Wedding Reception Rentals

Saving money on your wedding doesn’t mean that you have to skimp on those aspects of your wedding you think are important. Being frugal and a good shopper is not the same thing as being cheap. You can still have an elegant and stunning wedding reception without breaking the bank. (Here is an article that shows many ways to save.)

You can cut corners by making your own printable wedding invitations, wedding programs, response cards, and even wedding reception placecards, while at the same time offering your guests a fabulous celebration of your wedding.

One of the best ways to save money is to have an outdoor wedding reception – weather permitting, of course. If you have a large yard or know someone who is willing to allow this in his or her yard, by all means plan for your wedding reception to occur there. Just know that this is still going to cost you some money, but you still pay less than at a hotel or party center.

A large tent or canopy may be required to protect you and your guests from the sun and/or rain. If it’s either very hot or very cool, you may need to consider fans or heaters. I know the tents range in price from $300 - $5,000 depending on their configuration. Check with your wedding rental vendor what exactly you'll need and how much you want to spend. This is a site that provides a number of different services and vendors for you to start your comparison shopping.

While a dance floor is provided at a hotel or hall, you probably will have to rent one along with the tent. The floors come in a number of sizes so, again, check out what you are renting. If possible, try to negotiate a complete tent and floor package deal. This could save you a bundle. A guide to renting party equipment for your wedding is located at this site.

You are going to also need tables, chairs, some sort of linen and tableware. If you caterer does not supply them (or you are doing all the cooking yourself) you may also need to rent warmers, food stations and serving pieces. (And trash cans, plastic trash bags and so on.) Again your party rental supply vendor can come to the rescue! One of the good things about renting glasses, dishes and so on is that you send them back to the party supply store unwashed, so that saves a huge clean-up cost!

Shop a variety of vendors and compare prices. See if they will give you a package for your guests for one price and also if you can negotiate away the delivery, set-up and tear down fees. Those are wedding budget items that are often hidden but can build up and give you sticker shock!

When you are considering saving money on the wedding reception, also consider that if you have a cocktail wedding reception with dancing instead of a full sit down dinner or buffet, you will only have to rent about half the tables and chairs since by the nature of a cocktail wedding reception or any cocktail party, guests stand around and mingle.

By renting you can avoid owning all sorts of unnecessary items (I mean who really needs a dance floor in the middle of the back yard?) but can still throw the wedding reception of your dreams.