A bride’s guide to rentals

Many weddings simply can’t happen without the use of rentals. Nowadays, couples rent a wide range of products—from the usual chairs, tables, cutlery, warmers and linens to dresses, tuxedoes, elaborate centerpieces, flooring, staging, lounge furniture, chair backs, lecterns, dance floors, portable air-conditioning units and other décor elements such as fountains, columns, gazebos, arches etc.
Here are some common questions regarding wedding rentals:

Q: How much will I save if I rent my bridal gown?
A: On average, renting your gown will cost you one-third of the cost of buying a brand-new gown. You should cater for a minimum of 45 minutes to an hour to browse the selections at the rental store and for trying on the gowns.

What do I need to know before calling a rental company for tents/ crockery and cutlery?
Before calling the rental company, be sure that you know the exact number of your guests. Also, ensure that you measure the area where you require the rentals. This is especially necessary for tent, chair and table rentals. Once you have these measurements, the rental company can assist you with the approximate number of items that your space can comfortably accommodate. They may also be able to suggest alternatives, eg round tables instead of rectangular.

Extra costs on your rentals?
If your event is not being held on a ground floor, be sure to ask if there is an extra cost charged for the rental company's staff to transport your items to higher floors. It is also probably a good idea to erect tents a day in advance of your event (in the event of rain or just for you to have peace of mind). Should you decide to do this, you may have to pay one extra day's rental fee. If you have damaged the rented items in any way (eg candle wax falling on linens) you may also have to pay a fee.

What are my responsibilities after I have rented items?
Remember, with delivery of party rentals comes the need for set-up, operation, and security for the equipment until it can be picked up. You must determine what kind of time window you have at the reception location for delivery and set-up. Ensure that your contract outlines your responsibilities in terms of time to return items, breakage, misuse, negligence or malfunction of equipment.

How will I know which type of limousine to rent?
Naturally, this all depends on the number of people who need transport. There are several types of limousines available, the most common ones are the six-passenger stretch limousines, which fit one to six persons and the eight-passenger stretch limousines, which fit one to eight people. Larger limousines are the ten-passenger ones and the 12-18 passenger super stretch limousines or stretch specialty vehicles like stretch SUVs. If the bride will be travelling in a limousine, remember that if she has a bulky gown, she may need double the space!

What is the minimum time that you can rent a limousine?
Most companies will tell you that a minimum of two to three hours rental is required. Most companies begin rental charges at your designated first pick-up time. Remember that if the limousine’s driver has to wait on you during your ceremony and/or reception, that you still have to pay for the rental time, even though you aren’t physically inside the vehicle.

Does the limousine rental come with any other “perks?”
Apart from a professionally attired chauffeur, some rental companies may offer the following items for an additional cost or even inclusive of your rental fee:
• Beverages and glassware in the limousine 
• Red carpet
• “Just Married” sign
• Limo decorations