Selecting Wedding Vendors: Need Anything Else?

Party rental companies and specialty companies can provide all kinds of necessities and luxuries for a wedding or an event. Their inventory can range from simple to elegant tables and chairs, plain to fancy tableware, theme props, tents, luxury linens, and dance floors, just to name a few of the items you might find.

Rental time is generally 48 hours, which is basically a Saturday plus Sunday when the rental stores are closed. Since the store's main cost is in cleaning and handling, longer-term rentals are often not much more expensive than weekend rentals. A reputable company may even repaint the item upon its return.

Renting a tent requires advance planning since there are fewer in stock and larger ones require a special city permit. Reputable companies are aware of local regulations and will help you obtain the permit in time. They will inspect the proposed tent site, set up the tent the day before, and return to readjust the ropes.

Recommendations:

• The life span of rental items is limited. Check the condition of each item you are renting.
• Don't attempt to set up anything other than smaller canopies by yourself. Tent rental companies know how to secure a tent to withstand a cheerful wedding or party.

Money Matters:

• Prices vary according to item, so call for price lists.
• Payment terms are usually COD ("cash on delivery"). Delivery is usually free with a certain minimum order.
• To save money, find out if the next or previous client renting your location plans to use the same rental items, such as tables, chairs or a tent, so you can share the cost.