Popular stock goes early during peak season. A guide to booking lead times for different event types and when to confirm your hire order.
Popular stock goes early during peak season. A guide to booking lead times for different event types and when to confirm your hire order.
There is no single answer, but there are clear patterns that determine whether you get exactly what you need or end up with a compromise because popular stock has already gone.
\n\nSummer is the busiest period for event hire. If your event is between May and September and you need a significant quantity of chairs, tables, or linen, particularly specific styles like Chiavari chairs or coloured linen, book at least eight weeks in advance. For weddings where chair style and linen colour matter, book as soon as your guest numbers are confirmed.
\n\nThe Christmas party season runs from late November through December. Stock allocated to large corporate clients disappears early. If you are planning a Christmas event for 100 or more guests, book by October. Smaller events can usually be accommodated later, but you will have less choice on specific items.
\n\nFor events under 50 guests at any time of year, or for events outside the summer and Christmas peaks, two to four weeks is usually enough. Smaller orders can often be fulfilled with a week's notice, though that is not guaranteed for every item.
\n\nChiavari chairs, specific linen colours, LED furniture, and large outdoor gazebos are the most likely to be unavailable at short notice during peak months. Standard folding tables and chairs, white linen, and basic glassware are much easier to source quickly.
\n\nIf you are working to a tight deadline, contact us directly. We can often move stock between depots or confirm availability faster over the phone or via live chat than the website reflects in real time.
\n\nGuest numbers rarely stay fixed. We allow quantity adjustments up to a week before your event, subject to availability. It is better to book a provisional quantity early and adjust later than to wait until your final numbers come in.
\n\nTell us your guest numbers, venue and event date and we will put together a hire package. Request a quote or contact us.
\n\nBrowse our full range of furniture, linen, crockery, glassware, and catering equipment. Select what you need, choose your delivery date, and order online. Expo Hire delivers throughout England and Wales seven days a week.
June through September is peak wedding and outdoor event season. Stock on popular items — gold Chiavari chairs, large-quantity glassware orders, and commercial gazebos — can deplete fast during those months. If your event falls in that window, booking 8 to 12 weeks out is safer than leaving it to 2 to 3 weeks.
December is peak for corporate Christmas parties and gala dinners. The same logic applies — round dining tables, banqueting chairs, and Chiavari chairs in large quantities get reserved early. Book by October for December events.
Expo Hire shows live stock on every product page. If an item is showing low availability, you will see it before you book. For last-minute orders under two weeks out, call the team directly rather than relying on standard delivery windows. Same-day delivery is available on request for urgent bookings within our delivery radius.
You can amend quantities up to a few days before delivery. Adding items is usually possible if stock is available. Removing items has different terms depending on how close the delivery date is. Check the booking terms when you order.
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