Different events have different hire requirements. This guide covers what each event type typically needs in terms of furniture, linen and equipment.
Different events have different hire requirements. This guide covers what each event type typically needs in terms of furniture, linen and equipment.
Different events have different hire requirements. A corporate conference needs rows of chairs and workshop tables. A wedding reception needs crockery, glassware and poseur tables for a drinks hour. A wake calls for neutral linen and a quiet setup. This guide covers the most common event types and what each typically requires.
Theatre-layout conferences need 100–200 chairs in rows with no tables. Classroom-style setups add one rectangular banqueting table per two or three delegates. Away days with workshop groups work well with banqueting tables seating four to six people, arranged in clusters rather than rows.
A small table near the entrance handles name badges and registration. AV tables or a lectern table at the front of the room complete the setup. Most corporate hirers choose dark linen in navy, charcoal or black, or branded overlays supplied by the client. Caterers typically handle food service equipment independently.
Weddings are one of the most equipment-intensive event types in terms of hire volume. A sit-down reception for 100 guests needs chairs, round or rectangular tables, tablecloths, napkins, crockery, glassware, cutlery and poseur tables for a cocktail hour before the meal.
Chiavari chairs suit both rustic barns and formal hotel ballrooms. Round tables of 5ft or 6ft diameter seat eight to ten guests each. Poseur tables during the drinks reception keep guests standing and circulating before the sit-down meal begins.
Milestone birthdays, 30ths, 40ths and 50ths, typically host 50–150 guests. The hire mix usually covers round dining tables, a combination of dining chairs and bar stools near the dance floor, and two or three poseur tables close to the bar. A separate table for the cake is standard at most milestone parties.
Linen in a chosen colour scheme, gold, blush or white are the most common choices, ties the room together across different table shapes. For evening events, LED cube stools and glowing poseur tables add a party atmosphere without separate lighting hire.
Proms require high-volume glassware for soft drinks and mocktails, round dining tables and banqueting chairs. Gold, silver or school colours drive the linen choice. Poseur tables near the entrance or backdrop area work as photograph stations in the first hour before guests are seated.
Quantities per head run higher than a typical dinner event because every guest has a full place setting and multiple glasses. Order conservatively on glassware counts, but factor in some breakage.
Garden parties need outdoor furniture: lightweight chairs, folding tables and parasols for daytime events. Rattan lounge furniture suits informal afternoon gatherings. Evening garden parties need outdoor heating once the temperature drops after sunset.
Ground stability matters on soft or uneven grass. Furniture with narrow feet can sink or tilt on soft ground. Confirm the ground conditions with the hire company at the time of booking so they can advise on suitable furniture choices.
Fetes and charity events typically run on tight budgets. Plastic folding tables and stacking chairs meet most stall and seating requirements without adding unnecessary cost. Many of these events use marquees, so confirm at booking whether items go inside or outside the marquee structure.
Delivery to parks, village greens and public spaces requires van access and parking. Check permit requirements in advance. Volunteers usually handle setup at these events, so all furniture should be straightforward to assemble without tools or specialist knowledge.
Hire for wakes calls for a quiet, understated setup. Rows of chairs for a short service element, followed by dining tables for a buffet or sit-down meal, cover the typical format. Linen in neutral tones, white, ivory or grey, is appropriate alongside crockery and cutlery for buffet service.
The setup tone matters as much as the furniture choices. Bold colours, LED furniture and heavy branding are out of place at this type of event. Keep the aesthetic plain and leave the space feeling calm.
Product launches often take place in non-standard venues: warehouses, rooftops, converted industrial spaces. The furniture brief is usually light on dining and focused on visual impact. Lounge furniture for brand activation zones, poseur tables for standing receptions and LED items for evening impact are the standard combination.
These bookings are often short-notice. Check availability early and confirm all access restrictions at the venue, including weight limits, lift dimensions and loading bay hours, at the time of booking rather than the day before.
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