What is your most memorable wedding?
We carried out a pyromusical display at Chichester harbour. We were able to utilise aquatic fireworks, the jetty and a floating pontoon. This allowed for a "mirrored" display where the effects were reflected in the water. Then for the icing on the cake to clients utilised our Celebration Parade to leave the venue through a tunnel of pyrotechnics.
Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
Bespoke, Exciting, Safe, Experienced, Passionate
What about your business are you most proud of?
Organically growing as a family business, starting from a small local displays to performing in France, on top of high rise buildings and coming 2nd in our first ever national competition.
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Find the venue for you, once you have that everything else will fall into place like a dream.
What is your favourite personal touch you have seen at a wedding?
Previously a client of ours has chosen a song which means a lot to the happy couple, for example unfortunately for one of our clients neither member of the couple still had their father with them on the special day. They booked a pyromusical to the song Dance With My Father Again by Luthor Vandross. It was a real tear jerker, for the guests, the couple and ourselves!
Describe your typical process with a couple.
The initial stages of planning are to ensure the venue is appropriate and permit fireworks. After this we then determine the type of fireworks that are permitted to generate an accurate bespoke quotation, this is done via the process of a free site safety visit.
This package is then usually quoted at a starting price with bolt on packages for duration or more bespoke options such as Fireworks to Music and Firework also known as Pyromuscials Messages via Lancework. We then ask for 20% deposit to confirm the date with the remaining balance due one month prior to the wedding.
Clients can then become involved in the design process from including or excluding certain effects, choosing of colours to match the wedding theme and deciding which music tracks they would like their display choreographed too.
During this process we will be generating the relevant risk assessments, sending copies of our £10,000,000 Public Liability Insurance and notifying relevant authorities such as Aviation or Coastguard.
Depending on the timescale items may be manufactured by our factories in China to the requirements of the client, CE marking certification and then registered with the HSE for import or our in stock items may need to be modified to suit the needs of the display at our factory here in the UK. Some items may need to be modified to be fired electronically or chained together to fire in sequence or simultaneously.
Due to the equipment and techniques we have developed over the last 20 years, in combination with the preparation at our base of operations a member of the Aurora Fireworks team will set off from our HQ to your event. We do not sub contract any of our work, thus we can be assured of the quality of the product and service you will receive. Our team supervisors carry the nationally required BPA Firer or Senior firer license which is legally required to use professional fireworks.
Often we will not need to be at your wedding until two hours before, this can be of great help if you intend to keep the display a secret from your guests, parents or even your new husband or wife! Our wireless firing system and unique racking designs allow for fast efficient and safe set ups.
On arrival we will report to a duty manager or nominated person to let them know we have arrived. We will then contact them again when we are set and ready for ignition! We may need to conduct a sound check if you have booked a Pyromusical or get buckets of water if you have requested sparklers for your guests (this can be a great photo opportunity or excuse to get your guests outside for their surprise entertainment!).
You may even chose to press the "Red Button" to start the display or use our simulted "TNT Plunger Start".
Then simply stand back and prepare to be amazed.
After the event we remove all spent pyrotechnics for disposal and where possible utilise lawn vacuums to tidy away any firework debris to leave the site as close to how we arrived as possible. Then back to HQ for the equipment to be cleaned and maintained.
What is your No. 1 top tip for keeping a crowd entertained?
Have multiple forms of entertainment. That way you can try to cater to everyones tastes. Also evening receptions can run for several hours so keep your guests on their toes by staggering your entertainment.
Where is the most memorable place you have performed?
On top of a 50 storey building, 171m high. At the time it was the tallest residential building the EU.
Have you had any interesting surprises at a wedding?
The bride and groom entering via helicopter. Spectacular entrance, but wish they had told us they were coming first!
What is your party trick?
Being innovative and creative with new pyrotechnic effects and technology!