National Arcade Hire

Home
United Kingdom
London
National Arcade Hire

UK's premier arcade machine hire service. 50+ classic & modern games for corporate events & weddings. Europe's largest collection with nationwide delivery.

Trusted since 2014. Get your quote today!

01/09/2026

Wedding entertainment mistakes that cost couples on the day

Booking wedding entertainment sounds simple until something goes wrong on the actual day, and by then it's too late to fix.

The biggest mistake we see: booking too late. Popular dates through wedding season get snapped up fast, so arcade machines and games room extras need sorting months ahead, not weeks.

Second mistake: assuming "delivery" means a van turns up and dumps a machine in the corner. No setup, no technical support, no backup if something plays up mid-reception. That's a DIY headache nobody wants at their own wedding.

Third: forgetting entertainment should suit everyone, not just the couple's mates. Classics like Pac-Man and Space Invaders work because grandparents and kids both know how to play.

Which of those has caught out someone you know?

https://nationalarcadehire.com/

28/08/2026

What an arcade machine actually costs at your wedding

Couples ask us this all the time, so here's a straight answer: pricing depends on the machine, the hire length and where you're based, but it's far more affordable than most couples expect once it's part of a full-service package.

That package matters. You're not just getting a cabinet dropped at the venue. Delivery, professional setup, on-site technical support and collection are all included, plus backup equipment on standby in case anything plays up mid-reception.

Classic titles like Pac-Man and Space Invaders tend to be the most requested for weddings, that nostalgia hits with guests of every age. Star Wars themed machines are booked out fast too, especially for evening receptions once the dancefloor needs a breather.

We're insurance and safety certified across the board, so there's no faffing about with paperwork on your side.

Have you picked your wedding date yet, and is it during peak season?

https://nationalarcadehire.com/

26/08/2026

Delivery day, sorted: what actually happens

Booking an arcade machine for your wedding or work do? Here's exactly what happens before your guests get their hands on it.

Our team delivers and does the full setup on site, so you're not unpacking anything or figuring out plugs and settings yourself. Everything gets tested on arrival to make sure it's running properly before we leave.

We bring backup equipment too, because a machine glitching halfway through your party isn't something you should have to deal with on the day. Every piece is insurance and safety certified, and suitable for all ages, from the youngest guest to the grandparents having a go on Space Invaders.

Once the event's done, we collect everything ourselves. No boxing up, no lifting, no chasing couriers.

Got a date in mind for wedding season or the Christmas party calendar? Worth getting in touch early, as our machines get booked up fast.

https://nationalarcadehire.com/

24/08/2026

When to book arcade machines for your big day

Wedding season dates get snapped up fast, especially Saturdays between spring and autumn, and arcade hire is no exception.

If you love the idea of guests battling it out on Pac-Man or Space Invaders between the ceremony and the first dance, the sooner you book, the better your choice of machines.

We've got over 50 machines in our collection, including Star Wars themed cabinets and custom boxing machines you can brand with your own names or logos. The popular ones go first.

Booking early also means we can properly plan delivery and setup around your venue, whatever the layout, plus have backup equipment ready just in case. That's the sort of peace of mind you want when there's nothing left to chance on the day.

Have you picked a date yet, and do you know which machines you'd want at your reception?

https://nationalarcadehire.com/

17/08/2026

Buy a second-hand arcade machine, or just hire one?

Thinking about picking up a second-hand machine for your office games room or a one-off party? Worth a think first, because old cabinets come with old problems.

Second-hand machines often need repairs before they're even reliable, and if something breaks mid-event, you're on your own to fix it.

Hiring sidesteps all that. We deliver, set up, and stay on hand with technical support for the day, plus backup equipment just in case.

Jonathan's spent over 40 years in this industry since the 1980s, so our collection (Europe's largest, with 50+ machines) is properly maintained, from Pac-Man and Space Invaders to Star Wars themed cabinets and custom branded boxing machines for corporate logos.

For a wedding or a launch party you're using once, does it really make sense to own the headache?

https://nationalarcadehire.com/

26/04/2026

Check out our Super Bikes! 🏍️

A staple for many clients, so why not try them for yourself?

Get in touch!

Address

128 City Road
London
EC1V2NX

Telephone

0333 577 0399

Website

http://www.nationalarcadehire.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when National Arcade Hire posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Establishment

Send a message to National Arcade Hire:

Want your establishment to be the top-listed arts & entertainment in London?