Rhiannon Hendricks
Planning a wedding can be stressful, and it's easy to forget some of the essentials. To make sure your big day goes off without a hitch, there are several things you might want to consider renting. From tables and chairs to tents and dance floors, there's a lot to think about. If you're planning an outdoor wedding, it's a good idea to have a tent on standby in case of bad weather. You'll also need to think about table settings, including plates, glasses, and cutlery, as well as decorations like flowers and lighting. Some rentals can even help you glam up your reception with gold chairs or a curated lounge.
Wedding Rentals Checklist
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ceremony Structures | Altar, Arch, Chuppahs, Mandaps, Backdrop |
| Guest Seating | Chairs, Benches, Pews |
| Tables | Cocktail Hour, Buffet, Dessert, Welcome, Favour, Reception |
| Catering | Bar Setup, Glassware, Plates, Cutlery, Napkins, Linens, Pitchers, Coolers, Serving Dishes |
| Entertainment | Dance Floor, Stage for Musicians, Games |
| Lighting | String Lights, Fairy Lights |
| Tent | Rain Cover, Marquee Entrance, Gutters, Climate Control, Clear Sides, Pole Covers |
| Decorations | Floral Arrangements, Vases, Candles, Signage, Table Numbers, Card Boxes, Cake Stands |
| Clothing | Bridal Gowns, Bridesmaids Gowns, Tuxedos, Jewellery |
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Tables and chairs
When it comes to tables and chairs for your wedding, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the style of your wedding and your budget will dictate the type of tables and chairs you choose to rent. From modern Ghost chairs to rustic cross-back chairs and classic Chiavari chairs, there is a range of options to choose from. If you opt for more basic chairs, you might want to consider renting chair covers and sashes to elevate the look.
The number of tables you need will depend on the number of guests and the serving style of the meal. For a buffet, you'll need a large table or a few smaller tables placed together. If you're having a cocktail hour, you'll need separate tables for those drinks and snacks. A cake table is also a must, as the wedding cake is often the centerpiece of the reception. Depending on your venue, you may also need to rent tables for the DJ or band.
When it comes to table shape, you have several options: round, rectangular, or square. The shape you choose will depend on the layout of your venue and the number of guests per table. If you're having a head table, you might opt for a long rectangular table, whereas round tables are a popular choice for guest seating as they facilitate conversation.
In addition to tables and chairs, don't forget about linens. Tablecloths, table runners, and overlays can add a touch of elegance to your tablescape. Napkins are also a must, and it's often more convenient to rent them than to worry about washing and ironing them yourself.
Finally, if you're having an outdoor wedding or want to ensure your guests have a place to sit during the ceremony, consider renting benches or chairs for the ceremony space.
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Catering equipment
First, you will need to decide on the number and type of tables required for your meal service. You will need tables for cocktail hour stations, a buffet table, and a separate table for the wedding cake. If you are opting for a buffet or family-style meal, you will also need serving dishes.
Next, you will need to consider the place settings for your guests. Each guest will require a charger, plate, bowl (if your menu requires it), and flatware (plus extras). You will also need glassware, including water glasses, wine glasses, champagne flutes, and bar glasses. Linens, such as tablecloths, table runners, and napkins, can infuse your wedding style into your tabletops and are also necessary for catering purposes.
If your venue does not have a built-in bar, you will need to rent a bar setup. You may also need to rent additional items for the bar, such as coolers for cocktails and pitchers for serving drinks. Finally, if you are hosting an outdoor wedding, you may need a separate catering prep tent.
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Tents and marquees
There are various styles of tents and marquees available to rent, each offering a different ambiance and level of functionality. For example, stretch tents are a contemporary alternative to traditional styles, offering modularity and flexibility, especially on uneven terrain. If you're seeking a more classic aesthetic, vintage military tents evoke a sense of nostalgia and can be a charming choice. Clear top tents provide protection while still allowing guests to enjoy the views and natural light. Pole tents and marquee tents are also popular options, with their solid structures and potential for majestic beauty.
When determining the size of your tent, a general rule of thumb is to multiply the number of guests by 15 to get the optimum square footage. For a more compact arrangement, multiplying by 13 will provide adequate coverage without feeling overly crowded. For instance, a wedding with 50 guests would require a 750-square-foot tent for a comfortable fit.
In addition to the tent itself, you may also need to rent other items to complete the setup. This could include a dance floor, tables for food and drinks, chairs or benches for the ceremony, and lighting to set the mood. Some companies, like Quest Events, offer full-service event rentals, including drape, scenic elements, furniture, tabletop items, and décor to transform your venue into an immersive experience.
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Wedding attire
Brides and Grooms
Traditionally, grooms and groomsmen rent their suits or tuxedos, and brides can now also rent their wedding dresses, with companies like Nuuly offering on-trend options for rehearsal dinners or bridal showers. For those looking for designer pieces, Rent the Runway offers luxury, black-tie-worthy gowns, and ready-to-wear bridal gowns from designers like Monique Lhuillier or Oscar de la Renta. For the groom, The Black Tux is an online suit and tuxedo rental company that offers a wide range of styles and sizes.
Wedding Party
Bridesmaids can rent dresses from a variety of companies, including FashionPass, which offers both formal and casual options. Rent the Runway also provides attire deliveries every week or month, allowing bridesmaids to add to their wardrobes for pre-wedding events. Groomsmen can also rent a variety of attire pieces, including shirts, cufflinks, shoes, suspenders, and socks.
Guests
Wedding guests can also rent their attire, with companies like Armoire Style offering a style quiz to help users find their personal aesthetic. Prices start at $79 per month for a four-item capsule, with free shipping and returns. Vince Unfold also offers luxurious basics that can be easily dressed up for a flat monthly fee of $175, with unlimited exchanges and complimentary two-way shipping. For those looking for a one-time rental, Rent the Runway offers four- or eight-day rental periods, with prepaid shipping for returns.
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Decorations
Wedding decorations can make or break the vibe of your special day, so it's important to get them right. The good news is that there are plenty of options available to rent, saving you the cost of buying them outright.
Flowers
Flowers are a key part of wedding decor, but fresh flowers can be expensive. A more affordable option is to rent artificial flowers, which can look just as good as the real thing. Something Borrowed Blooms creates bouquets and centrepieces from silk flowers, which are so life-like you won't be able to tell the difference.
Lighting
Lighting can be used to create a magical atmosphere at your wedding. Rent My Wedding offers lighting packages that allow you to do everything from spotlighting your cake to hanging string lights overhead. Pipe and drape kits can also be rented to create elegant room dividers or backdrops.
Tables and Chairs
Renting tables and chairs is a must for your wedding, especially if you're having an outdoor wedding. The cost of renting a standard chair is between $2 and $10, while a padded chair with a back and cushion will cost around $8. Tables can be rented for around $10 for an 8-foot table.
Photo Booths
Photo booths are a fun addition to any wedding and can be rented for a reasonable price. Pixilated offers a DIY photo booth that is self-service and can be set up in just a few minutes. The photo booths are completely wireless and can run for up to 8 hours on rechargeable batteries.
Other Decorations
There are plenty of other decorations that can be rented to add flair to your wedding. These include:
- Backdrops and arches
- Tablecloths and table runners
- Centrepieces
- Signs (e.g. "Welcome", "Timeline", "Seating Chart")
- Wedding carts (candy cart, flower cart, etc.)
- String light canopies
- Projectors and screens
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Frequently asked questions
The essentials for a wedding include tables and chairs for guests to sit on, glasses to drink from, and cutlery to eat with. Depending on your wedding style and budget, you can rent different types of chairs, such as modern ghost chairs or classic Chiavari chairs.
You can rent a variety of items to enhance your wedding, including:
- Tablecloths, napkins, and other linens
- Chargers, plates, bowls, and flatware
- Glassware, including water glasses, wine glasses, and champagne flutes
- A dance floor
- A tent
- Lighting
- Floral arrangements, such as arches, canopies, and vases
- A cake stand
- Signage, such as welcome signs and seating charts
- Jewellery and attire for the wedding party
In addition to tables and chairs for your guests, you may need to rent tables for food and drink service, such as a buffet table or cocktail tables. You will also need to rent servingware and glassware for drinks. If you are having a bar, you may need to rent a bar setup, including coolers and pitchers.
When choosing a rental company, it is important to consider your budget and the specific items you need. You may want to visit the rental company's showroom to see and feel the items before making a decision. It is also a good idea to finalize your rentals two to three months before your wedding to ensure availability.
