HOW TO HIRE · EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT · CHECKED OCTOBER 2026
How to hire an event backdrop in Ireland
The checks, the questions and the paperwork.
A backdrop & drapery hire in Ireland costs €150–€800 per event, typically around €350. Here is how to check that in a minute, what to ask before you book, and what you must be handed when the job is done.
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- Nearest to you first
- One score from Google, Trustpilot and Locufy reviews
THE 60-SECOND VERSION
Hiring an event backdrop in five steps
- Are you a trader, and can I see that in writing?No register covers event backdrop work, so trader status is what your consumer rights hang on — customisation Services — many companies offer customisation options, such as adding personalised elements or branding to your backdrop.
- How does several factors including the size of the backdrop change the price?A small job and a large one are the same work at different lengths. — ask before the quote rather than after.
- How does type of materials used change the price?The spec sheet is where most of the cost difference sits. — ask before the quote rather than after.
- How does any customisation options change the price?Anything bespoke takes longer to plan before it is made. — ask before the quote rather than after.
- What is not included?Drapery Options — drapery hire includes an array of fabric choices, from sheer linens to rich velvets, allowing you to create the perfect ambiance — get the exclusions named in the quote, because a event backdrop job is priced on what was agreed and not on what was assumed.
BEFORE YOU BOOK
Check before you book
No register applies
NO REGISTER APPLIES TO DJS, BANDS, MARQUEE HIRERS OR ENTERTAINERS. What exists instead is insurance that venues demand and music licensing that the VENUE normally holds through IMRO and PPI, not the performer.
Look for the trader badge and the ID-checked badge on the Locufy profile — both are checked by us, not claimed by the provider.
What to check instead
Public liability insurance at the level YOUR VENUE requires — ask the venue first, then the supplier, because the venue sets the number; For anything with a structure or a ride, the inspection or test certificate; A written contract with the date, the hours, the set-up time and the overtime rate; What happens if they are ill — a named arrangement, not reassurance; Whether they have played your venue before, and what the power and access are like; PAT testing on their equipment, which many venues ask to see.
Ask for each of these before you agree a price, and get the answers in the same message as the quote.
Insurance
Expect public liability, and employer's liability if they bring crew. From a company, ask for the insurer, the limit and the VAT number, and ask who actually attends: the team that turns up may be employed, subcontracted or both, and only one of those is supervised by the firm you are paying.
Ask to see the current certificate of insurance — the insurer's name, the limit and the date it runs to.
Trader or private seller
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2022 a trader must tell you they are a trader, and your consumer rights — work carried out with reasonable skill and care, and a cooling-off period on a contract agreed in your home or online — apply to traders and not to private sellers. On Locufy the trader status is shown on the profile.
Look for the trader badge on the Locufy profile, and ask anyone else for it in writing before you agree a price.
VAT
VAT at 23%, the standard rate Revenue publishes for this service. Ask whether the price you were given includes it. A trader under the €42,500 registration threshold does not charge it; one over it must, and must show it separately.
Ask whether the figure you were given includes it, and for the VAT number if they are registered — Revenue publishes the rate for this service. revenue.ie →
A good answer: No register covers event backdrop work, so trader status is what your consumer rights hang on — customisation Services — many companies offer customisation options, such as adding personalised elements or branding to your backdrop.
A good answer: A small job and a large one are the same work at different lengths. — ask before the quote rather than after.
A good answer: The spec sheet is where most of the cost difference sits. — ask before the quote rather than after.
A good answer: Anything bespoke takes longer to plan before it is made. — ask before the quote rather than after.
A good answer: Drapery Options — drapery hire includes an array of fabric choices, from sheer linens to rich velvets, allowing you to create the perfect ambiance — get the exclusions named in the quote, because a event backdrop job is priced on what was agreed and not on what was assumed.
A good answer: Expect public liability, and employer's liability if they bring crew — themed Backdrops — choose from a variety of themed backdrops, such as elegant floral designs for weddings or vibrant, playful patterns for children's parties.
A good answer: A written scope and a price before the event backdrop starts, and an itemised invoice after — photo Booth Backdrops — this includes hiring backdrops specifically designed for photo booths at events, making photo opportunities more engaging.
Getting the quote right
- Several factors including the size of the backdrop — a small job and a large one are the same work at different lengths.
- Type of materials used — the spec sheet is where most of the cost difference sits.
- Any customisation options — anything bespoke takes longer to plan before it is made.
- Size of the area to be covered — a bigger job is harder to fit into a gap in the diary.
- In writing before anyone starts — a message on Locufy counts
- What is NOT included, named
- Who actually attends, and whether they are employed or subcontracted
- The VAT number, and whether it checks out on the Revenue register
Walk away if
- They will not talk about it: several factors including the size of the backdrop — a small job and a large one are the same work at different lengths
- They will not talk about it: type of materials used — the spec sheet is where most of the cost difference sits
- They will not talk about it: any customisation options — anything bespoke takes longer to plan before it is made
- A price for the event backdrop before anyone has asked the size, the access or the condition of what they are working on
- Cash only, or a large deposit before anything at all has started
- No written quote, or one that moves once the event backdrop has begun
What an event backdrop costs: €150–€800 per event
The figures are for the job, per event, and a quote for your own is the only number that binds anyone. Wedding backdrop hire and Corporate event drapery each carry their own band. Backdrop & Drapery Hire price guide →
Guide prices compiled by the Locufy team from published Irish and UK provider price lists and 2026/27 cost guides. Updated 2026.
KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR? NOW FIND ONE
Backdrop and drapery hire firms near you, with the badges that matter shown
ID checked, trader status and one score from every review — on the card, before you message anyone. Nearest first. No account needed to look.
Or post the job free and let them come to you.
- Look firstSeveral factors including the size of the backdrop — a small job and a large one are the same work at different lengths — that is what the event backdrop is judging on the first visit, and a price given without it is a guess.
- Agree what is being doneType of materials used — the spec sheet is where most of the cost difference sits — put in writing before anyone starts, because it is the document you both read back at the end.
- The work itselfAny customisation options — anything bespoke takes longer to plan before it is made — and anything found on the day that was not in that is priced before it is started.
- Check it togetherSize of the area to be covered — a bigger job is harder to fit into a gap in the diary — walked against the written scope rather than against the feeling of it, while the event backdrop is still there.
- What you are handedThe itemised invoice and any guarantee on the workmanship and the parts, condition of the venue — the state of the existing work sets how much prep is needed.
- Themed Backdrops
- Choose from a variety of themed backdrops, such as elegant floral designs for weddings or vibrant, playful patterns for children's parties.
- Drapery Options
- Drapery hire includes an array of fabric choices, from sheer linens to rich velvets, allowing you to create the perfect ambiance.
- Customisation Services
- Many companies offer customisation options, such as adding personalised elements or branding to your backdrop.
- Party Themed Backdrops
- This includes creating and installing themed backdrops for birthday parties or celebrations, enhancing the festive atmosphere.
- Exhibition Stand Drapery
- This involves the provision of eye-catching drapery for exhibition stands, designed to attract visitors and showcase products effectively.
- Stage Drapery Hire
- This service provides drapery for stages, enhancing performances and presentations with suitable fabrics and designs.
AFTER
When the job is done
Hiring an event backdrop: questions people ask
The cost can vary based on several factors including the size of the backdrop, the type of materials used, and any customisation options. Additionally, delivery and setup fees may also affect the overall price.
Many backdrop and drapery hire companies offer emergency or same-day services, but availability may be limited. It's best to contact providers directly to check for last-minute options.
Yes, many companies offer package deals that include additional services like lighting or furniture hire. Booking multiple services can often lead to discounts and a more cohesive event design.
Out of scope items may include extensive structural modifications, electrical work, or any services not directly related to the backdrop and drapery. Always clarify what is included in your hire agreement to avoid misunderstandings.
NO REGISTER APPLIES TO DJS, BANDS, MARQUEE HIRERS OR ENTERTAINERS. What exists instead is insurance that venues demand and music licensing that the VENUE normally holds through IMRO and PPI, not the performer.
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2022 the work must be carried out with reasonable skill and care, and put right if it is not. Say what is wrong in writing first.
MORE GUIDES