Seven Ways to Save on Rentals
By Meg Matos
When planning an event, it’s practically unavoidable to consider getting rental furniture. Oftentimes the guest count alone will ensure that you need extra seating, tables, place settings, and more. When considering if you’re going to pull the trigger on rental furniture there are many important factors. What is the style/theme of the event? How many of each item do I need? What is my budget? The list goes on. Once you’ve determined rentals fit in your budget and vision for your event, consider the following list as ways to save on rentals!
Find a company that bundles!
Some companies will bundle their pieces into sets that will come at a discount if you rent everything in the bundle! This can sometimes save you up to 15%-20% if you play your cards right. Make sure you like everything in the bundle, however, because if not it might be cheaper to pick everything a la carte
Thrift for everything you can!
Some people want rentals, but can’t afford the cost of renting everything. You can compromise by renting the most important pieces of furniture, and supplementing with found pieces. You can find incredible things by thrifting, searching on Facebook Marketplace, or going to estate sales. This is great for glassware, flatware, plates, and linens. If you’re lucky you can find furniture, but remember that furniture needs to go somewhere after the event!
DIY what you can!
Now, I know this isn’t an option for everyone but there are plenty of DIYs that anyone can accomplish! This is a great resource for accents, signage, and all those little touches that will set your event apart from the rest. You can DIY accent pillows, table signs, and even centerpieces if you’re feeling crafty!
Use things from your own home!
As I said earlier, if you get furniture for an event, don’t forget it’s going to have to go somewhere afterwards. In the same vein, why not use items from your home? Ottomans, accent chairs, framed pictures, vases, even a sofa or a rug! My husband and I did this at our reception to add to a lounge area we created, and it features actual pieces of furniture from our living room! Yes, there is a risk that someone might spill something on it, but we chose items we felt safe doing this with and it really paid off!
Make sure you love every piece!
Listen. It can be very easy to overspend when planning an event. You have a vision, you know what you want, and you want everything to be perfect. That being said, sometimes it can be easy to get swept up in the moment, and accidentally go over budget. My wedding was postponed (twice!) due to Covid, and by the time we had set a third wedding date, I declared I was Marie Kondo-ing my wedding. You have to make sure you really love every piece, and remember that the only person whose opinion matters is yours and your partner’s! (And this applies to every part of your wedding)
Use multiple rental companies
Be sure to do your research! Sometimes it can pay off to compare prices and maybe end up with multiple companies based off of their inventory and prices. You don’t have to be shy about this either, oftentimes rental companies are in touch with other companies to supplement their own inventory. This industry is full of very kind and knowledgeable people, and we love to help!
Make sure nothing gets harmed while you have it!
This one can be tricky. Sometimes a spill is inevitable, if you’ve got a crowd of partiers or even just one clumsy Aunt, it can be game over for that crisp white armchair in the blink of an eye. But, not all hope is lost! It can be wise to have cleaning products on hand, and assign that task to one individual who can be ready at a moment’s notice with folex or seltzer water. Be sure to read your rental company’s contract carefully as they may have a policy about this, but if you return it in good condition, I’m sure there will be no questions asked. (But do this at your own risk)
