Where do I begin with wedding rentals?

With some of the most popular times for proposals behind us, Christmas, New Years, and Valentines Day, it is time to start thinking wedding planning. Brides that come to us don’t always know where to start when it comes to rentals. Rental needs or wants are truly based on your venue. Common rental items are tables, chairs, linens, tablewares, dance floors, lighting, climate control, and tenting, just to name a few. Some brides choose to go with a country club or hotel ballroom where additional rentals are considered an upgrade where as some couples choose an outdoor space where everything needs to be brought in. Depending on your event space, different recommendations will be made. And this is where we can help you.

Let’s start with the easier of the two: upgrades. When booking your wedding at a hotel, country club, or any other venue where a majority of the necessities are onsite, you may only be interested in upgraded items. Most of the time, the tables and chairs are already provided. In this case, you may choose to upgrade to a timeless chiavari chair or a rustic-style countryside chair. Perhaps changing from the standard white or ivory polyester linen to a different color or fabric may suit your style better as well. For the most part, the tablewares a venue includes in their package is just fine. Tablewares include your guest place settings such as the plates, flatware, and glassware. There is no reason to change out perfectly good flatware, unless you prefer gold plated pieces to go along with your theme. Another nice enhancement would be chargers. Typically, you can rent a lacquer version or glass.

Of course, there are other items that can be added to this type of venue including a dance floor. Some venues include a basic floor, but there are many options to choose from. You can go with a checkered, a seamless, or customized. Upgrading options don’t stop there, you will most likely consider lighting to enhance the overall look of the space. This can be provided by your rental company or entertainment provider. If you are serving alcohol at your wedding, bar space needs to be established as well. Most venues will have a designated space, but this is something you should confirm, otherwise renting one may be necessary.

Fairmont Miramar Santa Monica Wedding, Enchanted Garden Floral Design, Lin & Jirsa Photography, A-1 Event Rentals, Marisa Nicole Events

Now if you are working with a blank canvas, or bare grounds, everything will need to be brought in. You will then take all the considerations from above, plus the different options that are available, and add additional items to that list. This isn’t intended to overwhelm you, but fully educate you on what is needed when using a unique space. The more you know, the better prepared you can be during the planning process. In a situation where you are using an outdoor and open space, your first question could be, will we need to be covered or not? If you choose to rent a tent, there are all the factors that play into that. For a rundown on tenting options, check out our previous post on tents.

Next, you will need to consider climate control options. Is it a particularly warm, summer day or a chilly evening? You may decide you need fans or heaters, respectively. Another aspect that often goes unnoticed is the needs of the caterer. These requirements can change depending if food is being brought in, prepped or fully prepared onsite. The necessities can range from needing chaffing dishes to requiring a refrigerator, stove, and oven. It is important to know what the caterer needs. It should also be determined if serving equipment will be needed and how food will be served. Will it be a buffet or a plated dinner? Both have different needs in terms of serving. Another commonly overlooked item is power. If power is not supplied by the venue, temporary power will need to be brought in. It is important to speak with your event rental specialist to ensure adequate power is being supplied. No one wants a shortage in the middle of the wedding! Another item to consider for your big day is lounge furniture. This is a nice-to-have and it does create a fun and relaxed atmosphere for your guests. This can be customized to the style of your event.

This is a pretty good start to all the rentals that need to be considered. Regardless where your wedding is taking place, there will be additional rentals you will need. It isn’t always common that a venue supplies everything you need to make your wedding exactly how you envisioned it. Renting items for you wedding is the solution.

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