Chandelier hire: personal advice from the specialist

You have suddenly had the idea of hiring a chandelier, or several chandeliers. Perhaps you were inspired by one of our blogs, or you saw those magical photos on social media such as Pinterest or Instagram.

My name is Michel van Dolderen. Since 2006 I have been in daily contact with people like you who are thinking about hiring chandeliers. In my day-to-day work I have people on the phone who – perhaps just like you – are inspired by photos on social media and are curious about the cost of such a setting. Often the thought is: “what does that cost?” or “I want this for my party too”.

It also happens very often that people ask me about the ideal chandelier and/or the number of chandeliers for a particular space. Regularly I deal with producers who approach us for a wedding or event and ask us to sign a non-disclosure agreement, because the client does not want their event to become public.

In short: I meet quite a range of clients and people with all kinds of questions. This article is here to guide you as a reader and to help you make choices that suit, for example, a space, your budget or your styling.

Right: so you have the idea of doing something with chandeliers for your party? Or your wedding? Or perhaps your garden party? Below I set out the most common settings and uses for which chandeliers are hired.

First, a word about our chandeliers for hire

Some people sometimes think, “I will collect the chandeliers myself” and “I will hang the chandeliers myself”. This idea comes from wanting to save money. You think you will be cheaper off. But a chandelier is simply not a light fixture like a moving head or an LED par that can take a knock. As you may already have read, a chandelier consists of thousands of fragile crystals. In our case they are also very expensive crystals with a high lead content. That high lead content is, by the way, what gives our chandeliers their beautiful sparkle.

We assemble our chandeliers ourselves. Assemble is a fancy word for building them ourselves. We develop every model in-house. I have seen clients hang the chandeliers themselves and have it go wrong. The low point: a chandelier that actually fell and shattered. If you decide to hire our special chandeliers, you surely do not want anything to happen to them? For this reason we deliver the chandeliers ourselves and help with installation and removal. A reassuring feeling, isn't it?

Why hire chandeliers?

A very important question. Why do you choose to hire chandeliers? Perhaps you want to furnish a space in ultra luxury. Or perhaps chandeliers mean romance to you. Do you have a picture in mind in which chandeliers cannot be missing? Send me your moodboard. Then I will take a look with you.

How many chandeliers do I need?

I am asked this question very often. The answer is fairly simple. You choose between one statement, that is one large chandelier, or you spread smaller models across the space. Are you dividing the space into two parts? Then create two different atmospheres between the areas. Hire sack chandeliers for one area and, for example, Viennese models for the other. Or furnish one area with chandeliers and leave the other without.

A guideline, for example for a marquee, is: one chandelier per 5 metres. Above a dinner we usually hang one chandelier per round table. Is the dinner at a long table? Then we keep about 3.00 to 3.50 metres between each chandelier.

At what height do you hang chandeliers?

There are guidelines for this, but it depends on the space and the purpose for which you are hiring chandeliers. The number also has an influence. But here too, thanks to my experience, I have an answer.

Make sure the bottom of the chandelier hangs somewhere between 2.90 metres and 3.20 metres high. Do you want to hang the chandeliers above a dining table? Then we recommend letting the bottom finish at around 1.50 metres, measured from the floor. Of course this can be a little higher when there is tall table decoration. But at least this gives you more clarity.

You can assume that every chandelier model can be hung from a thin steel cable and is flexible in height. By the way: these steel cables and the rest of the fixing material, we bring all of it ourselves.

Are you hiring chandeliers for a company party, or for a company hall or storage warehouse? Then essentially the same guidelines apply. Unless it is immensely high. In a company hall 15 metres high you should look at our Super-Size XXL chandelier. These models are true statements. For these chandeliers we ask you to have a motor hoist installed by the facilities company. With such a hoist we can hang the chandelier at the perfect height.

During installation you can say whether you want the chandeliers a little higher or lower. My colleagues always ask you whether you are happy with the height.

How much does it cost to hire chandeliers?

This is perhaps the question I hear most often. And the honest answer? I cannot give it to you in one sentence. The price depends on your situation. Think of: how many chandeliers you need, which model you choose, the height and size of the space, the distance to the location, and whether we handle installation and removal (which we almost always do). A single chandelier above a round table is simply something quite different from a hall full of statements, or a Super-Size XXL in a company hall 15 metres high.

What spaces and occasions can you hire chandeliers for?

The answer is simple: can you imagine it? Then it is often possible. For clarity, here are different spaces where chandeliers are hired:

• Marquee or orangery – ideal for weddings and garden parties.
• Company or event hall – from a company party to a Christmas gala.
• Television or film studio – for commercials, shows and filming.
• Private or your own estate – for an exclusive party at your home.

Who hires chandeliers?

I would almost say: everyone. In general our clients are producers who organise events or who have been asked to style them. AV companies are also clients who, on behalf of their customers, look for chandeliers to hire, for example for a company party or Christmas party.

Wedding planners hire chandeliers from us for a ceremony, dinner or reception. We also work with stylists and designers who have included chandeliers in their plan. Producers of commercials, television shows, online content or the film industry hire chandeliers from us. Haute couture brands hire chandeliers from us for a shop display or fashion show.

Still have questions? Feel free to call me

I hope I have been able to bring you a little clarity in this article. I also hope that you can now make a better choice and hire the right chandeliers. Is it not quite clear yet? Or do you simply find it easier to speak to me? Feel free to call. I will help you make the right choice.

Below you will find my direct mobile number. Not picking up straight away? Then I am probably busy with a wonderful chandelier design. Send me a WhatsApp message. My direct e-mail address is below too. Explain to me exactly what you have in mind. And – write your phone number in the e-mail.