What Event Hire Companies Do and What They Do Not Do

A clear guide explaining what event hire companies do and what they do not do, helping clients understand responsibilities, services, and how to plan weddings, parties, and corporate events more effectively.

What Event Hire Companies Are Responsible For

An event hire company is responsible for supplying the physical items and infrastructure needed to bring an event together. This includes marquee and structure hire, furniture, tableware, crockery, lighting, sound, staging, and other essential equipment. The hire company ensures items are clean, safe, well-maintained, delivered on time, and collected as agreed, giving clients confidence that the foundations of their event are in place.

Most professional event hire companies also manage logistics such as delivery scheduling, access planning, setup timing, and breakdown coordination. This behind-the-scenes work is essential for weddings, parties, and corporate events where timing and site access are critical. While the focus is on equipment, experienced companies will also offer guidance based on years of real event experience.

Equipment and Services Typically Included in Event Hire

Event hire commonly covers a wide range of physical items needed to host guests comfortably and safely. This includes marquee hire, flooring, dancefloors, furniture such as tables and chairs, tableware, crockery, glassware, linen, bars, catering equipment, generators, power distribution, lighting, and sound systems. These items can be hired individually or as part of a larger event package.

Many event hire companies also offer setup and breakdown of the equipment they supply. This ensures everything is installed correctly and removed efficiently after the event. For larger or more complex events, some companies can also provide additional support, such as on-site crew, technical setup, and coordination of hired equipment to ensure everything works seamlessly together.

What Event Hire Companies Do Not Provide as Standard

A common misconception is that an event hire company automatically manages every aspect of an event. In reality, most event hire companies do not act as full event planners unless this service is specifically offered. This means they do not usually book venues, manage guest lists, coordinate suppliers such as caterers or florists, or run the event timeline unless event management has been agreed.

Event hire companies also do not typically provide DJs, entertainers, photographers, or catering as part of standard hire. These services sit outside equipment hire and are usually arranged directly by the client or through a separate planner. Understanding this distinction early helps avoid confusion and ensures all responsibilities are clearly allocated.

The Difference Between Event Hire and Event Management

Event hire focuses on supplying equipment, while event management focuses on overseeing the event as a whole. An event manager handles schedules, supplier coordination, guest flow, and problem-solving on the day. Some event hire companies offer event management as an additional service, but it is not automatically included.

When both services are combined, clients benefit from having a single experienced team handling equipment, logistics, and coordination. This is especially valuable for weddings and large-scale events where multiple suppliers and tight timelines are involved. However, it is important to confirm in advance whether event management is included or offered as an optional extra.

How Understanding Responsibilities Leads to Better Events

A clear understanding of what an event hire company does and does not do leads to smoother planning and better outcomes. When clients know which elements are covered by event hire and which require additional suppliers or planning, expectations are managed, and last-minute issues are avoided.

Open communication between clients, planners, and the event hire company allows everyone to work together effectively. With the right equipment, clear responsibilities, and realistic planning, events run more smoothly, look better, and feel more enjoyable for both hosts and guests.

What We Can Do for You

WA Carr and Son is a full-service event hire company providing the essential equipment and support needed to deliver weddings, parties, and corporate events. We supply marquees and structures, flooring, dancefloors, furniture, tableware, crockery, glassware, linen, bars, catering equipment, lighting, sound, staging, power, and distribution. Our team manages delivery, professional setup, and breakdown, ensuring every element is installed safely, looks polished, and works seamlessly together. Alongside equipment hire, we also offer event management support and experienced event staff for larger or more complex events, helping clients plan logistics clearly and deliver well-organised events from start to finish.

Frequently Asked Questions