Rentals Made Easy: a V.P.'s Guide

Pure Joy
2 days ago
3 min read

wedding rentals pure joy catering — Alizabeth, "Liz" is doing an Important Rental Checklist

When it comes to planning a wedding, rentals cover both the fun and the functional. They include the beautiful décor details like stylish plateware, textured linens, and statement furniture, but they also involve the behind-the-scenes essentials that make your event actually work. From our Production Manager and V.P., Alizabeth’s, perspective, who does this day in and day out, here’s what really matters when choosing your wedding rentals:

dj Bonnie at Pure Joy Catering — DJ Bonnie Hope needing an umbrella on a hot day to keep the tunes playing

Before you get swept up in choosing the pretty pieces, talk to your key vendors like your caterer, DJ or band, photo booth, etc., first to find out what they’ll need on the day. Their equipment requests should help guide your rental order and avoid any last-minute surprises. The menu will also dictate what needs to be ordered, such as a grill for those juicy fire-grilled items.

Take into account the weather and budget for umbrellas and heaters. Umbrellas will be needed for the vendors, bar, and possibly your guest tables. Prefer buffet service? That will need umbrellas too. Alternatively, consider heaters for the evening, especially if you are getting married near the ocean, which can cool down quickly for you and your guests.

Guests will remember the type and quality of food served at your wedding. The menu is where the biggest impact will be on your guests. Budget to feed your guests over that pretty gold fork or extra expensive ceremony chair.

Don’t forget about glassware for your bar. A common trend is to have a his and hers specialty cocktail. This is great, makes it more personal, and everyone loves it. If your vision is serving your favorite espresso martini, the matching glass is also necessary.

If the caterer is not doing your rentals, make sure to choose a reputable company. Going with the cheapest quote isn’t necessarily the best option. Do they have the quantity needed for your guest count? Do they have insurance, or are they even allowed to work at your venue? Exploring the options can go a long way toward a stress-free day.

Ventura Rental Party & Events Senior Event Consultant, Amanda Pasetta, shares her thoughts: "Starting your wedding rental search may feel overwhelming, but with a bit of research, clear priorities, and timely decisions, it can be one of the most rewarding parts of the planning process." She and her talented team have created a Wedding Rental Checklist to make the planning even easier!

Consider a specialized and smaller rental company. Many in Santa Barbara offer a unique plate or chair that brings your vision into reality. Don’t feel like you have to get everything from one company either. It may take some footwork to bring it all together, but it will be worth it in the end for creating a beautiful ceremony and reception.

Remember to get extra! Forks get dropped, that wine glass gets put down, never to be seen again, and a dinner plate gets chipped during delivery. We recommend 5% over your guest count to be safe.

Even the boring stuff is important. The functional items like trash cans, water pitchers, serving utensils and tongs, bread baskets, and platters will all need to be ordered. Easily overlooked, this is where working with your vendor team is imperative to a successful event.

Trust Alizabeth, our superstar Production Manager, to steer you in the right direction for rentals that wow and a wedding that flows like magic. She knows how to make the pretty stuff shine and keep all the behind-the-scenes gears turning smoothly—so you can relax and enjoy the party.