What Size Generator Do You Need For An Event?
Key takeaways:
- Event power requirements can vary significantly depending on the type, size, and duration of the event
- Audio equipment, catering equipment, lighting, and temporary infrastructure often account for most event power demand
- Silent generators are often preferred for weddings, corporate events, festivals, and public gatherings where noise control matters
- Backup power planning is essential for critical equipment such as sound systems, refrigeration, lighting, and payment systems
- Many events use generators ranging from 10kVA to 50kVA, while larger events may require higher-capacity temporary power solutions
Reliable power is critical for any successful event.
Whether you're planning a wedding, festival, community event, corporate function, or outdoor exhibition, choosing the right generator helps ensure lighting, catering, audio systems, and other equipment operate without interruption.
The ideal generator size depends on the type of event, the equipment being powered, and whether backup power is required.
Why Event Generator Sizing Matters
Events often rely entirely on temporary power.
Unlike permanent venues, many outdoor locations have limited or no access to mains electricity.
Choosing the wrong generator can result in:
- Power interruptions
- Equipment failures
- Poor guest experiences
- Safety concerns
- Event delays
A properly sized generator helps ensure reliable operation throughout the event.
If you're unsure how generator sizing works, our guide on kVA, kW, amps and watts explained explains the key electrical concepts behind generator capacity.
What Equipment Needs Power At Events?
Every event is different, but common power requirements include:
- Event lighting
- PA systems
- Stage equipment
- Catering equipment
- Refrigeration
- Food trucks
- Security systems
- Charging stations
- Temporary site offices
- Air conditioning
- Vendor stalls
The total power demand depends on how much equipment operates simultaneously.
Startup loads should also be considered when calculating generator size.
Generator Sizes For Different Event Types
| Event Type | Typical Generator Size |
|---|---|
| Small wedding | 10kVA–20kVA |
| Corporate event | 20kVA–50kVA |
| Community event | 20kVA–50kVA |
| Food festival | 20kVA–50kVA+ |
| Concert or festival | 50kVA+ |
| Large outdoor event | 50kVA–200kVA+ |
* Actual requirements depend on equipment and site conditions.
What Size Generator For A Wedding?
Many weddings require power for:
- Lighting
- Music systems
- Catering equipment
- Refrigeration
- Decorative features
A 10kVA generator is often suitable for smaller weddings and intimate outdoor events.
See our guide on what will a 10kVA generator run for practical examples.
Larger weddings with catering, entertainment, and extensive lighting may require a larger generator.
What Size Generator For A Corporate Event?
Corporate functions often require:
- Presentation equipment
- Audio systems
- Screens
- Lighting
- Catering
Depending on the scale of the event, many organisers choose a 20kVA generator to provide additional capacity and flexibility.
Learn more in our guide on what will a 20kVA generator run.
What Size Generator For Festivals And Large Events?
Festivals often have significant power requirements.
Equipment may include:
- Multiple food vendors
- Stage lighting
- Sound systems
- Refrigeration
- Security systems
- Site offices
Many festivals use 50kVA generators or larger.
A 50kVA generator typically provides approximately 40kW of usable power and is commonly used for larger temporary power applications.
See our guide on what will a 50kVA generator run.
Silent Generators For Events
Noise is often a major consideration at events.
Silent generators help:
- Reduce disruption
- Improve guest experience
- Meet venue requirements
- Minimise noise near residential areas
Many event organisers specifically request silent generators, particularly for weddings and corporate functions.
Food Trucks And Event Power
Food trucks are common at festivals, markets, and community events.
If you're operating a food truck or catering vehicle, our guide on What Size Generator Does A Food Truck Need? explains how to calculate power requirements and select the right generator.
Backup Generator Planning
Many event organisers focus only on primary power requirements.
However, backup planning is equally important.
Critical systems that may require contingency planning include:
- Audio systems
- Stage equipment
- Security systems
- Emergency lighting
- Refrigeration
For larger events, multiple generators may be used to provide redundancy and improve reliability.
Outdoor events should also have plans in place for severe weather, emergency response procedures, and unexpected power disruptions.
Fuel Consumption Considerations
Long events can consume significant amounts of fuel.
Factors affecting fuel usage include:
- Generator size
- Load percentage
- Runtime
- Equipment demand
Event organisers should ensure fuel storage and handling procedures comply with local safety requirements and venue regulations.
Our Diesel Generator Fuel Consumption Guide explains how to estimate fuel usage and operating costs for different generator sizes.
Generator Hire Vs Buying For Events
Most event organisers choose generator hire services rather than purchasing equipment.
Generator hire offers:
- Lower upfront costs
- Access to modern equipment
- Flexible sizing
- Maintenance support
- Delivery and setup assistance
For ongoing event operations and permanent installations, commercial generator sales solutions may also be worth considering.
You can also read our guide Should i buy or rent a generator for a more in depth guide.
How To Choose The Right Event Generator
The right generator should:
- Meet expected power demand
- Handle startup loads
- Provide sufficient runtime
- Minimise noise
- Allow for future requirements
If you're unsure which size generator your event requires, our What Size Generator Do I Need? guide provides a broader overview of generator sizing considerations.
Need Help Choosing An Event Generator?
SGH provides generator hire, temporary power solutions, commercial generator sales, and ongoing support for events across Australia.
Whether you're planning a wedding, festival, corporate event, sporting event, or community function, our team can help you choose the right generator for reliable power.
Explore our Generator Hire, Sales & Services Across Australia or contact SGH to discuss your event power requirements.
FAQs
What size generator do I need for a wedding?
Many small weddings can operate successfully with a 10kVA to 20kVA generator, depending on the equipment being used.
What size generator do I need for an outdoor event?
This depends on the number of vendors, lighting, catering equipment, and entertainment systems. Many events require generators between 20kVA and 50kVA.
Are silent generators better for events?
Yes. Silent generators are commonly preferred because they reduce noise and improve the overall guest experience.
Can one generator power an entire event?
In many cases, yes. However, larger events may require multiple generators depending on power demand and redundancy requirements.
How much fuel does an event generator use?
Fuel consumption depends on generator size, runtime, and load. Our Diesel Generator Fuel Consumption Guide provides more detailed information.
