Hours vary Hilliard (614) 913-3809
SOS Home Ohio
Event Lighting Installation for Outdoor Gatherings

Hilliard Local

Event Lighting Installation for Outdoor Gatherings

String lights, uplighting, and custom setups installed and taken down so you can focus on the event.

Free estimate

Tell us what you need

Three fields. It reaches a person here, not a call centre.

No obligation · Responds within 1 business day


By submitting this form you agree that we may contact you about your request and share your details with partner companies for marketing purposes.

Professional Event Lighting Installation That Shows

Event lighting installation isn't something most people think about until a week before the party, and that's exactly when the DIY plan falls apart. Tangled cords, undersized extension runs, fixtures that tip over in a light breeze. SOS Home Ohio handles the full setup so the space looks intentional, the power is managed safely, and you're not on a ladder the morning of. We're rated 5 stars across 49 Google reviews, and we bring the same attention to a backyard wedding as we do to a roof replacement. Call 614-913-3809 to talk through what you're planning.

Good event lighting is a combination of fixture selection, placement geometry, and power capacity. String lights hung too low read as an afterthought. Uplighting placed without regard for color temperature and beam angle washes out the space rather than defining it. We handle the design conversation before we show up with gear, which means what we install actually matches what you had in mind. Cost varies with the size of the space, fixture type, number of power circuits needed, and how long the setup runs. Every job is different, contact SOS Home Ohio for an accurate estimate.

What Event Lighting Actually Takes to Get Right

It's about placement and power, not just picking pretty fixtures.

The difference between event lighting that photographs well and lighting that looks like an extension cord situation is planning. We walk the space first, figure out where the anchor points are, identify available power capacity, and map the fixture layout before a single wire goes up. For backyard events, we often use a combination of overhead string runs, perimeter uplighting, and pathway markers. For covered structures or tents, we work with the rigging points that are already there. We're also one of the few exterior contractors in the Columbus metro that handles permanent and event lighting under the same roof, so if you're considering a longer-term installation after your event, we can talk through both in the same conversation.
tent and structure lighting work, professional service in Hilliard, OH

Our Process

How SOS Home Ohio Sets Up Event Lighting

  1. 01

    Walk the Space Together

    We visit the venue or your property, map the anchor points, assess power availability, and get a clear picture of the event's scope before recommending anything.

  2. 02

    Install and Test Everything

    On installation day, we handle mounting, wiring runs, and full power testing so nothing trips a breaker mid-event. Every circuit gets tested before we leave.

  3. 03

    Strike and Remove After

    We return after the event to take everything down cleanly. No leftover hardware, no damage to trees or structures, no cleanup left for you.

Lighting Types We Work With

Not every event calls for the same setup. Here's what we actually install.

01

Overhead String Lights

Classic bistro-style or Edison runs stretched across open spaces, patios, or between structures. Works for everything from backyard dinners to large reception setups.

02

Uplighting and Color Wash

LED uplights placed at the base of trees, walls, or architectural features. Used to define a perimeter, set a color mood, or highlight a focal point.

03

Pathway and Perimeter Markers

Ground-level lighting along walkways, drives, or tent edges. Practical for guest safety after dark and doubles as a design element.

04

Tent and Structure Lighting

Interior lighting for covered structures using existing rigging points or freestanding hardware. We work with the structure you already have rather than fighting it.

05

Landscape Accent Lighting

For clients who want the landscape lighting to carry some of the load, we can tie permanent landscape fixtures into the event setup, reducing rental needs.

Good to Know

Honest Answers on Event Lighting Costs

The most common question we hear is some version of how much this costs. Honestly, the range is wide enough that a number without context isn't useful. A small backyard setup with a single string run and basic perimeter lights is a very different project from a multi-structure wedding reception with color-matched uplighting on 30 trees. What drives cost: the square footage of the space, the number of independent circuits required, whether you need temporary power distribution, the fixture type and quantity, and whether strike and removal are included. We don't do vague estimates. We look at the job and give you a real number. Every job is different, contact SOS Home Ohio for an accurate estimate. For clients also considering holiday lighting or a more permanent residential setup, we often combine the site visit to save time.
overhead string lights work, professional service in Hilliard, OH

Why an Installer Over Renting and DIYing It

  1. 01

    Power management is handled

    Extension cord chains trip breakers. We plan circuits from the start so nothing goes dark when the kitchen appliances kick on.

  2. 02

    The install looks intentional

    Fixture spacing, hang height, and anchor placement follow geometry that actually reads well in person and in photos.

  3. 03

    One less thing to own

    We bring the equipment, install it, and take it back. No storage, no untangling next year, no replacing bulbs after two uses.

  4. 04

    The strike is included

    We return after the event and remove everything cleanly. The space goes back to normal without you spending the morning after on a ladder.

Straight from Google

What Homeowners Say About Working With Us

5.049 verified Google reviews
Had a very bad garage roof , this company did a remarkable job and I now have a building I can use . Thanks for the hard work and great crew. THEY ALSO WENT BEYOND GETTING ME THE INSURANCE PAYMENT THAT I WAS ENTITLED TOO. I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS COMPANY IF YOU WANT A COMPANY THAT WILL TREAT YOU WITH RESPECT AND HONESTY.
Sheila BowersmithSheila BowersmithSep 2026 · Google
SOS is a great roofing company. Andrew, site supervisor, has been very professional and friendly. My wife and Iiked the way he explained about the roof replacement process, now we feel comfortable with the result of the work. Thanks
Tad NishimuraTad NishimuraSep 2026 · Google
This company was exceptional. On time, great work and extremely kind and informative! I would recommend to anyone needing roof repairs or replacement. A trustworthy company.
Beth BairdBeth BairdJul 2026 · Google
SOS did a great job with my roof. From the initial estimate, working with the insurance company, explaining the process. They completed the job professionally and made sure everything was to my satisfaction before I signed off. They helped turn a very complex process into an easy one.
Greg RamahGreg RamahMay 2026 · Google
Paul from SOS came out today and was great. He clearly showed me the problem areas and what they would need to do to fix them. There was no sales pressure to get a new roof like many places do. I will do another review once the repairs are done.
Keith GreyKeith GreyMar 2026 · Google
Paul came out to inspect the roof after those big wind & hail storms. He was able to identify the issues and proposed affordable, smart solutions. Highly recommend!
Laura ALaura AMar 2026 · Google
Very pleased with the level of detail provided in the roof inspection following wind and hail damage to my roof and chimney cap. The inspection was thorough and comprehensive, offering a clear picture of the condition and remaining life of the entire roof system—including gutters, downspouts, roof surface, and attic interior. Paul and his team did an excellent job helping me understand my situation and the next steps toward resolving the issues. They answered all of my questions with patience and expertise.
Andy WirtAndy WirtMar 2026 · Google
SOS Roofing is true to its name. I contacted the company for emergency help for a friend. The company owner, Paul, responded immediately, arrived on-site in two to three hours, and had the emergency handled a short time after that. Due to a roof leaking badly in a serious rain and windstorm, a speedy response and solution was definitely needed. SOS Roofing provided that solution, preventing serious interior damage to the home. I highly recommend this company and its owner.
BBBBMar 2026 · Google

Ready to Plan Your Event Lighting?

We serve the Columbus metro and surrounding area. Call to talk through your event, get a real answer on what it takes, and schedule a site walk.

Frequently asked questions

How much does event lighting installation cost in the Columbus area?
Cost depends on the size of the space, fixture type and quantity, number of circuits needed, and whether the estimate includes a post-event strike. A small patio setup is a very different scope from a full reception across multiple structures. We don't give ballpark numbers that don't match the actual job. Every job is different, contact SOS Home Ohio for an accurate estimate.
Do you handle the takedown after the event, or is that a separate cost?
We include strike and removal in our event lighting quotes so there's no ambiguity. We return after the event, remove all hardware and wiring, and leave the space as we found it. If the scope changes between booking and event day, we'll talk through any adjustment before it happens, not after.
How far in advance do I need to book event lighting installation?
For most outdoor events in the Columbus metro, two to three weeks is comfortable. Peak season, particularly late spring through early fall when backyard events stack up, fills faster. If your event is inside a month, call us directly at 614-913-3809 and we'll tell you honestly whether we can make it work rather than just taking the booking.
Can you install event lighting on a property with no outdoor outlets?
Yes, though it changes the power plan. We can work with temporary power distribution using a generator or a properly sized extension from an interior panel. What we won't do is daisy-chain consumer-grade extension cords across a large space. That's the setup that trips breakers and creates fire risk mid-event. Power access is something we figure out in the site walk, not after installation starts.
What's the difference between event lighting and the permanent lighting you install?
Event lighting is temporary, brought in for one occasion and removed after. Permanent lighting, like our landscape and architectural lighting installs, is wired into the home's exterior system and built to run year-round. Some clients start with an event setup and use it to decide what permanent lighting they'd actually use, which is a smart way to do it. We can talk through both options during a single site visit.
Do you install event lighting for venues or only residential properties?
Both. We work with residential properties, backyard venues, private estates, and commercial outdoor spaces throughout the Columbus metro. The planning process is the same: we walk the space, assess power, and design a layout that fits the event. Venue installs often involve more circuits and longer lead times, so get in touch early if you're booking for a commercial property.

Related