RENTALS

scan me!

decor + rentals

PERSONALIZED STYLE

As you start wedding planning, you might be surprised to learn that tables and chairs, eclectic decor, and even the dance floor aren’t typically stored in your venue’s basement. Whether it’s a glamorous reception hall or a tent in your own backyard, it’s extremely common to rent both necessities and fashion-forward extras for your wedding. Here are some of the basics to help you navigate the world of wedding rentals and event design.

PB Tip BOOK THE BASICS. Don’t wait to secure your rentals. Book the basics right away — you can always add more items later. PremierBrideMKE.com PREMIER BRIDE • 107

Whether it’s a glamorous reception hall or a tent in your own backyard, it’s extremely common to rent both necessities and fashionforward extras for your wedding. Here are some of the basics to help you navigate the world of wedding rentals and event design.

Even if you’re working with a venue that already provides things like tables, chairs, linens, and place settings, rentals might still end up on your wedding checklist. Ask your site contact if you can see their items first hand, in case you want to switch up the look — for instance, springing for vintage tableware, textured linens, or shapely chairs.

Of course if you’re hosting a wedding where the venue isn’t outfitted with even the most basic furnishings, it’s up to you to procure every last item. If you love a DIY challenge, you could track down these goods yourself. But why stress? With a trusted rental company by your side, you can borrow everything from your ceremony arch to your centerpieces.

CHOOSING A RENTAL COMPANY

The coordinator at your venue should be able to recommend a preferred rental company. You can also ask your other vendors or check local resources like Premier Bride. There are many different styles of rentals these days: traditional, rustic, vintage, modern, eclectic. Whichever companies you consider, visit their showroom so you can compare quality as well as price.

WHAT TO RENT

Your venue might include all the basics, or you may be looking to rent a 200-person tent and everything that goes inside it. In general, these

A wide variety of tents, lighting, tables, chairs, bars, dance floors, flooring, linens, china, glassware, audio visual equipment, food service and entertaining equipment. OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK – EVENT COORDINATORS ON STAFF

(262) 827-1444 – arearentalwi.com

Visit Our Showrooms

CORPORATE OFFICE 17000 W Cleveland Ave New Berlin (262) 827-1444

DELAFIELD LOCATION 3430 Hillside Rd Delafield (262) 646-4444

Essential Rentals for Exceptional

Events

Tablс _ Chairs _ Linens Bars _ Flooring _ StagingChina _ Flatware _ Glassware

Catering & Kitchen Equipment Expo & Meeting Equipment

(414) 831-7000 welldressedtables.com

PERSONALIZED STYLE

are the main furnishings you’ll need: tables, chairs, linens, plates, flatware, serving pieces, utensils, and glassware. Other large rentals might be a dance floor or a free-standing bar. Also consider any heating or cooling needs, depending on your venue and time of year.

Now let’s dig a little deeper into your most basic rentals, as these are, for the most part, nonnegotiable for all weddings.

TABLES, CHAIRS & LINENS

At most weddings, you’ll see round tables, long family-style tables, or a mix. You may also need buffet tables, a sweethearts table, taller cocktail tables, and tables for things like cake and the guest book.

If you’re not planning to show off the tables themselves, tablecloths for dinner and cocktail hour are a must — cloth napkins, too. If you have the choice between cotton and polyester fabric and the price is comparable, go for cotton; it lends a nicer, higher-quality feeling. Hosting a breezy outdoor reception? Make sure you have table weights, hidden tablecloth clips, and napkin rings.

You’ll need seating not just for dinner, but possibly the ceremony and cocktail hour, too. Have high chairs or booster seats for any little ones. Chair covers add color and texture to the space, however, stylish Chiavari chairs and fresh, white folding chairs work wonderfully, no covers necessary.

PLATES, GLASSWARE & UTENSILS

With all the delicious food at a wedding, you’ll need plates for cocktail hour, salad, dinner,

Table Linens | Furniture | Tables & Chairs | Dance Floor & Stage

ALLSTARRENTALS.NET | 414.427.9951

WEDDING & BRIDAL JEWELRY & GIFTS

Unique, custom designed necklaces, bracelets, earrings, hair jewelry, hairpieces and tiaras. Sterling Silver or 14 karat gold, pearls, gemstones or Swarovski crystals. Restored, restrung or renovated familial jewelry

BEAD IT! LLC beadit@wi.rr.com 2108A Silvernail Rd, Ste 123, Pewaukee, WI 53072 beadit-wi.com • 262-366-5573

and dessert. Today, tables are often set with chargers, mixed silverware, and a lively array of colorful, metallic, even patterned plates for an eclectic table. Always order about a dozen extra place settings in case a plate drops or shows up chipped.

For glassware, you might need champagne flutes, glasses for water, beer, wine, cocktails, and cups for non-alcoholic drinks like coffee or tea. You need to keep the clean glassware coming, so either hire a dishwasher or work around it. Calculate three or four glasses per person, or make it clear that guests should reuse their one glass the entire evening.

TIPS & TRICKS

If you have to place your rental order before your final guest count is confirmed, it’s best to round up. Thoroughly read your rental agreement and the itemized list of goods coming your way. Make sure the amounts and times of drop-off and pick-up are all correct, and understand the state in which goods are to be returned. Do dishes have to be washed? Chairs folded? Also be aware of added fees, such as a service charge, delivery charge, or tip. Ask for the company’s direct contact information for the day of your wedding.

FUN & DECORATIVE RENTALS

Consider antiques, chandeliers, a disco ball, neon or marquee lighting, or gilded mirrors. Want fun on a bigger scale? Bring in fabulous furniture to act as both a lounge area and a backdrop for photos. Up the playfulness with popcorn machines, cotton candy makers, lawn games, or outdoor fire pits. These are just some of the ways to add an unforgettable touch to your wedding day — and they’re all available to rent. B

ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS!

SELECTING Rentals

• What items are available for rent? • What is the rental fee? Do you have a price list? • Have you worked at my reception location before? • Do you provide delivery, set-up and pick-up? Is this included in the cost? • When will the items be delivered and picked up? • Will you move decorations from the ceremony to the reception site if needed? • If tents are needed, do you recommend one large tent, or multiple smaller tents at my reception location? • What is your policy on damaged or missing items? • Who will be my contact on the day of the wedding? • How far in advance must I book your services? • What is your cancellation policy? • Is a deposit required? If so, when and how much?