Wedding Rentals: 5 Tips to Save Money, Time, and Stress

For most couples, wedding rentals are an integral part of the festivities. But this can be a challenging task if you're not used to renting large amounts of items at a time. What can help you have the best rental experience? Here are a few tips to follow.

1. Prioritize the Rentals

Today's couples have a huge variety of options in wedding rentals. Many of these are considered must-haves by everyone from wedding bloggers to your well-meaning relatives.

Avoid overspending or overcommitting your time, though, by prioritizing what means the most to you or will have the biggest impact. For instance, springing for gorgeous chair covers would likely make a bigger visual splash than extra dishes at place settings. Make a list of potential rental items and number them from most important to things you can easily live without. 

2. Use Few Companies

Try to use as few rental companies as possible. This simple step will save you and your friends, or paid staff, a lot of time and confusion. You'll spend less time driving around town to pick up or return items, you only have one contract and one billing to deal with, you must only follow one set of rental rules, and nothing will get returned to the wrong vendor.

Using a single vendor may help your budget too. You can often negotiate better pricing when renting a lot of items in bulk or by using a more comprehensive package. And finally, you'll pay fewer delivery and pickup fees if you opt for these services. 

3. Mix and Match Pricing

Most couples want the best of everything for their big day, but you can avoid breaking your bank with a clever strategy. Rather than opt for the fanciest - often the most expensive - version of each rented item, mix and match different price ranges.

Choose simple glassware, for example, and then pair it with an eye-catching signature plate style. Or rent less expensive linens with standout napkins or table runners. 

4. Hire Additional Services

Make things easier on yourself by inquiring about additional services the rental company provides.

Most companies will deliver and pick up your rentals for a modest fee. This additional expense may be well worth it to save time and hassle. In addition, many that rent equipment like tents and dance floors also offer pre-check, setup, and disassembly services. Knowing the complex rental items will be set up correctly saves a lot of stress.

And if they don't currently advertise a rental item, ask them to check further. 

5. Talk to Vendors First

Wedding day rentals aren't just done for aesthetic purposes. They also serve many practical functions. And the best source of guidance on some rental choices is your wedding vendors.

The DJ, for instance, might guide you on dance floor options and sizes. The caterer or bartender may need specific rented equipment and they know about practical needs like generators and chafing dishes.

A wedding planner - or your venue's staff - is a good source of advice about where to use less expensive rentals and where to splurge. And your baker can help choose the right table and cake display. 

Where to Start

Want more tips for making the most of your wedding rentals? Start by visiting the rental pros at L & L Tent and Party Rentals. We offer a wide range of linens, tables, chairs, tents, wedding accents, and both fun and practical equipment for your big day. Our team will work with you to identify what will make your wedding its very best and still fit within your budget. Call or stop by today to learn more.