How to Rent Equipment for a Wedding

Most people who are preparing for a wedding find themselves needing to rent some sort of equipment for the wedding reception. Whether this may be something as small as silverware to something as big as a tent, you need to ensure that you are getting what you need as well as protect yourself from difficulties on your big day. Take the following steps when renting party equipment for your wedding reception to ensure that you have taken care of everything.

Step One: Decide What You Need. Think about the type of wedding reception you want and discuss your ideas with your fiancé and (if applicable) a wedding planner. Decide whether your reception will be indoor or outdoor and whether you will be having a sit-down dinner with crystal and china. Will the reception be simple and casual or will you go all out with chandeliers and chocolate fountains? Take a final head count so you know how many people to plan for when reserving the necessary equipment.

Step Two: Shop Around. Take recommendations from friends as to who to rent equipment from. Research who has good prices and ask for references to ensure that they are reliable. When appropriate, use the knowledge you gained shopping around to help you negotiate a good fee for the rental. A background check is also an available option to make sure you can trust a vendor.

Step Three: Find out the Fee. Find out whether there is a flat fee or a per-hour fee. Ask how much the deposit is, when it is due, and whether or not it is refundable. Also find out how you must reserve the equipment and whether you need to put down a deposit for that reservation.

Step Four: Determine who is responsible for delivery, set-up, and take-down. Ask whether you have to coordinate the pick-up of the rented equipment yourself or will the rental company take care of the delivery, set-up, and take-down of the equipment after the reception. Make sure you know whether delivery and set-up will cost extra.

Step Five: Sign a Rental Contract. Make sure that you have an agreement which states not both your rights and obligations, but also the obligations of the rental company. Check to make sure the terms are exactly as agreed upon and keep copies of the rental contract for your records.

Step Six: Find Alternatives if Necessary. If you are having trouble finding vendors who will allow you to meet your budget, look for alternatives. Check to see if your reception venue can provide some of the equipment at a reduced rate or ask if family members can provide some of the equipment on loan or make some of the decorations for you.

Resources• http://www.articlealley.com/article_1057962_41.html • http://weddings.weddingchannel.com/wedding-planning-ideas/wedding-reception-ideas/articles/party-rental-equipment.aspx
• http://www.ehow.com/how_2188817_rent-chocolate-fountains-wedding.html