You may be planning your own DIY wedding – if so, you’ll be one of a growing number of brides looking to personalize their wedding and save some money in the process. But some brides (and grooms) can get in over their head trying to save a few bucks on every aspect of their wedding.
If you’re having a wedding or reception at a location where you need to provide the tables, chairs, linens and tableware, renting these items lets you concentrate on the event and enjoyment rather than spending time buying or borrowing tables, chairs, serving items and more.
You Can Rent Everything You Need
You may be able to buy or borrow the items you need, but if your guest list has more than 50 people you’re likely to end up with quite a few mismatched items and quite possibly a logistical nightmare. A full-service rental provider is going to offer a large selection of furnishings, glasses, dishware, tents and more, allowing you to rent everything you need for the look you want. And because rental providers offer different sizes and styles, they can give you different options to meet your budget. For example, 5’ round tables generally cost the same as 8’ rectangular tables, but you can get more people around an 8’ table and the linens are typically less expensive.
Save Yourself Time and Hassle
Again, unless you can borrow everything that you’ll need from one person, you’ll find you’re driving around like a mad woman trying to gather all the items, and having to make space in someone’s garage or spare bedroom to store until the big day.
A rental provider typically provides delivery, set-up assistance and pickup, saving you time and helping to provide peace of mind. In addition, if your order isn’t too large, many providers will allow you to pick and return rental items to their warehouse, therefore saving you the delivery fee (although with the price of gas, delivery fees really aren’t too bad). But do come prepared, if you don’t have a truck to haul the tables and chairs you will need to borrow or rent one. You may have generous, helpful family and friends who will Sherpa all these items in; just don’t forget to mention that you’ll need them to tear down and return everything too.
Reduce Waste
While disposable linens, tableware and plastic cups may cost less, consider how much waste you’re creating, not to mention the look you’re creating. Plastic plates may be fine for a backyard barbeque, but for your special wedding day you really should spring for something a little nicer.
Buying Rarely Pays Off
And finally, if you’re considering buying items for your wedding, such as the linens or plastic folding chairs, my advice is that unless you’ll use the items for a long time, renting is always more cost effective.
Good luck with your DIY wedding!
By: Nora Foster
Lakes Region Tent & Event is a tent and party rental provider located in central New Hampshire. Whether you’re hosting 50 or 500 guests, they offer a variety of tents, tables and chairs, tableware, linens, lighting and more to fit any wedding style, size and budget. They can be found at lakesregiontent.com.