Essential Wedding Rentals: What You Need For Your Big Day

what do I need to rent for my wedding

Planning a wedding involves coordinating many moving parts, from the ceremony and reception venues to the caterers and photographers. While it may be tempting to buy everything you need for your wedding, renting is often a more convenient and cost-effective option. Wedding rentals can include everything from tables and chairs to lounge furniture, table linens, and portable bathrooms. Renting these items can save you the hassle of storing, transporting, and cleaning them before and after your big day. Additionally, rental companies can provide unique items such as photo booths, lighting, and decor to elevate your wedding and create lasting memories.

What do I need to rent for my wedding?

Characteristics Values
Venue Tents, Marquees, Barns, Warehouses, Empty Social Halls, Loft Spaces, Backyards
Catering Tables, Chairs, Tablecloths, Napkins, Cutlery, Glassware, Pitchers, Serving Dishes, Coolers
Lighting Pin Spot, Colour Wash, Uplighting, Gobos, Monogram Lighting, Spotlights, Textured Lighting
Entertainment Dance Floors, Photo Booths, Live Band, DJ, Karaoke, Games (e.g. Giant Jenga)
Amenities Portable Bathrooms, Kitchen Space, Garbage Cans
Decorations Arches, Backdrops, Canopies, Chuppahs, Mandaps, Candlesticks, Glass Bowls, Flowers
Other Umbrellas, Fans, Aisle Runners, Chargers, Linens, Lounge Furniture

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Tables and chairs

There are many different types of tables and chairs available for rent, from long farm tables with cross-back chairs to classic round tables with Chiavari chairs, or modern square tables with Ghost chairs. If you're on a tighter budget, you could opt for more affordable folding or banquet chairs and include chair covers. Work with your venue coordinator and party rentals company to figure out where tables and chairs will be needed and the number of guests you can seat.

If you're getting married outdoors, you may need to rent a tent and other items to ensure your guests' comfort, such as fans or portable restrooms. You can also rent a separate catering prep tent if needed.

In addition to tables and chairs, you'll also need to consider other rental items such as table linens, napkins, place settings, and serving dishes. These items can be rented from stylists or caterers, who can also manage your rentals for you.

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Catering equipment

Tables and Chairs

The type of tables and chairs you select will depend on your wedding style and budget. Options range from long farm tables with cross-back chairs to classic round tables with Chiavari chairs or modern square tables with Ghost chairs. If affordability is a priority, consider folding or banquet chairs with covers. Lounge furniture is also an option to create a relaxed area for guests to unwind. Don't forget to coordinate with your venue and rental company to ensure you have the appropriate number and arrangement of tables and chairs.

Linens and Tableware

Table linens, napkins, tablecloths, and chair covers can add elegance and style to your wedding. Renting these items is often more cost-effective than purchasing, and you can choose from various colours, textures, and designs. To enhance the tablescape, consider chargers, serving plates, forks, knives, spoons, wine glasses, water glasses, champagne flutes, and coffee mugs. Don't forget to insure these items against stains and damage.

Catering Tents and Kitchen Space

If you're having an outdoor wedding, consider renting a separate catering prep tent to shield your caterers from inclement weather. Additionally, ensure you have adequate kitchen space for caterers to prepare and cook the food. This may involve bringing in additional amenities if your venue is a raw space.

Bar and Beverage Service

Renting a bar is essential for your wedding, as it will be a popular spot for guests to congregate. Consider the location, space, and service when selecting a bar option. Mobile bars are trendy and convenient, offering various styles and themes. Don't forget to include coolers for cocktails, pitchers for drinks, and serving dishes if you're having a buffet or family-style meal.

Portable Restrooms

For outdoor weddings or raw spaces, it's recommended to rent portable bathrooms to provide convenience and comfort for your guests. There are various options available, from basic to luxurious, depending on your budget.

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Lighting and decor

If you're getting married outdoors, consider renting a tent to provide shade for your guests and protect them from the elements. You can also add on features such as marquee entrance tents, gutters, a stage for musicians, climate control, clear sides, and pole covers. Depending on your power needs, you may also need to rent a generator.

For the ceremony, a common backdrop is a flower-decorated arch. If you're having a Jewish wedding, you may want to rent a chuppah, or a mandap if you're having a Hindu or Jain wedding. You can also rent other decorative items such as candlesticks, glass bowls, and an aisle runner.

When it comes to lighting, there are various types to choose from, including pin spot, colour wash, uplighting, gobos, and monogram lighting. You can also add spotlights to create a focal point or use textured lighting to create a unique atmosphere.

Don't forget about the tables and chairs! These come in various styles, from long farm tables with cross-back chairs to modern square tables with Ghost chairs. You can also rent lounge furniture, such as couches and armchairs, to create a relaxed area for your guests. To add a special touch, consider renting elegant canopies or chuppahs for your ceremony or reception.

Lastly, don't underestimate the impact of lighting and decor on your wedding budget. While individual items may seem inexpensive, the cost of renting or buying multiple items can quickly add up. Consider your priorities and budget accordingly.

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Marquees and tents

There are a variety of styles and sizes available to suit your unique needs. For instance, stretch tents offer a contemporary alternative with their modular design, which can be configured in various ways to accommodate challenging terrain or as a wet-weather contingency. Vintage military tents, on the other hand, evoke a classic marquee style with their faded fabric from years of summer sun and rain.

If you're seeking a grand and majestic option, consider the Grand Pavilion marquee, constructed from soaring solid-wood timbers reminiscent of Victorian glasshouses. This option is perfect for weddings, combining architectural elegance with functionality.

Additionally, you may want to consider a separate catering prep tent for your caterers and bartenders, who may require items like coolers for cocktails and pitchers for serving drinks.

When choosing a marquee or tent, it is advisable to work with a reputable and experienced rental company. They can guide you in deciding on the necessary features, such as marquee entrance tents, gutters, climate control, clear sides, pole covers, and generators.

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Dance floors and entertainment

You can also rent entertainment equipment such as speakers and microphones for the best man and maid of honour's speeches, and for any musicians or DJs you've hired. If you're having an outdoor wedding, you may need to rent a generator to power the equipment.

In addition to the dance floor and technical equipment, you can also rent entertainment features such as photo booths, monogram lighting, backdrops, canopies, and draping. These features will add elegance and personalisation to your wedding and create lasting memories.

If you're looking for interactive entertainment for your guests, you could consider renting games such as giant Jenga or setting up a slow-motion video booth.

Frequently asked questions

The essentials you need to rent for your wedding will depend on your venue and the type of wedding you are having. However, some essentials include tables, chairs, tableware, and linens. If you are having an outdoor wedding, you may also need to rent a tent, portable bathrooms, and lighting.

Renting items for your wedding can be more convenient and cost-effective than buying them. It saves you the hassle of sourcing, storing, and transporting the items yourself. It is also more environmentally friendly, as rented items are reused multiple times.

To make your wedding stand out, you can rent items such as photo booths, monogram lighting, canopies, backdrops, arches, and lounge furniture. These additions can create a fun and memorable experience for you and your guests.

When choosing what to rent for your wedding, consider your venue, theme, and budget. Work with your venue coordinator, caterer, and rental company to determine what items are included and what additional rentals you may need. Prioritize essentials first and then consider any unique or decorative items that will enhance your vision.

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