Most audio visual hire bookings in the UK start from £495, with the final cost depending on the sound, lighting and screen equipment you need, the size of the room, the number of technicians and how long they are on site. Exact pricing depends on availability, your exact requirements, time on site and location, so we quote every booking individually. This guide explains what drives AV costs for weddings, conferences and corporate events.
Key takeaways
- Room size, audience numbers and the number of technicians drive most AV costs.
- Screens, projection and live streaming add both equipment and specialist staff.
- A clear running order helps your AV team quote only for what you need.
What does audio visual hire cover?
Audio visual, or AV, hire covers the sound, lighting and screen equipment for an event, plus the technicians who set it up and run it. That can mean a PA system and microphones for speeches, uplighting to change the look of a room, projectors or LED screens for presentations and video, and the cabling, stands and control desks behind it all.
At a wedding, AV might support the speeches, first dance and a photo slideshow. At a conference or awards night, it runs every presentation, video playback and stage moment, often with a technician at a control desk throughout.
What affects the price of AV hire?
These are the factors that change an AV quote the most.
- Room size and audience numbers, which decide how powerful the sound system needs to be.
- Microphones: handheld, lectern, lapel or headset, and how many are live at once.
- Screens: projection, LED walls or TVs, plus confidence monitors for speakers.
- Lighting: uplighting, stage wash, spotlights and any moving lights.
- Technicians: how many, and whether they stay for the whole event.
- Extras such as live streaming, recording, hybrid event platforms or translation feeds.
- Load-in access, rigging points, power supply and early or late working.
Tip from our team: Send your AV team a running order, even a rough one. It shows exactly which moments need microphones, video or lighting changes, so you do not pay for kit sitting unused.
What is included in a typical AV package?
A typical package includes the sound system, a set number of microphones, basic lighting, delivery, set-up and pack-down, plus a technician for an agreed time. For corporate events it often includes a projector or screen and a laptop connection at the lectern.
Extras usually include additional technicians, LED walls, stage lighting design, video recording, live streaming, a show caller for complex events and a technical rehearsal before doors open.
Want a quote for audio visuals?
Free, no obligation. Tell us your date and venue.
How much should you budget for audio visuals?
Most bookings start from £495 for a straightforward setup, such as sound and microphones for wedding speeches or a small meeting. Conferences, awards nights and product launches with screens, stage lighting and a larger crew naturally sit above that.
We quote each booking individually, based on availability, your exact requirements, time on site and location. That way the quote reflects your room, your audience and your running order.
How can you get better value from AV hire?
Check what your venue already has. Many hotels and conference centres have built-in screens, projectors or house sound, and sometimes they are good enough for simple needs. Other times they are dated or underpowered, and an external supplier gives a much better result.
Combining services also helps. If you are booking a DJ, ask whether their sound system can cover speeches. If you need decor lighting and stage lighting, one supplier can often handle both.
- Share one clear running order early.
- Ask what the venue includes and test it if possible.
- Book AV, DJ and lighting together where it makes sense.
- Only stream or record the sessions you truly need.
Want a quote for audio visuals?
Free, no obligation. Tell us your date and venue.
When is basic AV not enough?
A single speaker on a stand struggles in a large banqueting hall with 400 guests, and a small projector washes out in a bright room. For conferences, a missing confidence monitor or poor microphone choice can make even strong speakers look unprepared.
We will tell you honestly when a setup is too small, or when your venue's house system will do the job. Party Central has over 20 years' experience in events, our partners are vetted and insured, and we cover venues across the UK.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a technician for AV hire?
For anything beyond a simple plug-in speaker, yes. A technician manages sound levels, microphones and video cues, and fixes problems quickly, which matters most during speeches and presentations.
Can AV suppliers live stream a conference or wedding?
Many can, using cameras, encoders and a reliable internet connection. Check the venue's internet speed in advance, and consider a wired connection rather than Wi-Fi for stability.
Is the venue's built-in AV good enough?
Sometimes. It can be fine for small meetings, but may be underpowered or dated for large events. Ask what is included and test it before relying on it.
How early should I book AV for a corporate event?
Book as soon as your venue and date are confirmed, especially for conference season and December. Share your running order and presentation formats in the weeks before the event.
Get an AV quote for your event
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Written by the Party Central events team. Prices mentioned are starting points only. Exact pricing depends on availability, your exact requirements, time on site and location. Party Central is a trading name of Booking Central Ltd.
