Did you know that you will most likely need to rent some items for your wedding? In some cases, you will need to rent a lot of items for your wedding — especially if your venue is more “bare bones!” Wedding rentals are something that most people don’t really think about before they start planning, so we are here to break everything down for you.
Everything You Need to Know About Wedding Rentals
Here are some of our top tips for wedding rentals — what you need to know, what to ask the companies, and the pieces that you should think about renting!
How to pick the right rental company
If you are in (or close to) a major city or popular wedding destination, then you will probably have a lot of companies to choose from. But how do you choose the right one?
For starters, if you have a wedding planner, they can likely recommend the right rental company(ies) for your needs and desires!
If you don’t have one, you’ll want to look at the quality of their inventory versus their pricing. Most companies offer similar pricing. The most important thing to look for is if they have high-quality items in the colors that you’re looking for!
We really recommend going and visiting their showroom in person. When you do this, you’ll be able to see any marks or stains that items have, as well as being able to see and feel the items in person!
What do I need to rent?
It really depends on what your venue includes and what you’re looking for. However, here is a list of common items that you may want to consider renting:
- Tents
- Tables/chairs
- Dance floor
- Generators
- Linens/napkins
- Dinnerware, flatware, glassware
- Floral accoutrements
- Lounge furniture
- Restrooms
- Trash cans
- Cocktail tables (and linens!)
- Bread baskets
- Beverage dispensers and/or tubs
- Lighting
- Umbrellas
- Fans
- Ceremony arch/backdrop
Questions to ask rental companies
When you are researching and contacting various rental companies, there are a few things that you will want to ask them.
- What are your delivery and pickup times, along with the cost of these?
- What do you charge for set up and tear down?
- Is there a minimum order amount? If so, what is it?
- How do the dishes, glasses, and silverware need to be returned? (ex: scraped, rinsed, washed)
Outdoor weddings and tents
Photo by Cindy Chen on Unsplash
If you are having an outdoor wedding, you will most likely want to rent a tent in case of inclement weather. You’ll want guests to be protected from rain, hot sun, and strong winds!
A reputable and experienced tent rental company can help you figure out what exactly you will need for your event, as well as any extras, such as generators, a dance floor, draping fabric, and more.
Tables and chairs
Photo by Marc Babin on Unsplash
Tables and chairs are obviously important for your ceremony and reception! However, you need to think about having them for other purposes, as well. For example, will your band need chairs to sit on or to rest their instruments on? Will you need a table for your cake/desserts? What about any tables for your ceremony to display decor or something for a unity ceremony?
You will be surprised at how many different kinds of tables and chairs are out there! It’s all about finding what matches best with your vision and budget.
Linens
Photo by Marc Babin on Unsplash
There are a lot of linen options out there, too! There are a variety of styles and fabrics.
When it comes down to it, choose the ones that best fit your overall wedding style and theme. Pricing widely varies!
A pro tip that we have is to match a few more expensive table linens with some more budget-friendly options. For example, half of your tables could have sequined tablecloths while the other half have more plain ones. It gives you that pop of something extra that you’re looking for without breaking the bank!
Dinnerware, flatware, and glassware
Place settings are crucial. If they aren’t included with your catering package, you’ll need to rent them.
There are a lot of different settings that you may need, including:
- Plates
- Forks
- Knives
- Spoons
- Wine glasses
- Champagne flutes
- Water glasses
- Rock glasses
- Coffee mugs
- Something special for signature drinks (ex: mason jars)
As we mentioned above, if you are renting these items, be sure to ask how they need to be returned. Do they want them to be scraped, rinsed, or washed? If you have to wash them, make sure that you have the staff and/or time to do so.
Lounge furniture
Photo by Zane Persaud on Unsplash
Finally, a rental item that has become more popular in recent years is lounge furniture. Having a lounge furniture set-up at your wedding is a comfortable area for your guests to relax, and also makes for some great photo ops!
Remember, the best way to navigate wedding rentals is to consult with your planner! There are a lot of other perks to having a planner, too. Contact us here to set up a free consultation and see if we are the right fit for you and your wedding!
Featured Image Photo by Jordan Arnold on Unsplash