Event Hire Price Calculator UK

Estimate Your Event Hire Cost

Configure your event requirements to get an estimated hire cost

How Much Does Event Equipment Hire Cost in the UK?

Event hire costs vary dramatically depending on what you need. A simple table and chair setup for 50 guests might cost £200-£400, while a full event production with marquee, furniture, lighting, and dance floor could exceed £5,000.

The most common event hire items include tables, chairs, tableware, linen, lighting, and dance floors. Marquees and large structures are typically the most expensive single items, with prices starting from £500 for a basic frame tent.

Most hire companies charge a flat rate per item per day, with discounts for multi-day hires. Delivery, setup, and collection charges are usually added on top of the hire fee.

Key Factors in Event Hire Pricing

Understanding what drives the cost of hiring event equipment

• Guest Numbers

  The number of guests directly affects how many tables, chairs, place settings, and other items you need. Larger events benefit from bulk pricing.

• Hire Duration

  Most hire companies charge per day. Multi-day events often get a reduced daily rate, but weekend rates may be higher than midweek.

• Equipment Quality

  Budget folding chairs vs. Chiavari chairs, standard linen vs. premium fabrics. The quality tier you choose has a big impact on total cost.

• Delivery & Setup

  Delivery charges vary by distance and volume. Some suppliers offer full setup and styling, while others drop off only. Full-service setup costs more.

• Lighting & Effects

  Festoon lighting, uplighters, fairy lights, and intelligent lighting can transform a venue but add £100-£500+ to your budget.

• Seasonal Demand

  Peak wedding season (May-September) and Christmas party season can see higher prices and reduced availability. Book early for the best rates.

Common Event Hire Price Ranges

• Folding chairs: £1.50 - £3.50 each per day
• Chiavari / banquet chairs: £4 - £8 each per day
• Round tables (seats 8-10): £8 - £15 each per day
• Table linen (per table): £5 - £15 per day
• Dance floor (12ft x 12ft): £150 - £350 per day
• Festoon lighting (per 10m): £20 - £40 per day
• Marquee (6m x 12m): £500 - £1,200 per day
• PA / Sound system: £100 - £300 per day

Run an Event Hire Business? Automate Your Quoting

If you're an event hire company, Valora helps you create instant online quotes for your customers. Set up pricing rules for every item in your inventory, configure delivery zones, and let customers build their own quotes on your website.

With inventory tracking, automated pricing, and deposit collection built in, you can handle more enquiries without increasing your admin workload. Stop losing bookings to slow response times.

Event Hire Pricing FAQ

• How much does it cost to hire tables and chairs for 100 guests?

  For 100 guests, hiring basic round tables (10-12 tables) and folding chairs typically costs £200-£500. Upgrading to Chiavari chairs and premium tables increases this to £500-£1,200. Add table linen, crockery, and cutlery for a full place setting at £8-£20 per person.

• Is it cheaper to buy or hire event equipment?

  For one-off events, hiring is almost always cheaper than buying. The break-even point is typically 4-6 uses for most items. Hire also eliminates storage, maintenance, and transport concerns. If you run regular events, purchasing key items may make financial sense.

• What's included in event hire delivery?

  Standard delivery usually includes transport to your venue and collection afterwards. Some companies include basic setup (placing items in your designated area), while others charge extra for full setup and styling. Always clarify what's included before booking.

• How far in advance should I book event hire?

  For weddings and large events, booking 3-6 months ahead is recommended to ensure availability of specific items. For smaller events, 2-4 weeks is usually sufficient. Peak season (summer and December) requires earlier booking.

• Do event hire companies charge a deposit?

  Yes, most event hire companies require a deposit of 25-50% at the time of booking, with the balance due before or on the day of the event. Some companies also require a damage deposit which is refunded after the event if items are returned in good condition.

Build Your Own Event Hire Quote System

Create a custom pricing calculator for your event hire business. Let customers configure their requirements and get instant quotes on your website.

• 30-day free trial
• Inventory-based pricing
• Embed on your website
• Automatic deposit collection