How to Stage an Audio-Visual Spectacular on a Budget

So youve been given the task of creating a mind-blowing audio visual production for an event. Problem is, youve been given a pittance of a budget to do it with. Its true that hiring audio visual equipment can be expensive, not to mention the technicians required to operate it corporate and wedding events. But dont fret just yet; no need to wheel out the old television and ask to borrow torches from your friends. You can wow and dazzle your guests regardless of the cost. Heres a few tips to get you started when planning on a shoestring.

• Talk to the experts. Audio visual equipment hire is your only real option here. Call an expert and explain your situation. They may just have something that fits into your price range.
• Bearing the brunt. Given a larger budget, you could hire the professionals to organise, set up and run the audio visual display for you. Its a possibility that you may be able to afford a technician or two to help you out, but chances are youre on your own. If youre hiring equipment, make sure you know how to use it.
• If youre hiring a band to play, check to see what instruments they have and what equipment youll need to complete their setup. They may have their own PA or have access to one.
• Lighting. Stage lighting is a complicated beast and its difficult to know where to start, especially when given such a small budget. The first thing you need to know is that when it comes to lighting for an event, there is never a cure-all. The range of lighting available is vast, from automated dizzies to proper stage lighting rigs. Knowing your event is the first step. Does it need specialised lighting? Does the venue youre using already have lighting and if so, to what extent? Is a technician required to operate the lighting setup. Automatic lighting setups can solve some of your problems. Dizzies lights that display colour and move of their own accord are easy to set up and only require switching on. Once again its best to talk to a professional audio visual specialist when you require the hands-free easy lighting options.
• Projectors. By far the best way to display video or images, projectors can be rigged up to a regular DVD player
• Sound system. Hopefully the venue youre using is able to provide a PA. You can use this to run almost anything to do with sound, from background music to live bands.
• DJ or playlist? Its a simple choice here, even if an unfortunate one. A DJ will provide a level of entertainment to the music and a good one can make an event. But a playlist is free, and you are trying to save money, after all.

Its not easy to organise an event, especially if given a small budget to do it with. Unfortunately shortcuts will have to be made, but smart thinking can save your even from sinking. Talk to an audio visual hire company about your needs and limitations.