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Navigating furniture hire for events: A comprehensive guide for UK planners in 2024

Providing a detailed guide on navigating the world of furniture hire for events in the UK, including tips on selection, budgeting, and style choices.

furniture hire

It goes without saying that for many event planners, furniture hire for events isn’t usually at the top of their priority list when they are planning an event, though in today’s competitive world, it probably deserves a little more respect. Ultimately, it’s the interaction of all the various elements of an event working together that determines the success or failure of the event, and in this competitive market, failure is not an option!

The right furniture can transform a simple space into a spectacular venue. Whether you’re organising a wedding, a corporate event, or a casual gathering, furniture hire is a pivotal element in setting the ambience and ensuring guest comfort.

Firstly, it’s important to understand exactly what we mean by furniture hire for events. Furniture hire is where you rent furniture pieces for the duration of your event, offering a cost-effective and flexible solution to meet your event needs without the long-term investment – in other words, you pay a few to ‘borrow’ event furniture for a period of time.

The longer you need the furniture for, the more it will cost you, and vice versa of course. With the vast array of options available, you can tailor your furniture choices to enhance your event’s theme, maximize space, and align with your budget.

Start with a plan

Before diving into the various brochures and online catalogues of furniture hire companies in the UK, it’s important that you have a clear understanding of your event’s requirements. You can do this by considering the following aspects of your event.

  • Venue: Assess the space available and its layout. The size and shape of the venue will dictate the size and amount of furniture you can accommodate. If you over-hire, the setting will be cramped. If you under-hire, the room will look sparse, so be careful!
  • Guest count: Knowing how many people are attending is crucial for ensuring you hire enough seating and tables.
  • Event type: The nature of the event influences the style of furniture. For instance, a formal dinner requires different seating compared to a relaxed networking event, where instead of banqueting tables and chairs, you might prefer poseur tables and stools, for instance.

Selecting the right furniture

Choosing the right furniture involves more than just picking pieces that look good, and remember, furniture hire is more than just tables and chairs – it can also include lounge furniture, outdoor furniture hire and much more. Consider the following:

  • Functionality & comfort: Ensure the furniture serves its purpose well and provides comfort, especially for events lasting several hours. Conference chairs are a great example of this, where delegates will be seated for prolonged periods.
  • Style & theme: The furniture should complement the overall theme of your event. Furniture hire companies such as easyEventhire, for instance, often offer a range of styles from contemporary to classic.
  • Quality & condition: Opt for furniture in excellent condition to avoid any mishaps during your event and ensure it looks pristine. The last thing you want is for your event to be remembered for all the WRONG reasons!

Budgeting for furniture hire

Budgeting effectively is essential to managing your event’s costs. Everyone has a budget to work to, and so whether you are looking for affordable furniture hire or luxury furniture hire for events, work out what you need, set a realistic budget, and stick to it!

  • Get multiple quotes: Compare prices from different suppliers to find the best deal. Don’t forget to check what’s included, such as delivery, setup, and pickup fees.
  • Prioritise key pieces: Invest in key furniture pieces that will make the most impact, such as elegant dining tables or comfortable seating for a lounge area. You want to achieve the WOW factor when guests enter your venue.

Logistics & timings

Managing the logistics of furniture hire is critical. Furniture is often bulky, and so the last thing you need is a lot of manual handling in the lead up to your busy event.

  • Delivery and setup: Coordinate with your furniture hire company for delivery and setup times. Make sure they have access to the venue and any specific instructions for setup.
  • Timing: Book your furniture well in advance, especially if your event is in a peak season. Last-minute hires can be more expensive or might mean compromising on your preferred style.

Review & feedback

After your event, review the performance of the furniture hire company.

  • Condition of furniture: Was the furniture in good condition? Did it match what was promised?
  • Service quality: Assess the level of service provided, including timeliness, professionalism, and problem resolution.
  • Feedback: Providing feedback helps the company improve and assists other planners in making informed decisions. Maybe leave them a rating on their website or on social media.

So, in a nutshell, that is your guide to furniture hire for events in the UK, which will hopefully save you time, money and effort. When the time comes, don’t hesitate to browse and place your secure order online 24/7 with the experts at easyEventhire, where our team is poised to provide you with a seamless hire experience from start to finish.

We look forward to hearing from you.