Insights · 5 min read
What Size Generator Do You Need for a Wedding?
Weddings are the classic DG rental: high stakes, one evening, no second chances. Here's how to think about the load.
The big four loads
Almost every wedding's power goes to four things:
- Sound and DJ setup — 2,000 to 5,000W
- Decorative and functional lighting — 1,500 to 5,000W depending on scale
- Catering (warmers, tandoors, coffee machines) — 3,000 to 8,000W
- Air conditioning / coolers for halls — the single biggest item, often 5,000W+
Typical scenarios
| Setup | Approx. load | Suggested DG |
|---|---|---|
| Home function, 100 guests | 8–12 kW | 15–20 kVA |
| Banquet hall, 300 guests | 25–40 kW | 45–62.5 kVA |
| Large outdoor wedding, 800+ guests | 60–100 kW | 125 kVA |
Why backup changes the answer
For a wedding, the cost of failure dwarfs the cost of the set. Many planners hire a primary set sized to the load plus a smaller backup — or at minimum, confirm the vendor's breakdown response time in writing before the event.
Practical tips
- Do a venue walk-through with the vendor a week before
- Confirm silent/canopied sets for residential venues
- Agree fuel, operator and overtime terms in writing
- Test the full load — sound check included — before guests arrive
Need the actual machine?
Tell us the load and the dates — we'll size it and quote it.
Need power or equipment on your site?
Tell us the load, location and dates — we respond with the right machine and a clear rental quote.