How Many Metres of Festoon Lights Do I Need? Marquee Guide
Buy as many metres of festoon lights as the run you want to light, because each string has about one bulb per metre, so a 30m string gives you a 30m run. Quick marquee guide: 3x3m and 6x3m take 30m, 9x3m takes 50m, 6x6m takes 60m, and a 10x5m wedding marquee takes 70m. Brisbane Marquee Sales sells festoon lights from $149 (30m) to $499 (120m).
Festoon lights by marquee size
Here is the festoon length we suggest for each marquee we sell, from the 6x3m up to the 12x7m, with the price of that string. Between sizes, go up.
| Marquee | Festoon length | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 6x3m ($249, 18m²) | 30m, with spare for a path or fence run | $149 |
| 9x3m ($349, 27m²) | 50m | $239 |
| 6x6m ($949, 36m²) | 60m, runs inside and around | $279 |
| 10x5m wedding ($1,599, 50m²) | 70m, criss-cross runs | $329 |
| 12x6m ($1,899, 72m²) | 80m or 90m; 100m or 120m for two marquees or a full reception area | $379 to $499 |
| 12x7m ($2,299, 84m²) | 80m or 90m; 100m or 120m for two marquees or a full reception area | $379 to $499 |
Festoon prices: 30m $149, 50m $239, 60m $279, 70m $329, 80m $379, 90m $419, 100m $449, 120m $499. That works out at about $4.97 per metre for 30m, down to $4.16 per metre for 120m.
Festoon lights for backyards, patios and pergolas
No marquee? The same rule applies: measure the run, then pick the closest length up.
- Patio or deck: 30m ($149)
- Add a path or fence run: 30m ($149) or 50m ($239)
- Decent backyard party: 50m ($239)
- Large yard or long pergola: 50m ($239) or 60m ($279)
Strings join end to end, so a 30m patio run today can become a full backyard setup later.
How to work out your own length
- Measure each run you want lit. Along the ridge, around the edges, across the yard to the fence. Add the runs together.
- Add the 2m lead. Every string starts with 2m of plain cable from the plug to the first bulb, so allow for that between where it plugs in and where you want the light to start.
- Count on a bulb about every 90 to 95cm. After the lead, bulbs sit roughly 90 to 95cm apart, which is where the one bulb per metre rule comes from: a 30m string has 30 bulbs, a 120m run has 120.
- Round up. Strings connect end to end, so pick the next length up rather than coming up short. If one string will not cover it, join two: 120m plus 80m gives you a 200m run. Lengths of 70m and over can arrive as two strings that join end to end.
Which festoon lights should you buy?
Outdoor festoon lights in Australia need to handle dust and rain and still look right at a wedding. Check these before you buy. Here is how ours stack up.
- Weather rating: look for IP65 so they can stay outside. Ours are IP65, sealed against dust and protected against water jets from any direction, built for permanent outdoor use.
- Mains, not solar: a wedding or party runs late, so you want lights that do not depend on the day's sun. Ours run on 220 to 240V mains.
- Australian plug: look for an SAA-approved plug. Ours have one on a 2m lead, with EESS supplier registration E9322.
- Warm white: 2700K is the soft golden glow people picture at a wedding. Ours are 2700K warm white LED.
- Bulbs: ours are LED filament bulbs under a clear PET plastic cover, sealed into E27-style holders to keep the string IP65, so the bulbs are not replaceable. A19 bulbs (7.5cm x 5cm) on the 50m, 70m, 80m, 90m, 100m and 120m strings, S14 bulbs (5.5cm x 5cm) on the 30m and 60m strings.
- Joinable cable: strings should connect end to end. Ours have heavy-duty black cable that joins end to end, so 120m plus 80m makes 200m.
- Warranty: ours carry a 1 year warranty.
Festoon lights FAQ
Can festoon lights stay up outside?
Yes, if they are rated for it. Ours are IP65, sealed against dust and protected against water jets from any direction, with LED filament bulbs under a clear PET plastic cover, so they are made for permanent outdoor use on a marquee frame, pergola or fence line. Hang and connect them by following the included instructions. More detail, including IP44 vs IP65 vs IP67, in can IP65 festoon lights stay outside.
Solar or mains festoon lights for a wedding?
Mains. Our festoon lights run on 220 to 240V mains through an SAA-approved Australian plug on a 2m lead. They are not solar, so your reception is not relying on a sunny afternoon.
Can I join festoon light strings together?
Yes. The heavy-duty black cable connects end to end, so a 120m string plus an 80m string gives you a 200m run. Pick the length closest to each run and join them, or go up a size if you are in between.
How fast do festoon lights arrive?
Order online and your festoon lights are dispatched in about 2 business days (the 6x6m, 8x4m, 12x6m and 12x7m are pre-orders, shipping end of November 2026), with free delivery to most of Australia.
Shop festoon lights, $149 for 30m to $499 for 120m, dispatched in about 2 business days with free delivery to most of Australia. Still deciding whether to buy or hire for a one-off event? Read our festoon lights buy vs hire cost comparison.
