Throwing a great party is equal parts planning and smart purchasing. Knowing what to buy outright and what to rent saves money, reduces stress, and ensures your event looks polished. This checklist breaks down common party elements — lighting, signage, furniture, tableware and tech — and gives practical guidance tailored to event types and European business scenarios.
Core rules for buy vs rent decisions
Start by asking three questions: Will you reuse this item within the next 12–24 months? Does ownership improve branding or guest experience? Are storage, transport and maintenance practical for you? If the answer is yes to most of these, buy. If it’s a one-off need, or the item requires bulky storage or specialist installation, renting often makes more sense.
When to buy: items that pay off over time
Buy when an item helps your brand or is used frequently. Ownership is particularly smart for signature items like a custom sign, permanent bar hardware, or a consistent backdrop that represents your identity.
- Custom LED neon sign — ideal for businesses or hosts who will use a branded sign repeatedly.
- Durable glassware and cutlery — good for venues with recurring events.
- Quality sound equipment — buy if you produce events regularly and can store it safely.
Mini-scenario — London cocktail bar: A new bar in Shoreditch decides to buy a custom LED neon to hang behind the counter because it appears in every social media photo and strengthens the bar’s visual identity. The Art Neon helped with a free initial design and small revisions so the sign matched the logo and fit the bar’s narrow back wall.
Mini-scenario — Madrid boutique: A retail shop in Malasaña invests in a bespoke neon to create a consistent in-store feature for product launches and seasonal events. Owning the sign avoided repeated rental fees and ensured the boutique always had its signature backdrop ready.
When to rent: one-off needs and large, temporary items
Rent if the item is bulky, seldom used, requires specialist setup, or is tailored to a single event’s theme. Renting can also provide access to premium items that would be too costly to buy outright.
- Tables, chairs and marquees for weddings and large gatherings
- Specialty lighting rigs for a single concert or conference
- Photo booths or large props that match a one-time theme
Mini-scenario — Copenhagen wedding planner: A planner producing a destination wedding at a historic Copenhagen venue rents vintage chairs and a floral arch to suit the period setting. They rent a modest LED neon saying “Tilbage til fremtiden” as a playful accent rather than buying it for a single event.
Mini-scenario — Berlin conference organiser: A tech conference in Berlin needs large projection screens, staging and onsite technicians. Organisers rent audiovisual staging to avoid transporting heavy gear and to ensure professional installation and removal.
Cost considerations, logistics and support
Consider upfront cost plus storage, transport, insurance and maintenance. Renting often bundles delivery, setup and strike-down, which simplifies logistics but adds to per-event cost. Buying transfers those responsibilities to you but can be cheaper long-term for frequent use.
All orders include free tracked shipping to Europe, the UK, the USA, Canada, and worldwide. If you need help deciding between buy vs rent for a specific scenario, contact support@theartneon.com for clarification or assistance.
Installation and mounting — practical checklist
For bought items like custom neon signs and permanent backdrops, plan the installation in advance. Use this mounting checklist to avoid last-minute problems.
- Where it goes: confirm exact wall/window location and measure available space.
- Power outlet location: note nearest outlet and consider extension cable routing or professional electrician for hardwiring.
- Wall/window mounting or hanging: identify wall type (plaster, brick, glass) and choose appropriate fixings; plan for hanging hardware if suspended.
- Weight and support: ensure the mounting surface can bear the item’s load; check for studs or use anchors.
- Visibility and photos: assess how the item reads from guest vantage points and camera angles.
What’s included when you buy a custom LED neon
When ordering a custom LED neon sign, expect a clear checklist so installation is straightforward. This also helps you compare buying vs renting.
- Handmade custom LED neon sign
- Region-specific power supply
- Ready-to-mount acrylic backing with pre-drilled holes
- Installation kit
- Remote control/dimmer
For businesses, The Art Neon offers help with design, including a free initial design and small revisions to get the concept right before production.
Choosing size, design and placement
Size guidelines
Scale is crucial. A sign too large overwhelms the space; too small loses impact. Measure the wall, leave breathing room around the sign (typically 10–20% of the wall width), and preview proportions with paper templates or digital mock-ups.
Placement tips
Position signs where they enhance the guest experience: above the bar, as a photo-wall focal point, or near the stage. For rentals, ensure the rental supplier confirms safe mounting options for the event surface.
How it works
Design your custom neon with the online tool or request a logo/design quote via the upload page. The Art Neon guides you through sizing and layout, offers a free initial design and small revisions for business projects, and can provide advice on mounting during the checkout process.
FAQ
Q: Should I buy a neon for a single high-profile event?
A: Generally no — renting is better for one-off events unless the sign has clear reuse potential. Renting avoids storage and disposal costs.
Q: Can I get help matching a neon to my brand colours and logo?
A: Yes. The Art Neon offers design help with a free initial design and small revisions for business orders. You can also request a logo/design quote via the upload page.
Q: What if my venue has fragile surfaces or special mounting requirements?
A: Discuss mounting with your rental company or sign supplier. Use the mounting checklist above and consider hiring a local installer if the surface is delicate.
Q: Do you ship internationally?
A: All orders include free tracked shipping to Europe, the UK, the USA, Canada, and worldwide. For personalised questions, email support@theartneon.com.
Decide with context: buy when you’ll reuse, when ownership strengthens your brand, or when a custom piece solves recurring needs. Rent when flexibility, storage or specialist installation makes ownership impractical. Use the checklists above to plan installation and logistics, and reach out for design help or clarification as you finalise your party checklist.