It's a day of wedding experts here at Bridal Musings. This morning we had a master florist in the UK and now we have a top event supplier in the US (we're feeling terribly international!)
Looking at, thinking of, and writing about weddings every day, means we often forget that for you, it's probably the first and only time you'll plan an event as big, special, or expensive. So knowing the right questions to ask, and getting the most from your vendors can be tricky.
So to help you with that very task, we've recruited Trish Stevens of Classic Party Rentals (the leading event rentals and services provider in the US, FYI!) to tell us what not to leave off your list of questions for your rental vendors.
Over to you, Trish…
Photo by Amy & Jordan Photography via Bridal Musings
Planning a wedding or big party can be overwhelming.
There's so many things to think about – food, invites, photography, location, event rentals, cake, etc.
When you choose your vendors, you want to be able to trust they will deliver to your expectations and you hope, even beyond that. That makes the job of choosing the right people the most important job of all.
Knowing how to use those vendors is even more important.
Photo via Classic Party Rentals
When it comes to weddings, a large part of the budget and time goes towards rentals of chairs, tables, dance floors, tents, linens, dishware, glassware and more. Those rentals shape the look of your special day so you want to make sure that what you receive is what you ordered and that it’s delivered on time and to plan.
In my 12 years of experience, I have seen couples who were hands-on and couples who were hands-off, but the ones who were able to get the most out of our expertise, were the ones that knew the right questions to ask to make the most out of the relationship.
10 Questions to Ask Your Rental Vendors
Photo by Amy & Jordan Photography via Bridal Musings
1. Do you have any referrals for vendors?
While a wedding is a once in a lifetime experience, we do this every day and have a rolodex of resources to pull from. Ask us!
Most event rentals specialists are happy to give you recommendations for everything from flowers to cakes and even to wedding planners themselves!
2. How broad is the spectrum of products you offer?
You might be able to get everything you need in one place and make your life much easier!
If you could work with one company to get your lighting, flooring, kitchen, tabletop and tenting, wouldn’t it help the day go much smoother?
Photo via Classic Party Rentals
3. Do you provide diagramming and site inspections with your service?
Most brides and grooms want to visualize what the wedding layout will look like on paper and these services are often included.
Make sure to ask about them though as some companies tend to leave this step out.
4. Can you recommend ways to keep to my budget?
Your rental provider has worked with all types of budgets and will definitely have some tips for where to save your money, and what to splurge on!
Photo by Amy & Jordan Photography via Bridal Musings
5. Are there additional costs for special delivery requirements and difficult installs?
This is something that often gets overlooked, but knowing about all the costs up front will save you from unnecessary stress down the road.
6. Are you able to provide an on site manager for my installation?
Many rental companies offer this, and having a manager on site will take a load off of you on your already busy day.
Photo via Classic Party Rentals
7. Can you please make suggestions on how you think the layout of the event should be, and what in your opinion has worked well?
Rental providers have seen so many different types of events, they know what works best and what doesn’t.
They can offer you insights that you might not have considered before.
8. Can you suggest a “weather back up plan” for my event?
Your rental provider has likely seen it all when it comes to unexpected weather episodes.
Knowing you have a back up plan will help ease your mind and allow you to just enjoy your day.
Photo by Katelyn James Photography via Bridal Musings
9. Do you handle any relevant permits if needed?
Permits are something rental companies are very used to dealing with, and having them handle it for you would take another task off of your to-do list.
10. Is there anything new or different you have seen lately that would fit well with my theme?
Your rental provider will be up to date on all the latest trends and is familiar with a wide variety of styles.
Be sure to ask them for ideas; there’s a good chance they’ll suggest something that you haven’t thought of.
Photo by Amy & Jordan Photography via Bridal Musings
Such good tips, and lots of them can be applied to your other vendors too.
Thanks so much to Trish Stevens for sharing her insights, you can find more about Classic Party Rentals, and what they off, by visiting their website.
Get more advice, with our Step-by-Step Planning Guide
