Rental Items

Bridal Slip Rental

The bridal slip is an undergarment which gives the bridal gown its proper shape.

Be sure to wear the same slip you'll be wearing on your wedding day during your fittings. Many bridal salons rent slips. Schedule an appointment to pick up your slip one week before the wedding; otherwise, there might not be one available on your wedding day. If rented, the slip will have to be returned shortly after the wedding. Arrange for someone to do this for you within the allotted time. Rent a slip rather than purchasing one; chances are you will never use it again.

Ceremony Accessories

Ceremony rental accessories are additional items needed for the ceremony but not included in the ceremony site fee.

Ceremony rental accessories may include the following items:

• Aisle Runner:
  A thin rug made of plastic, paper or cloth extending the length of the aisle. It is rolled out after the mothers are seated, just prior to the processional. Plastic or paper doesn't work well on grass; but if you must use one of these types of runners, make sure the grass is clipped short.
  
  
• Kneeling Cushion:
  A small cushion or pillow placed in front of the altar where the bride and groom kneel for their wedding blessing.
  
  
• Arch:
  A white lattice or brass arch where the bride and groom exchange their vows, often decorated with flowers and greenery.
  
  

You may also need to consider renting audio equipment, aisle stanchions, candelabra, candles, candlelighters, chairs, heaters, a gift table, a guest book stand, and a canopy.

If you plan to rent any accessories for your ceremony, make sure the rental supplier has been in business for a reasonable period of time and has a good reputation. Reserve the items you need well in advance. Find out the company's payment, reservation and cancellation policies.

Some companies allow you to reserve emergency items such as heaters or canopies without having to pay for them unless needed, in which case you would need to call the rental company a day or two in advance to request the items. If someone else requests the items you have reserved, the company should give you the right of first refusal.

Questions:

Make sure you ask the following questions before selecting a rental supplier for your ceremony or reception:

• What is the name and phone number of my contact person?
• How many years have you been in business?
• What are your hours of operation?
• Do you have liability insurance?
• What is the cost per item needed?
• What is the cost of pick-up and delivery?
• What is the cost of setting up the items rented?
• When would the items be delivered?
• When would the items be picked up after the event?
• What is your payment policy?
• What is your cancellation policy?

When considering a ceremony outside of a church, figure the cost of rental items. Negotiate a package deal, if possible, by renting items for both the ceremony and the reception from the same supplier. Consider renting these items from your florist so you only have to pay one delivery fee.

Tent/Canopy

A large tent or canopy may be required for receptions held outdoors to protect you and your guests from the sun or rain. Usually rented through party rental suppliers, tents and canopies can be expensive due to the labor involved in delivery and setup. Tents and canopies come in different sizes and colors. Depending on the shape of your reception area, you may need to rent several smaller canopies rather than one large one. Contact several party rental suppliers to discuss the options. Consider this cost when making a decision between an outdoor and an indoor reception. In cooler weather, heaters may also be necessary.

Dance Floor

A dance floor will be provided by most hotels and clubs. However, if your reception site does not have a dance floor, you may need to rent one through your caterer or a party rental supplier.

When comparing prices of dance floors, include the delivery and setup fees.

Tables / Chairs

You will have to provide tables and chairs for your guests if your reception site or caterer doesn't provide them as part of their package. For a full meal, you will have to provide tables and seating for all guests. For a cocktail reception, you only need to provide tables and chairs for approximately 30 to 50 percent of your guests. Ask your caterer or reception site manager for advice.

There are various types of tables and chairs to choose from. The most common chairs for wedding receptions are white wooden or plastic chairs. The most common tables for receptions are round tables that seat 8 guests. The most common head table arrangement is several rectangular tables placed end-to-end to seat your entire wedding party on one side, facing your guests. Contact various party rental suppliers to find out what types of chairs and tables they carry as well as their price ranges. When comparing prices of renting ables and chairs, include the cost of delivery and setup.

Linen / Tableware

You will also need to provide linens and tableware for your reception if your reception site or caterer doesn't provide them as part of their package.

For a sitdown reception where the meal is served by waiters and waitresses, tables are usually set with a cloth (usually white, but may be color coordinated with the wedding), a centerpiece, and complete place settings. At a less formal buffet reception where guests serve themselves, tables are covered with a cloth but place settings are not mandatory. The necessary plates and silverware may be located at the buffet table, next to the food.

Linens and tableware depend on the formality of your reception. When comparing prices, include the cost of delivery and set-up.

Heaters

You may need to rent heaters if your reception will be held outdoors and if the temperature may drop below sixtyfive degrees.

There are electric and gas heaters, both of which come in different sizes. Gas heaters are more popular since they do not have unsightly and unsafe electric cords.

Lanterns

Lanterns are often used at evening receptions. Many choices are available, from fire lanterns to electric ones.

Consider the formality of the reception and choose the proper lighting to complement your decorations.

Other Rental Items:

If your reception site or caterer doesn't provide them, you will need to purchase, rent or borrow other miscellaneous items for your reception, such as trash cans, a gift table, trash bags, and so on.