Example photoBistro string lights
Per 100 ft strand, LED globe bulbs
$82.50per 100 ftEst.
Lighting rental · Chicago & suburbs
Lighting rental in Chicago
Event lighting in Chicago rents for about $25-40 per LED uplight, $50-100 per 100 feet of bistro string lights and $75-150 per chandelier. Uplights transform a room for the least money: 8-12 wash a ballroom, 16-24 a large hall.
26 options$2.20 – $214.50Delivery across Chicago & suburbs
Lighting we rent
Example photo
LED uplight
Wireless, battery powered, any color
$38.50each
Example photoChandelier
Crystal or wood-and-iron, for tents and lofts
$82.50each
Pipe & drape
Per 10' section, 8'-16' tall
$55per 10' section
Real event photos
Lighting at real events
Example photos of lighting in use, to help you picture your event. Exact items and finishes vary by rental partner; ask for photos of the actual pieces with your quote.
Full price list
Every lighting option, priced
22 more styles, sizes and finishes from Chicago-area rental companies. Prices are per unit for one event day, before delivery, setup, damage waiver and tax (typically 35-60% more all-in).
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. Rental company? Correct or remove your listing.
 | Christmas Holiday Light Backdrop Rental | $192.50each |
 | 7 Arm Gold Candelabra Centerpiece Rental | $26.40each |
 | Cold Spark Machine Rental | $214.50each |
 | Custom Monogram Light Rental, Gobo Projector Rental | $192.50each |
| Fairy Light Twinkling Flameless Candles | $2.20each |
 | Large Black Lantern Trio | $71.50each |
| Moon Lamp Lighting Rental | $5.50each |
 | Professional Photography Lighting Rental | $97.90each |
| Real Wax Flameless Flickering Candle Rental | $2.20each |
| Real Wax Flameless Flickering Tea Light Candle Rental | $2.20each |
| Uplighting Rental | $38.50each |
| Assorted Vintage Style Black Lanterns | $5.50each |
 | Pipe and Drape Rental | $130.90each |
| Exhibit Booth Pipe and Drape | $5.50per ft |
| 21″ Diameter x 41.5″ Height Light Set for Cylinder Bargroup: Cylinder Bar | $132each |
| Cylinder Bar - Light for Tall or Short Cylindergroup: Cylinder Bar | $44each |
| 5-in-1 Party Light with Stand | $110each |
| Up Light Party Lights | $22each |
| LED Light with Stand | $55each |
| 4 beam laser Party Light4 beam | $110each |
| Chauvet Party LED Light | $110each |
| Champagne Wall with Lights | $163.90each |
Plan it
How to work out what you need
- 1
Uplighting
One uplight every 8-10 feet of wall, set to your color palette.
- 2
String lights
For a tent, plan the tent length x 3-4 for a zig-zag or perimeter pattern.
- 3
Drape
Pipe and drape is priced per running foot; use it to hide walls, storage or a kitchen door.
Price guide
Lighting rental prices in Chicago
- LED uplight$38.50
- Pipe & drape$55
- Bistro string lights$82.50*
- Chandelier$82.50
* Estimated from Chicago-area market rates; confirmed in your quote.
Worked example
100-guest wedding reception
Gold Chiavari chairs at 60" rounds, floor-length linens, full china, flatware and glassware, cocktail hour highboys, a 12x12 dance floor and uplighting.
| Item | Qty | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Chiavari chair | 100 | $743 | |
| 60" round table | 13 | $193.05 | |
| 120" round tablecloth | 13 | $203.84 | |
| Cloth napkin | 100 | $83 | |
| Charger plate | 100 | $935 | |
| Dinner plate | 100 | $83 | |
| Salad / dessert plate | 100 | $72 | |
| Dinner fork | 100 | $83 | |
| Salad fork | 100 | $83 | |
| Dinner knife | 100 | $83 | |
| Teaspoon | 100 | $83 | |
| Water goblet | 100 | $83 | |
| Wine glass | 100 | $83 | |
| Champagne flute | 100 | $83 | |
| Highboy cocktail table | 8 | $127.60 | |
| Spandex highboy cover | 8 | $123.20 | |
| 8' banquet table | 4 | $50.60 | |
| 90" x 156" tablecloth | 4 | $105.60 | |
| Dance floor section | 16 | $352 | |
| LED uplight | 12 | $462 | |
| Rental subtotal | $4,114.89 | ||
About $41 per guest before delivery, setup, damage waiver and tax.
Customize this listQuestions
Lighting rental FAQs
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.
Are string lights safe in rain?
Commercial rental bistro lights are rated for outdoor use. Vendors still route power through covered connections and GFCI outlets.
Complete your event
Free 15-minute planning call
Planning lighting for your event?
- Quantities for your guest count and floor plan
- Which chairs, tables and linens suit your venue
- An honest estimate with delivery and setup itemized
