Event hire costs vary significantly depending on equipment quality, location, and event size. This guide gives typical price ranges for chairs, tables, linen, glassware, cutlery and catering equipment in the UK in 2026.
Event hire costs vary significantly depending on equipment quality, location, and event size. This guide gives typical price ranges for chairs, tables, linen, glassware, cutlery and catering equipment in the UK in 2026.
Event hire prices in the UK vary considerably depending on who you hire from, the quality of the items, and how far they need to travel. This guide gives realistic price ranges for 2026 across the main categories, so you can budget with confidence before requesting quotes.
Almost all hire companies charge per item, per hire period. A standard hire period is a weekend: items are delivered on Friday or Saturday and collected on Monday. Longer periods cost more, though most companies will negotiate a modest uplift rather than a full second charge for a midweek event.
Delivery charges are calculated separately, based on mileage from the depot. Expect to pay £80–£200 for a typical regional delivery within 30 miles, rising significantly for longer distances. Some companies have a minimum order value (often £250–£500) before they will send a van.
Prices below are per item per hire period. All prices exclude VAT.
These are market-wide guidance figures, not Expo Hire specific rates. Use them as a benchmark when comparing quotes.
| Item | Budget | Mid-range | Premium | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Folding / banqueting chair | £1.50–£2.50 | £2.50–£4 | £4–£7 | Most common hire chair. Budget grades show wear. |
| Chiavari chair | £3–£5 | £5–£8 | £8–£14 | Gold, silver, white, black. Wedding staple. |
| Cross-back / Tolix chair | £4–£6 | £6–£10 | £10–£16 | Popular for barn weddings and relaxed events. |
| Eames-style chair | £5–£8 | £8–£12 | £12–£20 | Transparent acrylic. Popular for conferences. |
| 5ft round table | £8–£12 | £12–£18 | £18–£28 | Seats 8–10. Standard for weddings and galas. |
| 6ft rectangular trestle | £6–£10 | £10–£15 | £15–£22 | Seats 6–8. Versatile for buffets and conferences. |
| Wine glass | £0.40–£0.70 | £0.70–£1.20 | £1.20–£2 | Budget grades are thicker-walled commercial glass. |
| Champagne flute | £0.50–£0.80 | £0.80–£1.30 | £1.30–£2 | Premium grades have a thinner rim. |
| Dinner plate (crockery) | £0.60–£1 | £1–£1.60 | £1.60–£2.80 | Chipware common at budget end. Check before booking. |
| Dinner knife or fork (per piece) | £0.30–£0.60 | £0.60–£0.90 | £0.90–£1.50 | Premium is 18/10 stainless, heavier feel. |
| Tablecloth, 5ft round | £4–£7 | £7–£12 | £12–£20 | Floor-length (120") for formal events. |
| Tablecloth, rectangular | £3–£6 | £6–£10 | £10–£18 | Confirm table dimensions when ordering. |
Using mid-range pricing as a guide, here is a realistic equipment hire budget for a 100-guest seated wedding with round tables, Chiavari chairs, white linen, crockery, cutlery and glassware.
| Category | Item | Qty | Unit cost | Subtotal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seating | Chiavari chairs | 110 | £6.50 | £715 |
| Tables | 5ft round tables (10 guests per table) | 10 | £15 | £150 |
| Linen | 120" round tablecloths | 11 | £9 | £99 |
| Linen | Napkins | 120 | £1.20 | £144 |
| Crockery | Dinner plates (starter, main, dessert) | 330 | £1.20 | £396 |
| Cutlery | Per piece (knife, fork, dessert fork, soup spoon) | 400 | £0.75 | £300 |
| Glassware | Wine glasses (2 per person) | 220 | £0.90 | £198 |
| Glassware | Water glasses | 110 | £0.70 | £77 |
| Glassware | Champagne flutes (toast) | 110 | £1.00 | £110 |
| Equipment subtotal | £2,189 | |||
| Delivery and collection (estimate) | £120 | |||
| Total (ex-VAT) | £2,309 | |||
This does not include a bar setup, cocktail tables for the arrival drinks, or any catering equipment. Allow an additional £300–£600 if you need those.
Items arrive clean and ready to use. Glassware and crockery are dishwasher-cleaned before dispatch. Electrical and catering items are PAT-tested where applicable. Collection is included in the delivery charge; you do not pay separately for pickup.
Damage charges apply for items returned broken, chipped or missing. Most suppliers charge the replacement cost of the item. A small amount of glassware breakage is common and often not charged; large-scale damage is. You are responsible for having items ready for collection at the agreed time.
Event hire prices are quoted ex-VAT. If you are a VAT-registered business, you reclaim the 20% in the normal way. If you are not VAT-registered, add 20% to all totals shown above to arrive at the VAT-inclusive cost.
Browse live stock and check availability at expohire.com/hire. We publish prices for chairs, tables, linen, glassware and cutlery online, so you can build a budget before getting in touch.
Choose from our vast range of catering hire, furniture hire and exhibition hire products. Select from the categories listed below or use our great search function above.
