How should aerial fit into your running order?
Aerial acts often perform during the drinks reception, as an entrance showpiece or just before the dancefloor opens. Rigging must be complete before guests arrive, so talk to your venue about access times, particularly if the room is also being set by decor and AV teams.
Leave space in the plan for derigging after the event, and check your venue's curfew and get-out time.
Also make sure your photographer and videographer know when the aerial act is on. The best shots are often from low angles looking up, with the lighting behind the performer.
How far ahead should you book an aerial act?
Book several months ahead for summer weekends and December events. Aerial acts need more planning time than most entertainment because of the venue checks and rigging.
We cover the whole UK and destination weddings, and we handle the conversation with your venue so you have one point of contact.
Want a quote for aerial performers?
Free, no obligation. Tell us your date and venue.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between aerial hoop and aerial silks?
An aerial hoop is a steel ring the performer sits and spins in, while silks are long lengths of fabric the performer climbs and wraps. Silk routines usually need more height.
Can any venue host an aerial act?
No. The venue needs enough clear height and either rated rigging points or space for a freestanding rig. Always check with the venue before booking.
How long does it take to rig an aerial act?
It varies by venue and rigging method, so ask the team for their timings. Rigging must be finished before guests arrive, so plan it into your venue access times.
Are aerial acts safe at weddings?
Yes, when rigged properly by trained crew, with a risk assessment, insurance and a clear performance area that guests do not walk under.
Plan an aerial act with us
Send us your venue details and we will check rigging options and send a free quote.
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Written by the Party Central events team. Prices mentioned are starting points only. Exact pricing depends on availability, your exact requirements, time on site and location. Party Central is a trading name of Booking Central Ltd.
