Wet Hire vs Dry Hire
- Matthew Hampshire
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
What’s the difference and which one is right for your event?
When planning an event, it’s easy to get caught up in equipment lists, creative ideas and logistics. One thing that often gets overlooked is the type of hire you choose. Understanding the difference between wet hire and dry hire helps you make the right choice for your event and ensures everything runs smoothly.
At Phantom Production Design Ltd we offer both options. Here’s how each approach works.
What is Dry Hire?
Dry hire means you hire the equipment only. You collect it from us or we deliver it, and from that point you are responsible for setting it up, operating it and returning it.
Dry hire is ideal for:
Venues or clients within house technicians
Production companies needing extra kit for a show
Experienced technicians who simply need reliable equipment
Smaller events with straightforward setups
Benefits of dry hire:
Cost effective
Flexible collection and return options
Perfect for topping up existing rigs
Access to professional grade equipment without needing our team on site
At Phantom PD our inventory is regularly serviced and tested, so everything leaves our warehouse ready to plug in and go. We can also offer advice before you collect, making sure you get the right kit for your needs.
What is Wet Hire?
Wet hire means you hire the equipment along with our technicians to set it up, operate it and pack it down. This removes stress from your team and guarantees the equipment is used safely and correctly throughout the event.
Wet hire is ideal for:
Live events that require skilled operation
Corporate conferences and award shows
Theatre productions
Outdoor events that need experienced crews
Events with tight schedules or complex technical requirements
Benefits of wet hire:
Professional setup and operation
Reduced risk and higher reliability
You can focus on your event while we handle the technical side
Instant support throughout the day
Our wet hire service is part of what makes Phantom PD a full event solution. We supply the equipment, the crew and the expertise to deliver a seamless experience.
Which option should you choose?
If you have the technical knowledge and people to run the event, dry hire is often the best route.
If you want complete peace of mind with trained operators, logistical support and full event delivery, wet hire is the smarter choice.
What to do now?
Dry Hire:
Wet Hire:
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