
Bistro string lights
Per 100 ft strand, LED globe bulbs
$82.50per 100 ftEst.
Cook County · Lighting
Event lighting rentals in Evanston, IL start at $2.20, and the typical item costs about $71.50, across 26 options from Chicago-area rental partners. Delivery to Evanston is priced per order, usually $150 to $400 depending on distance, stairs and timing, and one free itemized quote covers delivery, setup and pickup.


Per 100 ft strand, LED globe bulbs
$82.50per 100 ftEst.

Wireless, battery powered, any color
$38.50each

Crystal or wood-and-iron, for tents and lofts
$82.50each

Per 10' section, 8'-16' tall
$55per 10' section
$22each
$55each
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 Evanston
| 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.
* Estimated from Chicago-area market rates; confirmed in your quote.
Celebrating in Evanston
Evanston packs a lot into a few square miles. There is the Northwestern campus pressed against the lake, the old mansions and lilac-lined streets of the lakeshore historic district, and a downtown full of restaurants that regularly host rehearsal dinners and showers. Weekends in May and June feel like one long graduation party.
Lakefront settings are beautiful and windy. The city typically handles permits for gatherings on park property, so check before you plan seating.
Lighting here: Park events usually end at dusk; if yours does not, battery lanterns and uplights avoid the need for power.
Victorian and Prairie-style houses often have garden rooms, porches and deep backyards reached by alleys rather than driveways.
Lighting here: String lights between trees or poles turn a yard into a venue after dark. Plan power runs and keep cords off walkways.
Graduation weekend brings dinners and receptions to homes, restaurants and rented rooms near Northwestern. Plan early, since the whole town is busy.
Lighting here: Check what the venue's house lighting can do first, then rent uplights or pin spots for the cake and centerpieces.
Evanston has a deep bench of historic congregations whose halls host receptions, memorials and milestone celebrations.
Lighting here: Hall lighting is often harsh. Uplights in your colors and dimmed overheads change the room more than any decor.
How to plan
One uplight every 8-10 feet of wall, set to your color palette.
For a tent, plan the tent length x 3-4 for a zig-zag or perimeter pattern.
Pipe and drape is priced per running foot; use it to hide walls, storage or a kitchen door.
FAQ
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