Planning a wedding can be both exciting and overwhelming. One major decision couples face is what to rent for their special day.
Renting essential wedding items is a practical solution that helps you create your dream wedding without overspending on items you’ll only use once.
Let’s discuss what to rent for your wedding to ensure smooth operation from the ceremony to the reception.
Let’s get straight to the point
When planning a wedding, renting key items is a practical way to create a beautiful event without overspending.
Essential rentals include tables, chairs, linens, and china to match your theme and ensure guest comfort.
For outdoor or evening weddings, consider renting tents, lighting, generators, and even restrooms to manage weather and power needs.
A dance floor, lounge furniture, and sound equipment help create a lively atmosphere, while floral accessories and barware add elegance and functionality.
Renting these items allows you to tailor your wedding setup perfectly without the need to buy and store them after the event.
1. Tables And Chairs
One of the first things to consider renting for your wedding is tables and chairs.
Guests will need places to sit during both the ceremony and reception, and renting ensures you have enough seating for everyone.
Your choice of tables and chairs can also set the tone for the event, so make sure they fit your theme.
- Chairs: Options range from simple folding chairs to elegant, cushioned seats. You can rent wooden cross-back chairs for a rustic wedding or sleek, modern chairs for a contemporary look.
- Tables: You’ll need a mix of dining tables, cocktail tables, and speciality tables for the cake, gifts, and guest book. Rectangular, round, and farm-style tables are popular options, and the size should match the number of guests.
To ensure comfort and style, renting tables and chairs allows you to adjust according to your guest list and venue layout.
2. Linen Rentals
Another essential rental for weddings is linens. Linens help set the mood and enhance the overall aesthetics of your wedding, from tablecloths to napkins.
- Tablecloths: Choose tablecloths that complement your wedding colours and theme. Linen materials such as satin, lace, and velvet add texture and elegance.
- Napkins: Napkins are a small but important detail. Coordinating them with your tablecloths helps tie the décor together.
- Chair Covers and Sashes: These give chairs a polished look and add a touch of luxury to the seating arrangement. Sashes in matching or contrasting colours can be a nice touch.
Renting linens ensures you get high-quality fabrics in the colours and materials that suit your wedding style.
3. China And Glassware
For the reception, renting china and glassware is highly recommended. Depending on your catering plan and whether the venue provides these items, you’ll likely need to rent a full set of dishes and glasses.
- Plates: Renting high-quality plates, including chargers for formal settings, adds a sophisticated touch to your tables.
- Glassware: From water glasses to wine goblets and champagne flutes, renting ensures you have enough for all guests. Specialty glassware for cocktails can also elevate the bar area.
- Cutlery: High-quality forks, knives, and spoons complete the table setting. Renting matching cutlery ensures uniformity.
By renting china and glassware, you can select designs that match your wedding décor and theme without the hassle of buying and storing them.
4. Dance Floor
Not every venue will provide a dance floor, so this is often an item to rent. The size of the dance floor depends on the number of guests and how much space you’ll need for dancing.
- Wooden Floors: These are the most common choice for weddings, offering a classic look and feel.
- Custom Designs: Some couples opt for custom-printed floors or lighting effects that create a unique experience for guests.
Make sure the dance floor is large enough to accommodate your guests, as about 50% of them will likely be dancing at any given time.
5. Lighting And Generators
Lighting plays a significant role in setting the mood for your wedding, especially for evening receptions. You may also need to rent generators if your venue is outdoors or in a location with limited power supply.
- String Lights: These are popular for outdoor weddings, creating a romantic atmosphere.
- Chandeliers: For an elegant touch, chandeliers can be rented to add a bit of glamour to your venue.
- Uplighting: Highlight architectural features of your venue with uplighting. This can be especially effective in venues with high ceilings or large spaces.
If your venue has limited electricity, renting a generator ensures you have enough power for all lighting, sound, and catering needs.
6. Tents
Outdoor weddings are becoming increasingly popular, but the weather can be unpredictable. Renting a tent gives you a backup plan in case of rain, wind, or too much sun.
- Clear Tents: These provide protection while allowing natural light to flow through, creating an open, airy feel.
- Marquees: For larger weddings, marquees provide a grand setting and can be customised with lighting, heating, and flooring.
- Side Walls and Doors: Consider adding sidewalls to block wind or to provide additional warmth during cooler months.
Tents are essential for outdoor weddings, offering a stylish and practical solution to potential weather issues.
7. Floral Accoutrements
In addition to your bouquet, flowers are a key component of wedding décor. To enhance the floral displays, you might want to rent floral accessories.
- Vases and Urns: These help display your floral arrangements throughout the venue.
- Candelabras: For a touch of elegance, pair floral centrepieces with candelabras or candle holders.
- Aisle Markers and Archways: Renting these for your ceremony adds extra charm to the occasion and frames the couple beautifully during the vows.
By renting floral accessories, you can complement the natural beauty of your arrangements with carefully selected decorative items.
8. Lounge Furniture
Setting up a lounge area for guests can provide a relaxing space for them to mingle and take a break from the dance floor.
- Vintage Sofas and Chairs: These add a chic and comfortable element to your reception.
- Coffee Tables: Complete the lounge with small tables for guests to place their drinks while they chat.
- Pillows and Rugs: Adding soft pillows and rugs makes the lounge feel cosy and inviting.
Renting lounge furniture creates a comfortable spot for guests to rest and socialise, making it a thoughtful addition to your event.
9. Restrooms
If your wedding is being held in a remote location or outdoors, renting portable restrooms is a must. Gone are the days of basic porta-potties—luxury options are now available.
- Luxury Trailers: These come with full amenities, including sinks, mirrors, and even air conditioning.
- Handwashing Stations: If you opt for a more basic portable toilet setup, adding handwashing stations ensures guest comfort.
Renting high-end portable restrooms ensures your guests’ comfort without sacrificing elegance.
10. Sound And AV Equipment
If your venue doesn’t provide sound equipment, it’s essential to rent it, especially if you’re planning speeches, toasts, or live music.
- Speakers and Microphones: Renting these ensures everyone can hear the officiant, speeches, and music clearly.
- Projectors and Screens: If you plan to show a slideshow or video during your reception, renting a projector and screen is essential.
Renting sound and AV equipment ensures your wedding runs smoothly and that all guests can enjoy the event.
11. Barware And Serving Equipment
For weddings with a full bar, you’ll need to rent barware and serving equipment to ensure your bartenders have everything they need.
- Glassware: From wine glasses to cocktail glasses, make sure you have the right quantity and styles for your drink menu.
- Bar Tools: Cocktail shakers, strainers, and ice buckets should be on your rental list.
- Serving Trays and Drink Dispensers: For non-alcoholic beverages, renting large drink dispensers is an excellent option.
Having the right barware and serving equipment ensures the bar runs smoothly and efficiently throughout the evening.
Conclusion
When planning your wedding, knowing what to rent can make a huge difference in terms of cost, convenience, and style. Renting items like tables, chairs, linens, and glassware allows you to create a beautiful event without overspending.
Essentials like dance floors, lighting, tents, and restrooms ensure that your guests are comfortable and that the event runs smoothly.
Always plan your rentals in advance and coordinate with your vendors to make sure everything is delivered and set up on time.
Renting gives you the flexibility to craft your dream wedding while keeping within your budget, allowing you to focus on what truly matters—celebrating your special day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some typical wedding rentals?
Some wedding venues may include rentals like tables, chairs, china, etc. in their packages.
How can I make my wedding unique and unforgettable?
- Unique Ceremony Seating. Give your guests a WOW factor as soon as they enter the venue. …
- A Unique Bridal Entrance
- Non-Traditional Processional Music
- An Enthusiastic Celebrant
- A Unity Ceremony
- Guest Transportation
- Reception Entrance
- Meal Choices.
What do people rent the most for weddings?
- Tables and Chairs
- Dance Floor
- Electricity
- Linens and Napkins
- Dinnerware, Flatware, and Glassware
- Floral Accoutrements
- Lounge Furniture
- Restrooms.
What do I need for a wedding?
- Decide Who Is Going To Pay For What
- Budget and Allocation
- Set The Date & Book A Venue
- Set A Theme
- Plan Your Wedding Entertainment
- Book Your Wedding Entertainment
- Start Compiling the Guest List
- Appoint Bridesmaids/Best Man/Ushers
Do and don’ts in a wedding?
- Do hire a wedding band
- Don’t bend your wedding budget
- Do hire a professional wedding photographer
- Don’t do your own hair and make-up
- Do remember you’re in charge of the guest list
- Don’t forget about life after the big day
- Do wear in your wedding shoes
