A big birthday needs a big photo spot, and a lit number is one of the easiest ways to build one. Before you book anything, you need to know what it will cost. I looked at the published prices and rental details for the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area to give you a clear budget picture.
Prices for marquee number rentals are lower than many people think, and the math is simple once you know the size and the digits you need. This guide covers what sets the price, sample budgets for common birthdays, how to choose a size, and which questions to ask before you pay a deposit. By the end, you can set a number for your budget and know what to expect.
The Short Answer
Here are the current prices from Sunrise Rentals, a company that serves the DMV area:
- 3-foot marquee letters and numbers cost $45 each.
- 4-foot bright white marquee numbers cost $70 each.
You pay per piece. A two-digit birthday like 30 or 50 costs $90 in 3-foot size or $140 in 4-foot size. That is the core cost for most milestone birthdays.
What Sets the Price
Four things decide your total.
Size
The 4-foot numbers cost $25 more per piece than the 3-foot ones. They are also brighter and larger in photos, and they suit birthdays, anniversaries, and other milestones.
Number of Digits
A 40th birthday needs two pieces. A 100th birthday needs three. Count your digits first, because each one adds to the bill.
Rental Length
Most clients rent for one full day. If you need more time, such as setup the night before, ask about an extended rental. Sunrise Rentals offers extended rentals on request.
Extra Pieces
Some people add letters for a name or a short message. Each 3-foot letter costs $45, the same as a number.
Sample Budgets for Common Birthdays
These examples use the listed prices. Delivery and any fees are not included, so confirm those when you request a quote.
1. 21st birthday, 3-foot numbers: 2 pieces at $45 = $90
2. 30th birthday, 4-foot numbers: 2 pieces at $70 = $140
3. 50th birthday, 4-foot numbers: 2 pieces at $70 = $140
4. 60th birthday with a 3-foot “MOM” sign beside it: 2 numbers at $70 plus 3 letters at $45 = $275
5. 100th birthday, 4-foot numbers: 3 pieces at $70 = $210
Even the larger setups stay under $300 for the marquee pieces. That leaves room in your budget for food, cake, and other items.
Should You Pick 3-Foot or 4-Foot?
I suggest the 4-foot size if the numbers are the main feature of the party. They stand out in a large room, a backyard, or a banquet hall. They also look good next to a dessert table or a photo wall.
The 3-foot size works well for a smaller space, a living room party, or a case where you want to spell a name. It also costs less, which helps if you need many pieces.
Think about where you will put the numbers and how far guests will stand from them. A big room needs a bigger number.
Why I Recommend Sunrise Rentals
Several details make Sunrise Rentals a strong choice for this rental.
- Clear pricing. The cost for each size is listed, and you can work out your total in a minute.
- Solid build. The marquees use sturdy wooden or metal framing with durable LED bulbs. They do not use cardboard or thin plastic, and that matters for a piece that stands in a room full of guests.
- Bright white 4-foot numbers. These are made for birthdays and milestones, so you are not adapting a product built for another use.
- Local service. They serve Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland.
- Other items in one place. They rent floral walls, neon signs, balloon designs, DSLR photo booths, a 360 video booth, and a mobile bar. You can plan the whole party with one company.
- Neon frame RGB numbers. If you want color instead of white, ask about these.
Their photo booth page shows a 5.0 rating based on 22 Google reviews, and reviewers mention professionalism, punctuality, and attention to detail. That tells me their team pays attention to the small parts of an event.
Ways to Lower Your Total
Sunrise Rentals lists a 10% savings when you book more than one service together, and marquee letters are included in that offer. If you want a photo booth or a floral wall for the same party, ask how the discount applies to your order.
For reference, their floral walls start at $225, and their Classic Snap photo booth package starts at $420 for two hours. A number setup plus one of these items makes a full photo area.
Questions to Ask Before You Book
Use this list when you call or send a message:
- Is my date open?
- What is the delivery cost to my address?
- Does the venue have stairs, no parking, or no elevator, and could that add a fee?
- How long is the rental, and what does an extended rental cost?
- Can I use the numbers outside?
- What happens if a piece is damaged?
You can reach Sunrise Rentals at (571) 548-1377.
Placement and Timing Tips
Put your numbers on a flat, stable surface. The marquees can go outdoors, but you should avoid spots with rain or strong wind. If your party is outside, plan a covered area or an indoor backup.
Book early. Sunrise Rentals recommends four to eight weeks ahead for its larger rentals, especially on weekends. A birthday on a Saturday in spring or fall fills up fast, so I would reserve your date as soon as you set it.
Set Your Number and Your Budget
For most milestone birthdays, you will spend between $90 and $210 on the numbers themselves. Pick your size, count your digits, add any letters, and ask for a full quote with delivery. With those steps done, you can plan the rest of your party with a firm figure in hand.
