Lighting Hire for Events: What to Order and Where to Get It

<p>This guide outlines the practical requirements for event lighting hire, distinguishing between decorative LED furniture and complex technical lighting systems. It covers the types of equipment available for hire, how to match lighting choices to specific event formats, and when to engage specialist AV contractors.</p>

Lighting Hire for Events: What to Order and Where to Get It

This guide outlines the practical requirements for event lighting hire, distinguishing between decorative LED furniture and complex technical lighting systems. It covers the types of equipment available for hire, how to match lighting choices to specific event formats, and when to engage specialist AV contractors.

Types of event lighting

Event lighting is generally split into two categories: functional lighting and decorative lighting. Functional lighting provides enough visibility for guests to navigate the venue and eat, while decorative lighting creates the atmosphere. Common options include:

  • Uplighters: Placed at the base of walls or pillars to wash surfaces with colour. These are standard for changing the mood of a room.
  • Fairy lights and festoon lighting: Used for overhead decoration or to define outdoor areas.
  • Spotlights: Used to highlight specific areas, such as a stage, a speaker, or a buffet station.
  • Gobo projectors: Used to project logos or patterns onto walls, floors, or ceilings.
  • LED furniture: Items that contain internal battery-powered lights to provide both seating and ambient illumination.

Expo Hire and LED furniture

Expo Hire provides a range of LED-lit furniture for events where ambient lighting is required without the need for complex wiring. This equipment is battery-operated, meaning it can be placed anywhere in a venue without access to power sockets. Our range includes:

  • LED furniture: Including cubes and seating options that provide a glow to lounge areas.
  • LED poseur tables: Useful for drinks receptions where you want to combine functional table space with decorative light.
  • LED bars: Modular bar units that can be linked together to create a central focal point.
  • LED bubble chairs: Seating options that serve as a visual feature in break-out areas.

While we supply these items, we are not a specialist lighting company. We provide the furniture that incorporates lighting, but we do not supply the technical rigging, DMX controllers, or complex stage lighting rigs required for large-scale production.

Matching lighting to event type

The lighting setup should align with the purpose of the event. Over-lighting a formal dinner can make it feel sterile, while under-lighting a corporate exhibition can make the stand difficult to navigate.

Weddings

Weddings often require a transition from bright, clear light during the day to warmer, softer tones in the evening. Fairy lights and warm-toned uplighting are standard. LED furniture can be used in the evening to create a distinct lounge area away from the main dance floor.

Corporate dinners

Corporate events prioritise visibility for speakers and branding. Spotlights are necessary for the stage, while table lighting should be subtle. If using linen on tables, ensure that table-top lighting does not clash with the colour scheme of the room.

Exhibitions

Exhibitions require high-intensity lighting to make products stand out. Lighting should be focused on the merchandise rather than the floor. LED furniture is often used here to draw attention to a specific stand or to provide a modern aesthetic in a meeting area.

Festivals and outdoor events

Outdoor events require weather-resistant equipment. If you are hiring outdoor furniture, check the IP rating of any integrated lighting. Festoon lighting is the industry standard for creating a perimeter in outdoor spaces.

When to hire a specialist lighting company

If your event involves complex requirements, you should contact a dedicated AV or lighting hire company. You will need a specialist if your plans include:

  • DMX programming: If you need all lights to change colour or pulse in time with music.
  • Rigging: If you need to hang lights from ceilings or trussing systems.
  • High-powered stage wash: For concerts, theatre productions, or large conferences.
  • Safety certification: Specialist companies provide the necessary electrical safety certificates for complex, high-voltage rigs.

For simpler requirements, such as adding a glow to a bar area or providing ambient light in a lounge, hiring LED furniture is a practical alternative to hiring a full lighting crew.

Planning your equipment logistics

When ordering equipment, consider the practicalities of the venue. Before confirming your hire, check the following:

  1. Power availability: Even if your LED furniture is battery-powered, your caterers will need power for catering equipment.
  2. Venue access: Ensure that the venue allows for the setup time required by your lighting contractors.
  3. Surface types: If you are placing heavy lighting rigs or furniture, ensure the floor can support the weight.
  4. Backup plans: If you are using battery-operated LED furniture, confirm the battery life is sufficient for the duration of your event.

If you are coordinating a large event, you may also need to hire additional glassware and crockery. We can deliver these alongside your LED furniture to reduce the number of transport movements to your site.

Frequently asked questions

Do your LED furniture items require a power supply during the event?

No. Our LED furniture range is battery-operated. The items are charged before delivery and will hold their charge for the duration of a standard event. You do not need to worry about trailing cables or finding power sockets for these pieces.

Can I change the colour of the LED furniture?

Yes. Most of our LED furniture comes with a remote control that allows you to select static colours or set the items to cycle through a range of colours. This allows you to match the furniture to your specific brand colours or event theme.

Do you provide technicians to set up the lighting?

No. Expo Hire provides a dry hire service. We deliver the equipment to your venue, and your team is responsible for placing it and operating the controls. If you require a technician to manage lighting throughout your event, you will need to hire a separate AV company.

Is your LED furniture suitable for outdoor use?

Some items are suitable for outdoor use in dry conditions, but they are not fully waterproof. You should check the specific product description for each item. Do not leave electrical or battery-operated items outside in the rain.

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