Planning an event but not sure if you should rent or buy lighting equipment? It’s a bigger decision than you might think. The choice can impact your budget, your event’s look, and even how much stress you deal with.
Renting lighting equipment might be a more innovative and flexible solution. It gives you options, saves you pounds, and lets you tap into the latest tech. Want to know in detail why renting could be worth it for your next event?
Let’s take a closer look:
Quick Glance: renting vs. buying lighting equipment
| Features | Renting | Buying |
| Upfront cost | Pay only for what and when you need | Significant upfront investment is required |
| Ongoing cost | Rental company handles the maintenance | Ongoing expenses for maintenance and upgrades |
| Access to technology | Always have the latest technology | Equipment quickly becomes outdated |
| Flexibility | Pick and choose for each event type, small or big | Limited to what you own |
| Storage & Transportation | Handled by the rental companies | You need space and transportation for your supplies |
| Environmental Impact | Shared use of equipment | Disposal of outdated equipment |
| Scalability | Rent more or less as needed | Must purchase additional supplies to scale |
Why is renting lighting equipment worth it?
When planning an event, lighting can make or break it. It’s not just about making the room bright but also about setting the ambience and creating an unforgettable environment. That’s why hiring lighting would be the solution to your special event.
Let’s discuss a bit more on why lighting equipment rental is the smart option:
- Save money and prevent big costs
We all know about the expense of events, especially in a bustling city like London. Buying lighting equipment means spending a lot of money upfront. Professional lights can range from £50 to £300 per fixture, and bigger events need 20 to 200 lights. That’s thousands of pounds right away.
When you rent, however, you skip that massive expense. Rental rates are much lower, typically between £20 to £100 per day. Not only do you have to spend money upfront, but you also have to think about ongoing costs, like maintenance and repairs.
And don’t forget buying equipment means you’re also responsible for repairs, upgrades and storage. Renting avoids all these extra costs. It is often a much more affordable solution.
- Get the latest equipment every time
Lighting technology is consistently improving. If you buy, you might be stuck with outdated gear in just a few years. But when you rent, you can always access the newest, most advanced lighting solutions without buying new equipment. Renting means you won’t need to worry about upgrading your equipment as technology changes. Rental companies like AV Productions stay on top of the latest trends, ensuring you always have access to state-of-the-art lighting.
- Perfect for infrequent events
Do you host events regularly? If you only need lighting once or twice a year, renting is more economical. There’s no point in buying equipment that’ll just sit in storage most of the time. Renting lets you get the exact lights you need, only when you need them, and for a fraction of the cost.
- Access to professional expertise
Rental companies often send a crew to help you set up everything correctly so your event looks perfect. You don’t need to be a lighting expert; they’ve got you covered.
Even if you need a special lighting setup or custom light plan, rental companies can help you design a lighting plan that fits your event. No matter if it’s a wedding or a corporate meeting, they’ll create a solution tailored to your needs.
- Flexibility for every event
No two events are alike. One might need a small, intimate lighting setup, while another requires something more grand. When you buy equipment, you’re stuck with what you have. Even if it doesn’t fit the needs of future events. Renting, however, gives you the freedom to choose the perfect setup every time.
Need more lights for a big conference? Available for Rent. Want a modest, idealistic feel for a wedding? Rent what you need without worrying about additional costs. With renting, you can adjust your setup for each event, ensuring everything is perfect.
- Hassle-free logistics
Renting takes care of all the logistics. You don’t need to store or transport bulky equipment. The rental company will deliver and set everything up for you.
Investing in equipment isn’t worth it if you’re only hosting a one-time event.
With renting once your event is over, the rental company takes everything back. You don’t need to worry about where to store it or how to maintain it.
Downsides of buying rental equipment
Buying may seem like convenient, especially at first glance. But it has a lot of downsides, like the initial cost. Good-quality lighting equipment isn’t cheap to buy, and you’ll need a large chunk of your budget for the purchase. But it doesn’t end there; owning equipment means you’re responsible for ongoing maintenance and repairs, which can add up quickly. And if something breaks, you’ve got two options: solve it yourself or fix it with the help of a technician by paying some pounds.
Then, there’s storage. Lighting equipment takes up space, and not everyone has the room to store bulky gear. Plus, you’ll need to transport your equipment to and from each event, which can involve hiring a van or arranging special delivery services.
Last but not least, there’s the issue of scalability. If your event grows or changes, you must buy more equipment to accommodate the new size or scope. This can be expensive and time-consuming, especially if you’re already on a tight budget.
Final Thoughts
In the end, renting lighting equipment makes sense for most events. It saves money, gives you access to the latest technology, and keeps your event flexible. Whether it’s a one-time event or a series of special occasions, renting is the hassle-free solution that ensures your lighting is perfect every time.
If you are planning an event in London, AV Productions is here to help. With over 25 years of experience, we offer top notch lighting and AV Solutions to make your event shine. Our comprehensive lighting hire range includes spotlights, wash lights and moving head fixtures.
Let us handle the lighting so you can focus on making your event memorable.
