Summer Event Hire: What to Book Before the Season Runs Out

June and July are the busiest months for outdoor event hire. Outdoor furniture, commercial BBQs and gazebos are the first items to go. If you are planning a corporate summer party, village fete, wedding reception or outdoor festival for this summer, confirm your order now.

What Books Out First

• Commercial gas BBQs — book 3 to 4 weeks out for peak summer dates
• Gazebos — 3x6m sizes go fastest from June onwards
• Outdoor rattan sets — corporate picnic and garden party staple
• Patio heaters — needed for evening events even in summer
• Deck chairs — popular for outdoor cinema and festival setups

Core Summer Hire List Per 100 Guests

Seating and furniture

• 10 to 12 x 6ft trestle tables
• 80 to 100 x folding or banqueting chairs
• 2 to 3 x 3x3m gazebos for shade over food and drink stations
• 4 to 6 x parasols for additional guest shade

Catering

• 1 to 2 x Cinders commercial gas BBQ
• 2 x 13kg gas bottles per BBQ per 4 hours of service
• 6 to 8 x chafing dishes for hot food service alongside the BBQ
• 1 x double door bottle cooler for drinks

Drinks

• Glassware — 2.5 glasses per guest minimum
• Large oval ice buckets — 1 per 4 guests for wine and beer
• Lindr beer dispenser if serving draught — 1 unit per 80 guests per hour

Evening cover

• Patio heaters — 1 per 15m² of outdoor space for evening events

Weather Planning

Book at least one gazebo per food and drink station regardless of the forecast. English summer weather can change inside an hour. A 3x3m gazebo covers a bar setup or a trestle table comfortably and protects equipment and guests without requiring a full marquee.

Lead Times

Most items confirm with 48 hours notice. For large orders or specialist equipment — commercial ovens, large gazebos, multiple BBQ units — two weeks gives you the best chance of securing the stock you need. Live availability shows on every product page.

Expo Direct delivers to Scotland — if you are north of the border, our sister site Expo Direct sells outdoor furniture and equipment outright.