Insights

Planning guides, production budgets, and practical briefs for luxury events, corporate launches, weddings, and private parties. Written by the VIVID London production team.

A lighting operator at a grandMA3 console with haze and moving lights in the rig behind him

How to · 9 min read

Event production glossary: the terms you will hear from your production team

Plain-English definitions of the words used in event production quotes, riders and run-of-shows: from RAMS and get-in to cardioid subs, pixel pitch and mix-minus.

Garden DJ stage at a private 21st in Berkshire: truss towers with moving heads, LED battens and flame jets in front of a brick house at dusk

How to · 11 min read

Special effects at UK events: what is legal, what is safe and what venues allow

Sparkular, pyrotechnics, CO2 jets, dry ice, haze, confetti and lasers explained: the law, the real risks, the paperwork venues ask for, and how each effect is run safely.

An outdoor festival-style wooden stage at a private wedding party with a live band, roof truss and pink lighting at dusk

Planning guide · 10 min read

Power, noise and licences for garden and marquee parties in Surrey

The practical guide for hosts: generator sizing, cable runs, noise limits and neighbours, Temporary Event Notices, and when you do and do not need a licence.

Presenters on the Global Awards 2020 stage in front of a large LED wall with moving lights on towers either side

Planning guide · 11 min read

Event production management explained: roles, timeline and the run-of-show

What event production management actually involves: the roles on a crew, the twelve-week timeline, the documents that matter, and a full run-of-show template.

A mirror-ball cluster and pin spots covering the walls, floor and ceiling of a small room with a DJ booth and speakers

Commercial research · 6 min read

Dry hire vs full production: when to choose each

When dry hire makes sense and when full production pays back: a practical comparison for event planners weighing equipment rental against managed delivery.

How to · 6 min read

Choosing the right LED screen size for your venue

How to size an LED screen for your event venue: viewing distance, pitch, aspect ratio, content and rigging — practical rules that match the room.

A corporate conference stage with an LED wall showing a Q&A slide, presenter stools, moving lights and a camera on a stand

How to · 7 min read

Corporate product launch AV: a checklist for marketing directors

A marketing director's AV checklist for a corporate product launch: stage, sound, video, content, rehearsal and risk — built around the moment of reveal.

A live band playing to guests in a hotel ballroom with moving heads on truss and a tuned PA

Commercial research · 7 min read

How much does premium event production cost in London and the Home Counties?

Typical premium event production budgets in London and the Home Counties: private parties, corporate launches and luxury events, with honest market ranges.

Guests dancing in a hotel ballroom under a chandelier, with moving heads, a mirror ball and light haze

Pillar guide · 9 min read

Planning a luxury private event: a production director's guide

A production director's guide to planning a luxury private event in London and the Home Counties: timelines, venue, AV, talent, budget and risk.