Bistro string lights
Per 100 ft strand, LED globe bulbs
$82.50per 100 ftEst.
Cook County · Lighting
Event lighting rentals in Chicago
Event lighting rentals in Chicago, IL start at $2.20, and the typical item costs about $71.50, across 26 options from Chicago-area rental partners. Delivery to Chicago is priced per order, usually $150 to $400 depending on distance, stairs and timing, and one free itemized quote covers delivery, setup and pickup.
- lowest lighting price
- $2.20
- lowest lighting price
- typical item
- $71.50
- typical item
- options to choose from
- 26
- options to choose from
- top of the range
- $214.50
- top of the range
Popular lighting for Chicago events
LED uplight
Wireless, battery powered, any color
$38.50each
Chandelier
Crystal or wood-and-iron, for tents and lofts
$82.50each
Pipe & drape
Per 10' section, 8'-16' tall
$55per 10' section
Example photoCylinder Bar - Light for Tall or Short Cylinder
group: Cylinder Bar
$44each
Example photo5-in-1 Party Light with Stand
$110each
Prices are based on local rental companies' published rates plus our booking fee. Your final quote is confirmed by the rental company for your date and venue.
Planning for Chicago
How much you need, by guest count
| Guests | You will need about |
|---|---|
| 50 guests | 8 uplights or 60 ft of string lights |
| 100 guests | 10 uplights or 120 ft of string lights |
| 150 guests | 15 uplights or 180 ft of string lights |
| 200 guests | 20 uplights or 240 ft of string lights |
Want exact counts for your floor plan? Try the seating planner or see what lighting cost in Chicago.
- Real Wax Flameless Flickering Candle Rental$2.20
- Real Wax Flameless Flickering Tea Light Candle Rental$2.20
- Assorted Vintage Style Black Lanterns$5.50
- LED uplight$38.50
- Uplighting Rental$38.50
- Pipe & drape$55
- Bistro string lights$82.50*
- Chandelier$82.50
- Pipe and Drape Rental$130.90
- Christmas Holiday Light Backdrop Rental$192.50
* Estimated from Chicago-area market rates; confirmed in your quote.
Celebrating in Chicago
Where Chicago hosts use lighting
Chicago doesn't celebrate in one kind of room. A single summer Saturday might hold a rooftop rehearsal dinner in River North, a quinceañera in a Pilsen banquet hall, a church wedding in Hyde Park and a backyard graduation party behind a Lakeview two-flat. Each of those asks something different of the chairs and of the people delivering them, which is why we plan every order around the actual building, block and loading situation rather than a generic drop-off window.
Lofts and industrial event spaces
Common in the West Loop, the Loop and River North, often with freight elevators and strict load-in windows.
Lighting here: Check what the venue's house lighting can do first, then rent uplights or pin spots for the cake and centerpieces.
Parish halls and churches
From South Side congregations to North Side parishes, many host ceremonies, receptions and community gatherings in their own halls.
Lighting here: Hall lighting is often harsh. Uplights in your colors and dimmed overheads change the room more than any decor.
Backyards and gangway-access yards
Two-flats and bungalows often mean carrying chairs down a gangway or in from the alley, so we plan for compact loads.
Lighting here: String lights between trees or poles turn a yard into a venue after dark. Plan power runs and keep cords off walkways.
Park district fieldhouses and lakefront spaces
Chicago Park District spaces have their own permit and setup rules, so check with the district before booking rentals.
Lighting here: Park events usually end at dusk; if yours does not, battery lanterns and uplights avoid the need for power.
Delivery notes for Chicago
- Outdoor events near the lake can get gusty even on warm days. We'll steer you toward heavier chair styles for exposed patios, rooftops and beachfront spots.
- Winter events are very doable, but snow, salted sidewalks and short daylight hours affect load-in. Build in a little extra setup time from November through March.
How to plan
Getting event lighting rentals right
- 01
Uplighting
One uplight every 8-10 feet of wall, set to your color palette.
- 02
String lights
For a tent, plan the tent length x 3-4 for a zig-zag or perimeter pattern.
- 03
Drape
Pipe and drape is priced per running foot; use it to hide walls, storage or a kitchen door.
FAQ
Event lighting rentals in Chicago: questions
How much does event lighting rental cost in Chicago?
Event lighting rentals through Beyond Chiavari start at $2.20 per item, with a typical item around $71.50 and premium pieces up to $214.50. Delivery to Chicago, setup, a damage waiver of about 10% and sales tax are added on the same itemized quote.
Do you deliver event lighting rentals to Chicago?
Yes. We book event lighting rentals with Chicago-area rental partners who deliver to Chicago, IL (ZIP 60601, 60614, 60616, 60622). Delivery is priced per order by the partner and shown on your quote before you book.
Can string lights be installed at my Chicago home?
Yes, if there are trees, poles or structures to hang them from, or the partner brings poles. Tell us the layout and where outlets are at your Chicago site so power runs are planned before the install.
How far ahead should I book event lighting rentals in Chicago?
Lighting is easier to get than tents, but book 4 to 8 weeks ahead for fall weddings, when sunset comes early.
How many uplights do I need?
For a typical hotel ballroom, 12-16 uplights. Space them every 8-10 feet along the walls you want to color.
More for your Chicago event
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