Linens, tables and chairs…. Oh my! Are you feeling the pressure of finding the perfect rental for your next event? Let the Clarke Allen team put you on the road to success.  Yes, rentals are important and essential for your event, but relax – we have tips and tricks to make the rental process a breeze. We received first hand tips from our trusted vendors which include Party Reflections, BBJ rentals and AFR furniture. Better yet, we even received inside details on rental planning from our very own staff here at Clarke Allen! Now it’s time to knock out the stress of rentals and create an amazing event to remember.

Types of Rentals

Not sure where to start when it comes to rentals? Let’s start with the basics. You must first select what type of rental(s) you want for your event.

Tents

This would be the perfect place for an event, if only there were a venue to capture these majestic views.  Well we’ve got news for, all you have to do is click your heels together 3 times and call our friends at Party Reflections or Classic Party Rentals. There’s just a few key things they need to know in order to provide you with the best options.

• What feeling are you trying to go for? They have tents for every occasion! You’ll find that standard frame tents with a fabric roof to be most versatile options.  But if you’re going for an elegant look that will bring the outdoors in you should check out their glass tents.  If you’re planning an event that involves rugged terrain and gusty winds a pole tent would probably be your best option, this is a tension style tent made to withstand 70mph winds!
• How many people are you expecting? When selecting a tent you want to ensure that you account for the bell and whistles.  Stage requirements, guest’s tables, food stations and let’s not forget the dance floor! Give us your wish list and we’ll find the perfect tent for you.
• To stake or not to stake? Unless you want a water fountain to be the focal point or your event you obtain permission before you start hamming stakes into the ground. Rental companies may offer water barrels is staking is not an option to ensure your tent does not become,   well you know lost in a spinning tornado.

Tables and Furniture

Tables are obviously essential for any event, but the types of tables you select make all the difference.  You’ll find that many venues come standard with round, rectangle and cocktail tables, but if you’re looking to spice up your next table-scape you should definitely talk to our friends at AFR Furniture.  AFR furniture offers a diverse inventory that will transform any space!  Including LED Tables that will fit with just about any color palette, Phoebe tables and our personal favorite the wooden java table.  AFR offers a helpful Event Design Inspiration Guide on their website that can provide ideas and furnishing rental inspiration for any of your themed events. This allows you to get a visual picture of the design of your event.

Working with a tight budget? Incorporate a few signature pieces into your design in combination with the classic furnishing.

Linens

Let’s face it, picking a linen is like finding the perfect outfit!   It has to be appropriate for the setting and represent the image you wish to portray. You can keep it traditional with a neutral palette or you can step out your comfort zone and add a little glitz glam and sequin.  Still don’t know where to start? Well BBJ makes it as easy as 1, 2, 3.

• Step 1: Browse the online store: Complementary linen swatches are available and will be shipped within 24 hours of request. BBJ offers a Virtual Design Center to see your tabletop and chairs draped in your selected linens. (They also offer a linen guide that can assist you in finding the perfect linen for your event!)
• Step 2: Design consultants are available to discuss your needs, make recommendations, and complete your rental order. You may order via phone, live chat, online rental cart.
• Step 3: Set the table, most linen providers will ship directly to any location and provide you with a prepaid label for a convenient return.

China/Flatware/Glassware

Your china and glassware can add the simplest, eloquent touch to any special occasion or event. When choosing your China, it’s important that you stick with your overall theme or look of the event. Chargers can add a special touch to your tables, whether you add the Luxe Black chargers or Ice Clear Silver chargers for a clean, romantic feel. BBJ offers a wide selection of chargers to complete your event table from any size, color or style.

From the Experts

We have some great tips and ideas to keep in mind when choosing rentals for your event. Take a chill pill… these tips will keep you sane throughout the rental process.

• Reserve your rental items in advance. No rental company can guarantee that they will have your preferred item until you call and inquire.
• Make sure to ask your rental company for an estimated arrival time, and don’t forget to schedule a pick-up time after your event is over.
• Ensure that your company has excellent customer service and that they keep your wants and needs in mind. There should always be someone available to answer your calls during business hours and the staff should always be professional.
• Budget? Make sure your chosen rental company can work with your fixed budget. Do your research when finding a company with reasonable prices.
• Visit their website to find out more information on the company and quality! The website will be sure to tell you more about the overall company.

Clarke Allen

We also asked two of our very own staff here at Clarke Allen for more details about rentals and how they contribute to the overall event. Lucky for you, we are handing you the inside scoop.

Jonelle Caldwell, one of our Event Interns here at Clarke Allen, told us that rentals add a different element to an event or occasion because it helps to transform the total environment and feel. If you are looking to change things up, she suggests using furniture rental venues (such as AFR) which provide Chivari chairs for a more eloquent feel as opposed to traditional chairs. She described one of her first events she worked – the Olympic Employee Event in 2016. She explained that Extravaganza provided different flags to represent the different countries, and gold rings as prompts to add to the overall look. This shows just how important prop rentals are to an event.

Shannon Hogben, our Event Coordinator, was excited to express how rentals add to the overall event experience. She described an upcoming Metro Aviation Event to be held at the end of September. We’re actually renting a real NASCAR race car and wrapping it in Logo with a fog machine to create the illusion of the car burning rubber…. How cool! Rentals go beyond just the ordinary tables and chairs. Shannon also described how at the “Flights and Pints” event at Rooftop 10 they are ordering wooden farm tables and grass furniture to create a beer garden feel- sounds like an interesting event!

Therefore rentals can totally transform your event and make it one for the books. So don’t stress out about finding the right rental company or choosing the best rentals for your event. Hence make your event fun, new and fresh- an event you will never forget! So for more event planning tips and ideas, contact us here at Clarke Allen!