Rooftop events present specific planning challenges: outdoor exposure, access restrictions for heavy equipment, and the need for furniture suited to an elevated urban setting. This guide covers the hire requirements.
Rooftop events present specific planning challenges: outdoor exposure, access restrictions for heavy equipment, and the need for furniture suited to an elevated urban setting. This guide covers the hire requirements.
Rooftop events present a specific set of planning challenges: outdoor weather exposure, access restrictions for heavy or bulky equipment, and the need for furniture that works in a more open, elevated setting. This guide covers the hire requirements for corporate rooftop drinks receptions and rooftop parties across England and Wales.
\n\nA standing drinks reception is the most common format for a rooftop event. The furniture setup is built around poseur tables that give guests a surface for drinks and conversation without requiring a full seated layout. For 50 guests, 6 to 8 poseur tables spread across the usable rooftop area is a reasonable starting point. For 100 guests, 12 to 15 tables.
\n\nPoseur tables are lighter than dining tables and move through access routes such as lifts and stairwells more easily. When planning a rooftop furniture delivery, confirm the lift dimensions and load limit with the venue. A standard poseur table base fits in most service lifts.
\n\nRattan lounge sets and outdoor sofas add a relaxed seating zone to a rooftop event, suited to events that run over a longer period where guests want to sit rather than stand throughout. Expo Hire's outdoor furniture range includes rattan lounge sets with tables, armchairs, and sofas in neutral colours suited to corporate or private rooftop events.
\n\nFor a rooftop event of 80 guests, a lounge zone with 2 to 3 rattan seating sets alongside the poseur table layout gives the space variety without reducing the usable standing area by a large margin.
\n\nRooftop venues are exposed to wind and cooler temperatures, in the evenings from April through to October. Patio heaters are an important addition to any rooftop event that runs into the evening. For a covered or part-covered rooftop space, one heater per 12 to 15 square metres of usable area is a practical guide.
\n\nFor a rooftop event with 80 guests across 120 square metres of usable space, 8 to 10 patio heaters give adequate warmth across the area. See the patio heater hire page for models and output levels.
\n\nWeight is a consideration for rooftop venues. Gas patio heaters require gas bottles, which add to the load. Always check the load-bearing capacity of the rooftop with the building manager or a structural engineer before ordering a large number of heaters or heavy items.
\n\nA drinks reception on a rooftop involves a limited number of drink types: champagne or prosecco, wine, beer, and soft drinks. Champagne flutes and wine glasses cover the core requirements. For 100 guests at a two-hour reception, order 150 to 200 champagne flutes and 150 to 200 wine glasses to allow for continuous service and multiple glasses per guest over the course of the evening.
\n\nSee the glassware hire page for case quantities and pricing.
\n\nRooftop venues present access challenges that ground-floor venues do not. Before placing a hire order for a rooftop event, check the following with the venue:
\n\nExpo Hire's delivery team can advise on the practicalities of access-limited deliveries. Contact the team with your venue details when enquiring about a rooftop event order.
\n\nExpo Hire delivers to England and Wales. For delivery charges, minimum order values, and lead times, see the carriage and delivery page.
See also: cocktail party hire guide and drinks reception setup guide.
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