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Wedding Rentals

Topic: Rental Equipment
Timeframe: ASAP
 

Rental Equipment



Whether planning a romantic garden wedding or an indoor ceremony and reception, a rental shop can provide both practical necessities and little extras that add to the overall ambience. From live plants to portable latrines, coat racks to champagne fountains, a rental agency can help transform any space into a workable and even magical backdrop.

When considering rental items, be sure to visit the showroom and check quality and cleanliness. Ask the rental agent to meet you at the sites if they’re not familiar with them, or take photographs with you to help in your selections.

Find out what size or types of tables and chairs your site can accommodate before shopping. China, flatware, and glassware needs will vary depending on the type of reception (buffet, sit-down, and hors d’oeuvres). Take swatches of your bridal fabrics with you when shopping for table linens.

Standard banquet tables are eight feet in length, although some places stock six-foot tables. Round tables can be 48, 60, or 72 inches in diameter. In addition to table coverings, you will need skirting for the head, cake, buffet, cookie, gift, and guest book tables. Order twice the number of napkins as guests.

If you are hosting an outdoor wedding, you should consider renting a tent or canopy to provide shelter from rain and sun. Out-of-town guests may need accommodations such as rollaway beds, baby cribs, strollers, high chairs, or car seats.

Questions for Your Rental Agent



1. What is the rental fee of each item?


List each item, the quantity needed, and the total costs to get a realistic budget figure.

2. Must damage insurance be purchased?


This may be a requirement. Be sure to ask the cost and what coverage it provides.

3. Will you deliver, pick up, and set up the items?


Find out the normal procedures and fees for delivery and pick up. If you are renting only a few items, you may be able to pick th em up yourself. Find out about returning them also. Ask if they set up tables, chairs, etc., or just drop them off. If this is the case, you will need to arrange for set up on your own, or through the site.

4. Do you need an extra, refundable deposit?


If so, find out exactly when it will be returned and on what conditions.

5. How far in advance do the items need to be reserved?


To be sure you get the items you want, you may have to reserve early and put down a deposit then. Find out about cancellation and refund policies.

Rental Options



• Aisle Runner

• Ashtrays

• Baby Items for Your Guests

• Bridal Arch/Chuppah

• Candelabra

• Canopies

• Card Boxes/Various Designs

• Centerpieces

• Chairs

• China

• Church Decorations

• Coat Racks

• Coffee Cups/Saucers

• Coffee Makers

• Coffee Urns

• Flatware

• Fountains

• Glassware

• Lattice Backdrops

• Portable Bars

• Punchbowl/Ladle

• Salt/Pepper Sets

• Serving Bowls

• Serving Platters

• Skirting

• Sugar/Creamer Sets

• Tables

• Table Linens/Napkins

• Tents

Be sure to check out the Rentals Worksheet under: For Brides: My Bridal Suite


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