Beyond basic party rentals, which you may or may not need depending on your venue, are a huge variety of fun extras that make your décor pop! You can have sofas, coffee tables, tents, even movie props — for a price.

Necessities

Most hotels, country clubs, and established wedding venues have all the basics you need, such as china, glassware, staging, and lighting. Most likely, you will only need to worry about rentals if you want something more than what they are offering. Ask the site manager if they work with other rental companies that can supply these items. You will often be able to upgrade certain items, such as chairs and linens, sometimes at a lower cost through the venue.

Most major rental companies have knowledgeable representatives to help you. Look for a company that will offer this more personal service. If you are trying to outfit your entire event with rentals, and don't have a wedding planner, you may be able to ask your caterer for assistance and advice.

QUESTIONS TO ASK

What are the delivery charges? How and when does overtime begin?

What are regular delivery hours?

Are you familiar with the site?

When are the rentals dropped off? Picked up?

How are the rentals priced?

When do you need a final count for the items?

Is a deposit required?

Is there an additional security deposit (i.e., for specialty or custom items)?

When is the final payment due?

Rental Checklist

Here is a checklist for the normal rental wedding items.

TABLES

Bar

Cake table

Dessert or coffee table

DJ (for equipment)

Food service (prep, buffet, etc.)

Gift table

Guest tables

Guestbook table

Head table

Place card table

Sweetheart table

CHAIRS

For the ceremony

For the cocktail hour

Highchair (for children)

For the reception

LINENS

Chair covers

Linens for the tables you rent

Napkins

Overlays

Table skirting

FOOD SERVICE/PLACE SETTINGS

Bread plates

Butter dishes

Cake/dessert plates

Cups and saucers

Dinner plates

Forks (salad, dinner, cake)

Hors d'oeuvre plates

Knives

Salad plates

Salt and pepper shakers

Soup bowls

Spoons (soup, dinner, coffee)

Sugar and creamer sets

GLASSWARE

Additional barware

Bar glassware

Champagne flutes

Pitchers

Specialty glasses (i.e., martini)

Water glasses

Wineglasses

MISCELLANEOUS

Aisle runners

Arches, gazebos, chuppahs, or columns (for ceremony)

Caterer supplies (consult with your caterer for a complete list of their specific needs and what is included with their services/ pricing)

Ceremony sound system (consult with entertainment)

Chafing dishes

Dance floor

Furniture (lounge chairs, sofas, coffee tables, etc.)

Ice buckets and tubs

Lighting (décor)

Lighting (utilitarian)

Podium or stand for officiant at ceremony

Portable restrooms

Potted plants/trees/shrubs

Serving pieces

Staging

Tenting

Trash cans