Rigging plays a quiet but serious role in live events. Most attendees never notice it, yet it supports lighting, audio, video, and scenic elements above their heads. For event planners, understanding basic rigging requirements helps avoid delays, safety issues, and last-minute changes.
Here’s what event planners should know about rigging, from venue limits to planning steps and team roles.
What Rigging Involves
Rigging refers to the systems used to hang or support equipment above the ground. This includes lighting trusses, LED walls, speakers, projectors, and scenic pieces. These items attach to building structures such as ceiling beams, grids, or temporary truss systems.
Rigging must match the weight, size, and placement of each piece of equipment. Every venue has limits on how much weight it can support and where loads can hang. These limits affect design choices early in planning.
Knowing Venue Rigging Limits
Each venue has its own rigging rules. Some spaces allow overhead rigging, while others restrict or prohibit it. Older buildings, ballrooms, and outdoor spaces often have strict limits.
Event planners should request venue rigging documents early. These usually list load limits, approved rigging points, and required paperwork. Ignoring these details can lead to denied setups or costly redesigns close to the event date.
Planning Rigging Early in the Process
Rigging decisions affect lighting layouts, screen placement, and stage design. Late planning reduces available options and can increase costs. Early planning gives the production team time to design safe and workable solutions.
Sharing event goals, content needs, and room layouts early helps technical teams plan rigging that supports the event flow. This also allows time to address venue approvals and inspections.
Working With Qualified Rigging Professionals
Rigging requires trained professionals. Certified riggers understand load calculations, safety standards, and proper installation methods. They also work closely with lighting, audio, and video teams to coordinate placement.
Event planners should confirm that rigging teams carry proper credentials and follow local safety rules. Professional riggers also provide documentation that venues often require before load-in begins.
Understanding Weight and Load Calculations
Every rigged item has a weight, and combined loads add up quickly. Speakers, motors, truss, cables, and screens all count toward the total load. Load calculations factor in static weight and movement during use.
Production teams calculate these loads and choose hardware that matches the setup. Planners benefit from knowing that last-minute equipment changes can affect these calculations and may require new approvals.
Considering Outdoor Rigging Requirements
Outdoor events add more factors. Wind, weather, and ground conditions affect rigging plans. Temporary structures need proper anchoring and ballast to handle changing conditions.
Outdoor rigging often requires permits and weather monitoring plans. Early coordination helps avoid schedule changes or reduced setups on event day.
Understanding the Planner’s Role in Rigging
Event planners do not manage rigging directly, but their choices affect it. Stage size, screen placement, lighting design, and branding elements all influence rigging needs.
Clear communication between planners and production teams helps align creative goals with technical limits. This teamwork supports smoother setups and fewer changes during load-in.
Rigging may stay out of sight, but it shapes how an event comes together. When planners understand the basics, they make stronger decisions that support safety, timing, and overall production quality.
Planning an event with complex technical needs? Crescent Event Productions provides experienced rigging, production planning, and on-site technical support you can rely on. Reach out to our team today to discuss your event and get expert guidance from the first planning call through show day.
