6 Tips for Renting Sound and Lighting Equipment
Are you planning a big party? You’ll need to worry about a lot of things, from great food to fun entertainment. However, it isn’t a real party without lights and music. Are you looking to rent these big-ticket items? Here are six things to keep in mind:
1. Get a recommendation.
You’ll want to rent from a company that’s both friendly and easy to work with. Ask your friends, family, and neighbors who they worked with for their parties. How did they like it? Any complaints? Online reviews can also be helpful. Be sure to check both the positive and negative reviews.
2. Start with a solid game plan.
Measure the space and sketch out where the lights and sound equipment should go. While you’re at it, make sure to tuck everything out of the way of your guests. With a solid game plan, you’ll rent exactly what you need and no more.
3. Rent equipment that does double duty.
Some lights don’t just brighten a space, they also add a party atmosphere. This can include lights that project patterns, flash colors, or look like disco balls. Some companies also let you rent karaoke equipment.
4. Prepare the space.
Can the building handle the lights and equipment? Installing these pieces to the walls can damage both the rented items and the space. Meanwhile, all these electronics can be a big drain on the power. Before renting, figure out where you’ll set up and plug in each piece. Remember that some kinds of lights, like LEDs, take less electricity.
5. Save yourself a headache … and a bill.
Most damage to rented equipment happens during set-up and take-down. That’s a headache you don’t need. See if the place you’re renting from will do these steps for you.
6. Hire an event planning company.
Feeling overwhelmed? An event planning company like Hicks Convention Services can take care of all of these details, from planning to removing the equipment afterwards. This lets you relax and focus on the rest of the party.
My friends and I want to throw a fun party, and we have been thinking about renting sound and lighting equipment. Thank you for all the tips for renting equipment. I really like your tip about measuring the space and sketch out where the lights and sound equipment should go. We will have to do that first.
My sister is planning to have a fun dance party after her wedding reception and she asked me to help her choose lighting and sound equipment for the party, so I am glad that I found this article. You make a great point that you should choose a company that will set up and take down the rental equipment for you because this will save us a lot of time at the wedding and we won’t have to worry about damaging anything. Also, I will make sure to look at reviews of previous clients so that I can choose a rental company that provides good customer service.
I love that you mentioned that you can relax if you are to choose an event planning company to help you choose all of lighting. My wife and I have been talking about the lights that we are going to use at our daughter’s wedding, but it would be nice if we didn’t have to worry about that part because we have so much more to plan. I will be sure to consider hiring a professional for the lights.
Great to see this, I’ve been looking for tips on audio equipment. Parties and events aren’t exciting when there is no lights and music. I’ll keep in mind those important things you’ve mentioned above.