Chairs, Cheers, and Cha-Ching: How to Start a Party Equipment Rental Business That Pays

I was on holiday recently In Cape Verde and the resort I was residing at would have an all white party one Friday, then a Neon party on the following Friday; this would alternate each week. I turned up on the week of the all white party and I was amazed that the hotel put on such an extravagant event on a weekly basis. The balloons, the costumes, the decorations and the props all added to the atmosphere. Such a calm hotel throwing an event like this was a big surprise. You can check this out on the video below - how the main stage transformed to such an event inspired me to write this blog post. Now I know I have spoken about companies that help set up luxury picnics which is a similar topic but I think the idea of party equipment rental companies is a niche in itself. I had a blog post about 360 photo/video booth being a current popular prop being rented at parties, but I have decided to delve into this a bit more.

You’d be surprised how many events happen in a single postcode on any given weekend. Birthdays, weddings, baby showers, and corporate gatherings; they all need chairs, tables, decorations, maybe even a bouncy castle or a pop-up bar. And the truth is most people don’t want to buy all that equipment. They don’t have the space to store it either. That’s where the rental business comes in.

Since the pandemic the UK events industry in particular has come roaring back. People are making up for lost time, throwing parties at home, in gardens, or at local venues. According to IBISWorld, the party rental equipment hire sector has had an increase in CAGR (Compound annual growth rate) of 8.3 % over the past five years, to reach an estimated $8.5bn in 2025. That’s not just healthy, that’s thriving.

Take Rio Lounge as an example. Based in Hertfordshire, they began by renting out a few stylish rattan sofas for weddings and parties. Now they’re supplying furniture to high-profile events for brands like Google and Vogue. Their secret lies in a simple formula: quality, efficiency, and a touch of luxury.

Now imagine you are about to start your own party equipment rental business, before you rush out and load up on chairs and fairy lights take a step back. Ask yourself: what does your local area actually need? A business in Birmingham might find a high demand for wedding props and backdrops, while someone in a coastal town could see more interest in relaxed outdoor furniture or rustic themes.

Start with some light research. Scroll through community Facebook groups, browse Tagvenue and Bark, or take inspiration from Pinterest and Instagram. If you’re really curious, speak to nearby venues, caterers, or photographers. They’ll often tell you what their clients are always asking for.

Rosetone Event Furniture did this brilliantly. Based in Bedfordshire, they spotted a consistent demand for elegant seating options and built their brand around it. Today, they supply everything from Chiavari chairs to custom furniture across the UK all because they followed the signals in their local market.

The most successful rental businesses tend to start with a clear focus. That could mean targeting children’s parties, boho weddings, or garden events. A tight niche helps you market better, manage inventory more easily, and build a strong reputation. Trying to cater to everyone, especially in the beginning can spread you too thin.

Grizzly Bear Events in Surrey understood this early on. They began with just outdoor heating and lighting, a few patio heaters, some festoon lights, and a couple of bell tents. But by doing it well and showing up reliably, they became one of the most trusted names in their region.

It’s easy to get excited and start buying every party gadget under the sun. But remember, everything you own has to be stored, maintained, transported and kept in good condition. If you overwhelm yourself early on you’ll burn out before the bookings roll in. I have used both Access Storage & Big Yellow for different business ventures. and its relatively simple to use in terms of storage of goods.

Start with the essentials. Folding chairs, tables, tablecloths, gazebos, and uplighters tend to be in constant demand. They’re versatile, easy to transport and suitable for a wide range of events.

Buying second-hand is a smart way to get started. Look on Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, or through event supply resellers. You’ll find reliable, affordable kit that still looks great just make sure it’s safe, clean and professional enough to represent your brand.

Also be realistic about transport. If you’re trying to fit 30 chairs into a small hatchback you’ll quickly hit a wall. A reliable van and a few trolleys can save you a lot of time, effort and stress.

Let’s face it paperwork isn’t fun. But if you want to run a legit business, it’s non-negotiable. You’ll need public liability insurance at the very least. If you’re hiring out anything electrical, you’ll need to have it PAT tested. If inflatables are involved, you’ll need to be certified by PIPA.

Fortunately, insurers like Simply Business and Hiscox offer tailored policies for small rental companies. Expect to pay anywhere from £150 to £400 a year depending on your setup and coverage.

On top of that you’ll want to have clear terms and conditions. That means setting deposit rules, cancellation policies, and delivery windows. Not only does this protect you but it also shows customers that you take your business seriously.

Even if you only have 10 chairs and a gazebo, you still need to look professional. A decent logo, clean colour scheme, and a mobile-friendly website go a long way. Platforms like Wix and Squarespace make it easy to create something polished without needing a designer.

Social media is your best free marketing tool. Instagram and TikTok are ideal for showcasing setups, styling tips and behind-the-scenes content. Engage with wedding planners, stylists, and venues. Use location hashtags to appear in local searches.

One of the most common mistakes new rental businesses make is undercharging. Yes you want to be competitive. But if you’re not covering delivery time, fuel, cleaning, and maintenance you’ll struggle to stay afloat. Your time and reliability have value.

Rather than charging per item, create all-inclusive packages. For example, a “Garden Party Kit” that includes tables, chairs, lighting, and delivery can be far more appealing than a list of separate costs. It also simplifies things for your customer.

Having great equipment helps but it’s your service that people remember. Respond quickly, show up on time and go the extra mile when needed. That’s what gets you glowing reviews, word-of-mouth referrals and repeat customers.

Events are emotionally charged. One missing table or late delivery can cause huge stress. Your job is to be the calm, reliable presence in the background; the person who makes the host feel supported and confident.

Once you’ve got a steady stream of bookings and happy clients it’s time to think about growth. That might mean buying more stock, hiring part-time help or adding new services like balloon displays or bar hire.

If you’re someone who thrives on being organised, loves making people smile and enjoys turning empty spaces into unforgettable moments then starting a party equipment rental business might just be your calling. It’s a hands-on blend of creativity and practicality, where no two events are ever the same; every satisfied client is a reminder of the impact you’re making.

Sure there’ll be early mornings, heavy lifting, and the odd unexpected hiccup (flat tyres included), but the rewards are worth it: glowing reviews, repeat bookings, and the proud feeling of knowing you helped bring someone’s special day to life.

Need a little extra guidance to kick things off? I recommend checking out Launching Your Own Party Rental Venture: How to Start a Party Rental Business and Achieve Entrepreneurial Success — it’s packed with real-world tips and step-by-step advice tailored specifically to this industry. You can click on the image below to purchase. What's an AKERS WORLD blog post without a book recommendation.

You’ve got the passion, now’s the time to turn it into a thriving business that people rely on to make memories.

Got a product, service, or brand that fits this vibe? I occasionally feature businesses that align with my blog’s audience. Feel free to reach out via the Contact page to chat collaborations or submissions.