12 Unexpected Pieces of Party Equipment to Hire to Make Memories

Last Updated on November 14, 2023 by Project Party

“Life is a collection of moments; some make us laugh, others bring tears to our eyes. Each memory is a piece of our personal history that shapes who we are.” Now, imagine being able to recreate those feelings of joy (like the thrilling fun of carnivals) and gentle nostalgia (remember the friendly competition at the arcade?) at your next party. With the right party equipment on hire, you can do just that.

In this blog post, we’ll introduce you to 12 unique pieces of party equipment that are often overlooked when planning parties or events. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill party supplies, but they hold the potential to transform your gathering into an unforgettable experience. The investment is minimal when compared to the lasting memories they’ll help create. After all, when we look back at the parties we’ve attended, it’s not the cost but the experiences and memories that stay with us.

So, get ready to step outside the box and discover how these unexpected items can add a touch of magic to your next event, creating moments that you and your guests will cherish for years to come.

Why Investing in Unique Party Equipment to Hire Enhances Your Event Experience

When planning a party, one of the key factors that can transform your gathering from ordinary to extraordinary is the choice of party equipment to hire. While it may seem like an additional cost, investing in unique and engaging party items can significantly enhance the overall experience, making your event truly memorable. Here’s why:

  • Creating Unforgettable Experiences: Unique party equipment adds an element of surprise and novelty, setting your event apart from typical gatherings. Whether it’s the charm of a popcorn machine or the thrill of a mechanical bull, these unusual elements provide guests with fresh experiences, making your party unforgettable.
  • Fostering Interaction and Engagement: Interactive party equipment encourages guests to engage with each other and the party environment. From the friendly competition at a foosball table to the shared laughter around a karaoke machine, these items promote social interaction, enhancing the overall party experience and creating lasting memories.
  • Setting the Perfect Atmosphere: The right party equipment to hire can help establish and reinforce your party theme. A fairy floss machine can evoke a sense of nostalgia at a vintage-themed event, while a spit roast could create a cozy, rustic vibe at an outdoor gathering. By aligning with your party’s theme, these items contribute to a cohesive and immersive atmosphere.
  • Offering Endless Entertainment: Unique party equipment serves as an excellent source of entertainment. It ensures guests are entertained throughout the event, whether they’re riding a mechanical bull, singing their heart out with a karaoke machine, or playing giant lawn games. This constant stream of activity keeps the energy high and prevents any lulls in the party.
  • Providing Picture-Perfect Moments: Unusual party equipment often provides fantastic photo opportunities. Guests will want to capture their fun moments and share them on social media, increasing the reach and impact of your event. Plus, these photos serve as keepsakes, allowing your guests to relive the joy of your party long after it’s over.
  • Adding a Personal Touch: Finally, opting for unique party equipment to hire shows your dedication and effort in planning the event. It demonstrates that you’ve gone the extra mile to create an enjoyable and memorable experience for your guests, which they’ll appreciate and remember fondly.

In conclusion, while there might be a cost involved in hiring unique party equipment, the value it adds in terms of memorable experiences, increased engagement, and overall enjoyment is priceless. So, for your next event, consider stepping outside the norm and exploring the world of unique party equipment to hire. Your guests will thank you for it!

Here are 12 of our favourite party equipment to hire that you should invest in:

1. Pop into Fun with a Popcorn Machine

When planning an event, one of the key aspects to consider is the catering. Among the various options available for party equipment to hire, a popcorn machine stands out for its universal appeal and versatility. Ideal for movie-themed parties, children’s birthdays, or any event with a carnival vibe, a popcorn machine does more than just provide snacks – it adds a fun, interactive element that engages guests. The tantalizing aroma of freshly popped corn wafting through the air can stimulate appetites and create a warm, inviting atmosphere. You can further enhance this experience by providing a selection of seasonings, allowing guests to customize their popcorn according to their tastes. This could range from classic butter and salt to more adventurous flavours like cheese or caramel. In essence, hiring a popcorn machine contributes to creating a memorable sensory experience that your guests will enjoy and remember.

A close-up view of the side of a popcorn machine
Seeing a popcorn machine at a party or event adds a fun and nostalgic touch, creating an interactive snack station that appeals to both adults and children alike.

2. Bring Back Sweet Memories with a Fairy Floss Machine

A fairy floss machine, also known as a cotton candy machine, is another excellent option for party equipment to hire. Perfect for children’s parties, school fairs, or vintage-themed events, this machine creates light, fluffy clouds of sugary delight right before your guests’ eyes. The process of transforming granulated sugar into soft candy floss can be fascinating, especially for younger guests, adding an element of spectacle to your event. Moreover, the sweet, nostalgic taste of fairy floss is sure to bring back fond memories for many of your guests, contributing to a warm, nostalgic atmosphere. To make this experience even more engaging, consider offering different coloured sugars, allowing guests to choose their preferred hue. With a fairy floss machine, you’re not just serving a delicious treat – you’re providing a captivating, interactive experience that will make your event stand out.

3. Add Excitement with a Mechanical Bull

For a truly memorable party experience, consider hiring a mechanical bull. This is an especially popular option for Western-themed events, adult parties, or any gathering where you want to inject some fun competition. Guests can take turns trying to stay on the bull as long as possible, providing plenty of laughs and photo opportunities. To ensure everyone’s safety, make sure there’s a soft landing area for when riders inevitably fall off. You could even offer prizes for the longest ride to add an extra layer of excitement. A mechanical bull ride is not just a thrilling activity – it’s a centrepiece that will get people talking, laughing, and engaging with each other.

4. Sing Your Heart Out with a Karaoke Machine

A karaoke machine is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any event. Whether it’s a birthday party, an office gathering, or a casual get-together, this piece of party equipment to hire encourages guests to let loose and have fun. It doesn’t matter whether your guests are talented singers or just enjoy belting out their favourite tunes – a karaoke machine provides entertainment for both participants and spectators alike. You can enhance this experience by organizing a friendly competition, complete with prizes for the best or most entertaining performance. With a range of songs from various genres and eras available, a karaoke machine ensures there’s something for every musical taste.

5. Create a Magical Atmosphere with a Chocolate Fountain

For a touch of luxury and indulgence, consider hiring a chocolate fountain for your next event. This piece of party equipment is ideal for weddings, anniversaries, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests. The sight of chocolate cascading down the fountain tiers is not only mouth-watering but also visually stunning, making it a great centrepiece for your dessert table. Provide a variety of dippables like strawberries, marshmallows, and pretzels, and watch as your guests enjoy the interactive dessert experience. Remember to have plenty of napkins on hand for any chocolate drips! A chocolate fountain is more than just a dessert option – it’s a feature that adds elegance and enjoyment to your event.

6. Relive the Glory Days with Arcade Games

Arcade games are a fantastic choice for party equipment to hire if you’re looking to create a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for retro-themed parties, reunions, or casual gatherings, arcade games offer endless entertainment and a hit of nostalgia. From classics like Pac-Man and Space Invaders to newer favourites like Dance Dance Revolution, there’s an arcade game to suit every preference. Plus, these games provide a great ice-breaker, encouraging guests to mingle and compete in a friendly environment. Hiring arcade games for your event is a surefire way to keep your guests entertained and create lasting memories.

A row of retro arcade games
Upon their arrival at the event, one’s eyes would be instantly captivated by the sight of a vintage arcade game. Its neon lights flickered invitingly, adding a unique touch of fun and nostalgia to the party atmosphere.

7. Warm Up with a Spit Roast

If you’re hosting an outdoor event during the cooler months, a spit roast could be the perfect party equipment to hire. Ideal for rustic weddings, family reunions, or large gatherings, a spit roast provides a hearty meal for your guests while also serving as a fascinating visual element. The sight of meat slowly turning golden brown over the fire creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere, stimulating appetites and contributing to the overall ambience of your event. With a spit roast, you’re not just providing a meal – you’re offering a unique culinary experience that your guests will remember long after the event is over.

8. Engage in Friendly Competition with Giant Lawn Games

For outdoor events like garden parties, picnics, or summer barbecues, giant lawn games are a fantastic choice for party equipment to hire. Games like giant Jenga, Connect Four, or lawn darts can provide hours of entertainment, keeping guests of all ages engaged and amused. These games encourage friendly competition and teamwork, adding an element of interaction to your event. Plus, they’re a great way to break the ice and get guests mingling. Whether they’re teaming up for a game of giant chess or competing in a round of oversized tic-tac-toe, your guests are sure to have a great time with giant lawn games.

9. Score Fun Points with a Foosball Table

A foosball table is a classic piece of party equipment to hire that’s sure to be a hit with guests of all ages. Whether it’s a casual get-together, a sports-themed party, or a corporate event, a foosball table provides endless entertainment. It’s a game that requires minimal skill but provides maximum fun, making it accessible to everyone. Plus, it encourages friendly competition, camaraderie, and sportsmanship. With a foosball table at your event, you’re not just providing a game – you’re creating an environment for fun, laughter, and friendly rivalry.

10. Sweeten the Deal with Candy Machines

Candy machines are a unique and engaging addition to any event. Suitable for both corporate and community occasions, they offer a variety of sweet treats that guests can enjoy at their leisure. As a piece of party equipment to hire, candy machines add a touch of nostalgia and fun to your event. They serve as a colourful, interactive feature that caters to all tastes. Whether you fill them with classic candies, gumballs, or healthier options like dried fruit, a candy machine is a delightful feature that will bring a smile to your guests’ faces.

11. Cool Down with an Ice Cream Cart

An ice cream cart is a refreshing piece of party equipment to hire, especially during the warmer months. Serving up fresh scoops of various flavors, it provides a sweet escape from the heat. Plus, with a range of toppings on offer, guests can customize their ice cream to suit their tastes. Whether it’s a children’s birthday party, a family reunion, or a summer garden party, an ice cream cart is a hit with guests of all ages. It adds a fun, interactive element to your event, and is sure to be a popular feature.

12. Enjoy Cinema Under the Stars with an Outdoor Movie Screen

For a unique and memorable evening, consider hiring an outdoor movie screen for your next event. This piece of party equipment is perfect for a range of events, from birthday parties to corporate gatherings. Guests can relax and enjoy a movie under the stars, creating a magical experience. Whether you’re screening a classic film, a modern blockbuster, or home videos, an outdoor movie screen provides entertainment for guests of all ages. Plus, it creates a relaxed, communal atmosphere that encourages guests to kick back, relax, and enjoy the show. With an outdoor movie screen, you’re not just showing a movie – you’re creating an unforgettable cinematic experience.

Friends in the backyard watching a movie on a hire screen
Securing a movie screen and audio/visual equipment for hire can transform your backyard into an enchanting, open-air cinema, making your movie night a truly memorable experience.

Elevate Your Festivities with the Perfect Party Equipment to Hire

When it comes to planning a memorable event, my golden rule is to leverage your strengths. As the host, it’s your night to shine, and the party equipment to hire should complement your personality and skills. Avoid going too far off the beaten path with equipment you’re unfamiliar with; instead, choose those items that you can confidently manage and enjoy.

If you’re contemplating how to inject some traditional fun into your celebration, consider exploring the broad range of party equipment available for hire. From nostalgic arcade games to larger-than-life lawn games, there’s something to cater to every taste – ensuring a fantastic time for all in attendance. The question is, which piece of party equipment are you most eager to incorporate into your next event? With the right selection, you’ll not just host a party, but you’ll create an unforgettable experience that will be talked about for years to come.