Rental Alternatives
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Rental Alternatives
Before you sign contracts to rent a bunch of extra items, consider some alternatives:
Not Everything Needs to Be Rented or Bought: Apply the “would I miss it?” test here as well. If you’re debating renting some extra decor or lounge furniture, ask if guests will truly notice its absence. If not, maybe skip it or use what the venue already has. We have some stylish furniture and decor on-site (see Décor Borrowing List), so you might be able to use those instead of renting from elsewhere. Always check with us first – we might have exactly what you need at no charge.
When You Do Need Rentals, Stick to Essentials: Big items like a tent, specialty chairs, or a dance floor (if needed) will come from outside rental companies. We’ll advise you on those. For instance, if rain is likely and you have 150 guests, a tent is a good rental (even though we have indoor space, some couples prefer a tented reception). But don’t bother renting or buying things we already include, such as ceremony chairs, tables, standard linens, cake table, etc. – those are in your package. Use what you’re already paying for.
Choose Renting over Buying for One-Time Items: As mentioned in Practical Purchases, something like linens are better rented. The same goes for things like l arbors (we have some to borrow), extra lighting, etc. Renting means you don’t have to deal with it after the wedding. Negotiate with rental companies for a good package – often they’ll cut delivery fees if you rent multiple items. And if you do need to buy an item, consider reselling it after or buying second-hand. Facebook Marketplace, wedding resale groups, or borrowing from past brides can save money.
Leverage Our Inventory: We keep a lot of commonly used décor and supplies at Rixey Manor (from signage easels to cake stands to candle holders). Make sure to review our list of available items (or ask us) before renting something. For example, don’t rent an easel for your seating chart – we have several. Don’t rent generic table decor without checking our stash. We love when couples use our items; it’s less cost for you and feels more sustainable too.
If It’s Pricey, Find Another Way: If you get a quote for a rental that blows your mind (in a bad way), talk to us. There may be a creative alternative. For instance, luxury lounge furniture can be expensive; instead, maybe we can repurpose some of our indoor furniture outdoors for cocktail hour. Or if a fancy champagne wall isn’t in budget, perhaps do a simpler self-serve station on a dressed-up table. We’re happy to brainstorm alternatives that achieve a similar effect without the hefty rental fee.
In summary, rent smart. Use what you have access to (through us or friends), rent the must-haves, and don’t be afraid to skip things that aren’t going to make a big impact on your day.