Between finding a venue, setting a reasonable budget, and deciding who to invite, planning a wedding isn’t a simple task. With that said, it is not impossible to plan a wedding. It just takes a few tips from the experts to help your planning go smoothly. One item couples will want to consider when planning for their big day is whether or not to buy or rent décor.
Decorations can eat up couple’s budget in a hurry and depending on the theme, wedding location and a few other factors, either renting or purchasing can help save money. Typically, a good rule of thumb is if the item can be used for another occasion or sold for similar value, it’s worth buying. However, if you know you won’t use the item again, renting will be your best choice. Sounds straight forward, right? If this still leaves you questioning, don’t worry we have you covered. We have reached out to Event Planner, Kelsey Currier at Coastside Weddings and Events.
Meet The Professional
Décor to Purchase for Your Wedding
Signage
Buying is the best way to go when it comes to custom signage. It gives you the opportunity to put a personal touch throughout the venue. Kelsey suggests, “make sure you keep the style and theme consistent among all signage for a cohesive look. Welcome signs, table numbers, printed menus, place cards and seating charts should all follow the same aesthetics. I love finding local artists or Calligraphers to create custom signage for my couples, and often suggest the welcome sign be created with the intention of becoming a piece of art for the newlyweds to display in their home for years to come.”
Table Linens, Napkins, and Runners
Most of the linens you plan to incorporate should be purchased. This may come as a surprise, but once you add up the cost for renting and cleaning, purchasing is often cheaper. And a lot of the times, if linens are not stained or damaged, they can be resold. On the other hand, an exception Kelsey says, “is if you are looking for specific patterns or materials that only specialty linen companies carry, or if the patterns you like would not translate well to everyday use, then looking into rentals is a better option.”
Chargers
Chargers can be more costly when rented than when they’re purchased. Plus, they don’t take up much space for storage and can be pulled out for later use. Of course, it’s important to weigh your options and find the best fit for you. If you don’t think you’ll use purchased chargers for any other occasion in the future, or if you have a high guest count and nowhere to store 100’s of chargers, renting is the better route.
Décor to Rent for Your Wedding
Renting is a great option for those who don’t plan to utilize their wedding items after the big day. Here are a few pieces couples should consider renting from their local rental companies.
Upgraded China
You may choose to use the options available to you at your venue, but you may choose to upgrade. If that is the case renting is the way to go.
Upgraded Flatware
When it comes to flatware Kelsey advises, “your venue may include flatware as part of your site fee, renting flatware that fits with your wedding design and colors can add interest and depth to your tablescape. I love highlighting gold accents with specialty gold flatware to tie the tablescape together.”
Tables and Chairs
Tables and chairs are often included in the venue price. However, sometimes this isn’t the scenario, and you will need to provide all the furniture. This will be a question you ask in your initial venue showing. Upgraded chairs can be a higher priced item to rent, but they do drastically change the look and feel of the setup. Even if it is just going from a white folding chair to a light or dark natural wood folding chair, it makes a difference! Bare wood tables are beautiful, but if the expense is too high to have all tables bare wood, consider a mix of bare wood and venue provided tables with linens.
Lighting
Your venue may offer lighting options, or you can work with a rental company that is familiar with your venue to plan the perfect setup. For outdoor events, market lighting adds a festive (and functional) element to the space. Pinspot lighting (the use of a narrow-beamed light to illuminate important decor elements) can be a great tool to highlight floral centerpieces, dessert tables, or your wedding cake display. Uplighting, which can often be rented through your DJ, is also a great way to bring color and depth to the reception space and help change the mood when it is time to transition from dinner to dancing.
Candle Holders and Vases
Often, adding small touches to your reception tables, bar, or other spaces can elevate the ambiance. These could also be purchased and resold after your wedding; however, larger quantities are sometimes tricky to resale. So, consider that factor when deciding to buy or rent. Kelsey recommends, “to be sure and check with your venue before renting or purchasing these items, as sometimes venues include votives for the tables. If the venue does not supply any candles or votives, you can ask your florist to include these items in your package which will ensure the design and style of candles used will match the floral centerpieces.”
Glassware
Glassware can make a statement. Be sure to check what’s available with your venue. Otherwise, these essentials can be rented from an outside vendor to add a splash of color and personality at a fairly minimal cost. “I often suggest using venue provided glassware at the bars but renting specialty glassware for the dining tables to add to the tablescape,” Kelsey notes.
Outdoor Cocktail Bar
These days there are plenty of rental companies offering portable bars for your wedding. This is a great rental option to consider when adding a fun unique touch. Don’t forget to include a backbar to display glassware, florals, photos, or any other fun decor elements.
Dance Floor
Always rent your dance floor.
Wedding Décor Rental Tips
When it comes to finding vendors for rentals, be sure to check out examples of their past work. It’s a huge plus if they’ve worked with your venue before and know the space. And if they don’t have exactly what you’re looking for in their lookbook, be sure to ask. Always review the delivery fees and details carefully on your rental order, if you are flexible with the delivery time you can save money by having a delivery window vs. an exact delivery time. Same idea applies for the pick-up of rental items after the event, if the venue allows pick up on the Monday following your event it will save you money, as late-night pick-ups will add an additional fee.
I recommend checking with your planner or event coordinator first to see if they have items, you can rent or that can be included in your package. I have built up an inventory of decor items over the years including table numbers, cake and dessert stands, toasting flutes, card boxes, easels, frames and votives, that depending on the package my client’s book can be included or rented for an additional cost. Remember, weddings and events are not always the most sustainable and eco-friendly, so I encourage all my clients to try to keep this in mind when they are deciding on the decor elements for their celebration.
Happy Planning!
Credits
Floral: Driftwood & Roses
Rentals: Chairs4Events
Signs: Coastal Wood Designs
Photographer: Savannah Hayes Photography
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