When organising an event, the choice between wet hire and dry hire for your equipment and services can significantly impact the success and budget of your occasion. Understanding the differences between these two hiring options is essential for making an informed decision that suits your event’s needs.
If you don’t run events often, or you are only new to running events, you may be sitting there wondering “what on earth is the difference between wet hire and dry hire”?
There are some major differences and the benefits of each. In this blog, we’ll delve into both, helping you determine the best fit for your event.
What Is Wet Hire?
Wet hire refers to the rental of equipment along with professional operators or personnel. This option means that not only do you get the equipment you need, but you also have an experienced team on hand to operate it. For example, if you hire a sound system on a wet hire basis, it might include a sound technician to set up and manage the equipment during the event.
Wet hire is particularly good for:
- Large-scale events like festivals, concerts, and corporate functions.
- Situations requiring specialised knowledge, such as operating complex lighting rigs or audiovisual setups.
- Clients who prefer to focus on other aspects of event management rather than managing equipment themselves.
What Is Dry Hire?
Naturally, dry hire then involves renting equipment only, without any operators or support staff. It’s up to you or your team to handle the setup, operation, and maintenance of the hired gear. As an example, hiring a marquee on a dry hire basis means you’ll receive the marquee but will be responsible for setting up and dismantling it.
Dry hire is well-suited for:
- Smaller events with straightforward equipment needs.
- Clients with in-house expertise or access to skilled personnel.
Key Differences Between Wet Hire and Dry Hire
Understanding the distinctions between wet and dry hire is crucial to choosing the right option for your event:
Wet Hire
- Equipment + operator/support staff
- Managed by professionals
- Costs are generally higher due to staffing
- Ideal for complex or large-scale events
- Less flexibility as professionals control the setup
Dry Hire
- Equipment only
- Managed by the client
- Lower, but requires expertise
- Suitable for simple or smaller events
- Greater flexibility but more responsibility
When to Use Wet Hire
Wet hire is the most suitable option when:
- Complex equipment Is involved: For events requiring sophisticated gear such as high-end AV systems, stages, or specialised machinery, having trained operators ensures everything runs smoothly.
- Time constraints exist: If your event has a tight schedule, professional operators can set up and manage equipment efficiently, saving you time and resources.
- Safety is a priority: For events where safety is paramount, such as large gatherings or events involving heavy machinery, professional oversight is invaluable.
- You lack expertise: If you don’t have the skills or resources to manage the equipment, wet hire removes the burden of learning on the fly.
Types of Events Suited to Wet Hire:
- Music festivals with complex sound and lighting requirements.
- Corporate events that require professional AV setups.
- Weddings where marquee and lighting installations require precision.
When to Use Dry Hire
Dry hire is a better choice when:
- Your team has experience: If you or your team are skilled in handling the necessary equipment, you can save money by opting for dry hire.
- Budget is a concern: Dry hire eliminates the cost of hiring operators, making it a cost-effective option for those on a tight budget.
- The equipment is simple: For straightforward needs, such as hiring tables, chairs, or basic sound systems, dry hire is often sufficient.
- You want full control: Dry hire gives you complete control over how and when equipment is used, allowing greater flexibility.
Type of Events Suited to Dry Hire:
- Small private parties that need simple equipment.
- Community events with volunteers who can manage the setup.
- DIY weddings where the couple wants to personalise every detail.
Benefits of Wet Hire
Wet hire offers several advantages, including:
- Expertise on hand: Professional operators bring years of experience, ensuring that equipment is used optimally and safely.
- Reduced stress: By outsourcing the operation of equipment, you can focus on other aspects of your event.
- Reliability: Professionals are equipped to handle unexpected issues, ensuring your event runs without a hitch.
- Time efficiency: Wet hire can save valuable time, especially for large or complex events.
Benefits of Dry Hire
Dry hire also comes with its own set of benefits:
- Cost savings: Without the added expense of operators, dry hire is typically more affordable.
- Flexibility: You have complete control over the equipment, allowing for customisation and personalisation.
- Skill development: For regular event organisers, managing equipment yourself can be a valuable learning experience.
- Simplicity for smaller events: For straightforward needs, dry hire keeps things simple and cost-effective.
Choosing the Right Option for Your Event
To determine whether wet hire or dry hire is best for your event, consider the following:
- Event scale and complexity: Larger and more complex events usually benefit from wet hire, while smaller and simpler gatherings can often manage with dry hire.
- Your team’s expertise: Assess whether you or your team have the necessary skills to handle the equipment effectively.
- Budget: Factor in not only the cost of hiring equipment but also the potential costs of mistakes or delays if you opt for dry hire without adequate expertise.
- Time constraints: If time is limited, wet hire can save you hours of setup and troubleshooting.
How One Mob Can Help
At One Mob, we understand that every event is unique, along with its requirements. That’s why we offer both wet hire and dry hire options to suit a wide range of events. Whether you need a fully managed solution with experienced operators or simply want to hire equipment to use on your terms, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
With our high-quality equipment and professional service, we ensure your event is a success, no matter which hiring option you choose. Contact us today to learn more.
