Garden party lights in Exeter
Professional garden party lights services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£110-£160
Typical Duration
2-3 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Garden party lights installed to create proper atmosphere. I string festoon lights, fairy lights, or whatever you've chosen, position them for best effect, make all connections weatherproof, and leave you with a garden that's ready to entertain in.
Turn Your Garden Into Party Central
That outdoor space could look magical. Festoon lights strung between trees, soft lighting creating atmosphere, the whole garden transformed from "bit of grass" to "place you want to be."
Instead it's bare bulb porch light and hoping people can see their drinks.
You've seen those gorgeous garden party photos with lights creating ambiance. That's not luck - that's proper installation.
💡 Pro tip: Good party lighting is about atmosphere, not brightness. You want soft, warm light that makes people look good and want to stay outside, not floodlight harsh brightness.
Why Bother Getting It Done Properly?
Because string lights draped randomly look desperate, and dodgy outdoor electrics are dangerous.
| ✅ Installed Right | ❌ DIY Scramble |
|---|---|
| Level, tensioned, positioned for effect | Saggy strings with uneven height |
| Weatherproof connections properly made | Extension leads in puddles, RCD tripping |
| Safe height (not head-bumping, not invisible) | Too low or too high to look good |
| Planned layout that enhances garden space | Random arrangement, dark patches |
What Gets Installed
✨ Popular Party Lighting
| Light Type | Best Use |
|---|---|
| Festoon Lights | Main feature - big warm bulbs, proper party atmosphere |
| Fairy/String Lights | Tree wrapping, detail lighting, softer glow |
| Paper Lanterns | Statement pieces (wired safely for outdoor use) |
| Stake/Path Lights | Define areas, light walkways safely |
📦 You're Left With
- Garden that looks intentionally special
- Safe, weatherproof electrical setup
- Atmosphere lights instead of harsh floodlights
- Everything tested and working
Pricing Guide
| Setup Scale | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Simple (single festoon run) | 1.5-2 hrs | £85-£110 |
| Standard (festoon + detail lights) | 2-3 hrs | £110-£160 |
| Full party setup (multiple features) | 3-4 hrs | £160-£210 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Removal after party is separate (typically £60 for standard setup).
Perfect For Your Event If...
✅ Garden party or BBQ - make it feel special
✅ Wedding reception at home - create the atmosphere
✅ Birthday celebration - garden party not garden awkwardness
✅ All summer entertaining - install once, use all season
Why Choose Us for Garden party lights in Exeter?
Lights strung securely at proper height
Weatherproof connections throughout
Positioned for best visual effect
Safe installation without DIY ladder work
What to Expect
Step 1: Layout Planning
Walk your garden to work out best positions for lights. Where are the natural fixing points (trees, posts, house/shed)? Where will people actually be? What needs lighting vs what's just dead space?
Step 2: Installation
Lights get strung properly - level, tensioned right, at sensible height. All connections made weatherproof. Extension leads positioned safely and neatly. RCD protection throughout because we're dealing with outdoor electrics.
Step 3: Testing & Timing
Everything gets turned on to check full effect. Timer set up if you want automatic on/off. Quick lesson on where the controls are and what to do if anything trips.
🔧 DIY Tips
Want to install your own party lights? Here's how to do it safely:
🔧 Tools and equipment you'll need
- Outdoor-rated lights (IP44 minimum)
- Outdoor extension leads (not indoor ones)
- RCD adapter or RCD-protected outdoor socket
- Hooks or eyes for fixing points
- Cable ties or light hooks
- Ladder (if working at height)
- Tape measure
💡 Planning the layout
- Measure your garden - know what length of lights you need
- Identify fixing points before buying anything
- Plan for gentle catenary (swag) between points - lights look better with slight dip
- Consider where people will be - light the social spaces
- Think about power source location - affects where cables run
🔌 Safe electrical setup
- Only use outdoor-rated lights and cables
- RCD protection is essential for outdoor electrics
- Keep all connections off the ground (raised or weatherproof boxes)
- Don't overload extension leads - check wattage ratings
- Tape cables down if they cross walkways (trip hazard)
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Indoor lights used outside - dangerous and will fail
- Extension leads lying in puddles
- Lights strung at head-bumping height
- No RCD protection - asking for trouble
- Random draping instead of planned layout
- Fixing points that damage trees or property
💡 Pro trick: Festoon lights look best when hung with intentional swag between fixing points - about 30-50cm drop in the middle is ideal. Too taut looks industrial, too saggy looks neglected. And run cables along fence lines or behind plants - visible cables ruin the effect.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🎉 Event coming up? Book installation 1-2 days before your party. Gives time to test everything, adjust positioning, and fix any issues before guests arrive. Not ideal discovering problems an hour before people turn up.
Want lights up all summer? I'll install them more robustly for permanent outdoor use - better weatherproofing, more secure fixings, UV-resistant cables. One install in May, remove in September. Much better than putting up and down for every BBQ.
No fixing points? I can supply temporary posts that stake into lawn - creates fixing points anywhere in your garden. Useful for gardens that are all grass with no trees, fences, or walls to attach to.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of party lights can you install?
Festoon lights (the big bulb ones that look brilliant), fairy lights, string lights, paper lanterns that need wiring - basically anything that creates atmosphere for outdoor entertaining. I'll string them between posts, trees, house and shed, wherever works for your garden.
Do I need to buy the lights myself?
Yes - you choose what style you want and I'll install them properly. Festoon lights are most popular for parties (they look the best), but it's your choice. I can advise on length needed if you measure your garden - people often buy sets that are too short.
How do you hang them without permanent fixtures?
Depends on your garden. Trees are ideal - I use hooks that don't damage bark. Posts can have temporary eyes screwed in. House to shed is easy with outdoor command hooks or temporary fixings. For gardens with nowhere to attach, I can bring posts that stake into the ground.
Will they survive if it rains during the party?
If they're outdoor-rated lights, yes - that's why it's important to buy proper ones. I make all connections weatherproof and keep them off the ground. Devon parties need rain-proof lighting. Indoor fairy lights used outside will fail spectacularly and dangerously.
Can you take them down after, or leave them up for summer?
Either - your call. One-off party? I can remove them the next day (separate charge, usually half the install cost). Want them up all summer? I'll install them more permanently and weatherproof everything properly for long-term outdoor use.
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