Renting For Your Wedding Reception: What You Need

what to rent for a wedding reception

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, and it's easy to forget some of the essentials. From tables and chairs to lighting and dance floors, there are many things to consider when planning your big day. Whether you're looking for elegant decor or just the basics, renting can be a great way to save money and ensure your wedding day is perfect. In this discussion, we will explore the various rental options available for wedding receptions, including venues, decorations, and other often-overlooked essentials. We will also provide tips and suggestions to help you create your dream wedding while staying within your budget.

Characteristics Values
Venue Restaurants, hotels, ballrooms, warehouses, bars, theaters, rooftops, gardens, banquet halls
Tables Square, round, long, sweetheart tables, head tables, farm tables
Chairs Cross-back, Chiavari, Ghost, folding, banquet
Linens Tablecloths
Lighting Uplighting, monogram lighting, textured lighting, spotlights, pin spot, color wash, gobos
Dance floor
Stage For performers
Restrooms Portable toilets or restroom trailers
Kitchen Portable kitchen
Power source Generator
Decor Canopies, chuppahs, arches, backdrops, fabrics, sequins, draping
Cake stands and toppers
Attire Tuxedos, bridal gowns, bridesmaids gowns
Jewelry
Barware Glasses, pitchers, coolers
Servingware Forks, serving dishes

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Tables, chairs, and linens

Tables

There are several options to choose from when it comes to tables, depending on your style and budget. You can opt for square, round, or long tables, or a mix of several styles, which are available in different sizes and can accommodate varying numbers of guests. For example, you may prefer long farm tables, classic round tables, or modern square tables. A separate smaller table for the newlyweds, or a head table with their wedding party or family members, is also an option. Additionally, consider including tables for gifts and cards, seating assignments, cake and desserts, and favours.

Chairs

There are also many types of chairs to choose from, such as modern Ghost chairs, rustic cross-back chairs, or classic Chiavari chairs. If you opt for more affordable folding or banquet chairs, you may also want to rent chair covers.

Linens

Linens are another important rental item, including tablecloths and napkins. You can choose from a variety of colours and fabrics to match your wedding theme and style. Linens can also be used for other purposes, such as a ceremony aisle runner, adding a special touch to your wedding decor.

It is recommended that you work with your venue coordinator and party rental company to determine the specific quantities and placement of tables and chairs needed, based on your guest list and other event details.

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Lighting and dance floors

A dance floor is the heart of your wedding reception, serving as the focal point where guests gather to celebrate. When renting a dance floor, it is important to consider the venue space, including the size, shape, and surface of the area designated for dancing. The number of guests you plan to invite will also impact the size of the dance floor you'll need. You can also choose a dance floor that complements your wedding's theme and aesthetics. For instance, if you are going for an all-white theme, a white dance floor can help pull together all the white elements. You can also opt for a black and white checkered floor for a black-tie wedding. For modern, high-end weddings, an LED dance floor can be a great option, with lights that change colour and pattern and even respond to the music.

Renting lighting equipment can also have a huge impact on your wedding's overall look and feel. You can choose from various lighting options, including fairy lights, lanterns, LED fixtures, string lights, and twinkle lights. These can be used to create ambiance, highlight the dance area, and change the mood throughout the evening. Lighting can be especially important if your wedding venue does not have a glow-up, or if you are planning an outdoor wedding in the evening or at night.

When renting a dance floor or lighting equipment, it is important to understand the rental company's policies on damages and any additional costs, such as security deposits or insurance fees. You should also consider whether you will need a generator or other power source to fuel all your lighting equipment.

Dance floors and lighting equipment can be expensive, with costs ranging from $375 to $3500 or even more, so it is important to plan carefully and consider all the costs involved.

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Cake stands and toppers

Cake stands can be simple or elaborate, and are available in a variety of materials, including glass, marble, wood, metal, acrylic, and even farmhouse-style. When choosing a cake stand, consider the size of your cake and the number of servings it needs to accommodate. Some cake stands are designed to hold multiple tiers, while others are better suited for displaying a single cake layer.

Rental companies often offer a range of cake stand sizes and styles to choose from. For example, you can rent a 10-inch-wide by 5-inch-high farmhouse-style cake stand for $12, or opt for a larger 12-inch-wide by 7-inch-high stand for just $2 more. If you're looking for something more modern, you can rent glass, marble, or acrylic cake stands that hold various cake sizes and quantities of cupcakes. These stands can range from $5 to $25 in rental fees.

Cake toppers are a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding cake. They can be customized to reflect your personalities, hobbies, cultural backgrounds, and even include your pets! Toppers can be made from a variety of materials, including wood veneer, acrylic, and traditional cake topper figurines. You can choose from a range of colours and sizes to suit your cake display and wedding theme.

For a unique topper, consider a 3D display with trendy wording like "Best Day Ever" or "The Hunt is Over." These toppers come in various colours and sizes and can even be personalized with your names or wedding date. If you want to include your family in the topper, you can find styles that incorporate kids, pets, and even mature couples, ensuring that your entire household is represented atop the cake.

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Wedding attire

Gowns and Tuxedos

Renting bridal gowns, bridesmaids' dresses, and groomsmen tuxedos is a popular choice. This option allows everyone to look their best without breaking the bank. It's a convenient way to ensure that the wedding party is coordinated and stylish.

Accessories

Jewellery is another popular rental item. Renting jewellery enables the wearer to access more extravagant pieces without the hefty price tag. From statement necklaces to dazzling earrings, renting jewellery can elevate any wedding outfit.

Venue-Specific Attire

Consider the venue when planning wedding attire. For instance, if the wedding is outdoors, the couple might want to provide fans or parasols for the wedding party and guests to stay cool and comfortable. Similarly, if the wedding is themed, the couple could rent accessories or props to enhance the theme, such as vintage hats or colourful wigs.

Comfort is Key

Remember to prioritise comfort, especially for the wedding party, who will be in their attire for an extended period. Ensure that outfits are fitted correctly and made from breathable fabrics, especially if the wedding is taking place during warm weather.

Backup Plans

It is always good to have a backup plan, especially for the wedding party's attire. Last-minute mishaps or sizing issues can occur, so it's beneficial to have a rental company on hand that can provide quick replacements or alternatives.

Renting wedding attire is a practical and cost-effective solution, allowing the wedding party to look and feel their best while creating unforgettable memories.

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Cutlery and glassware

For a formal, plated dinner, real glassware and elegant cutlery are expected. Glassware can include highball or rocks glasses for cocktails, wine glasses for red and white wine, and glasses for water or tea. If you're serving soup, you'll need soup spoons, and teaspoons for coffee or tea. Each place setting will also require a dinner fork for the main course, and a salad fork if you're serving an appetizer. A dinner knife is also standard for the main course, and a butter knife if you're serving bread.

If your wedding is more casual, you can opt for a universal glass, such as a stemless wine glass that can be used for wine and water. You can also save money by using plastic cutlery, with options including gold, silver, or bamboo designs.

Don't forget to consider dessert! A separate set of flatware, such as dessert forks or spoons, can be provided specifically for this course.

Frequently asked questions

You'll need tables and chairs for your guests to sit at during the reception. You may also want to include a table for gifts and cards, seating assignments, and a table for your cake and desserts. Depending on your style and budget, you could choose from long farm tables with cross-back chairs, classic round tables with Chiavari chairs, or modern square tables with Ghost chairs.

You may need to rent a dance floor and a stage or designated area for any performers. If your wedding is outdoors, you may need to rent portable toilets and a portable kitchen. You'll also need to ensure you have enough glasses, cutlery, and serving dishes for your guests.

You can rent items such as cake stands and toppers, aisle runners, and lighting. You can also rent items to elevate your wedding decor, such as uplighting, monogram lighting, and textured lighting.

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