Rentals Guidance
Logistics
Rentals Guidance
Highlights
Rixey provides tables, white chairs, basic ceremony arches, heaters, extension cords, and some décor.
Linens are almost always rented— DO NOT BUY (ask us why)!
Specialty chairs, china, glassware, tents, lighting, and lounge furniture are optional rentals.
Rental timing matters: aim for delivery Thursday/Friday, pick-up Monday.
Always clarify who’s handling post-event dish/glassware cleanup (caterer vs venue).
Beware of cheap/low-quality rental sources—use reputable companies.
We’ll review your rental quotes with you to avoid unnecessary costs.
What Rixey Provides (Included in Venue Rental)
Tables & Chairs: Standard tables + white chairs. We have 200 chairs total.
Ceremony Items: Easel, multiple arches/arbors (white birch, round metal, hexagon wood).
Décor Pieces: See Décor Borrowing List for extras you can use.
Practical Items: Extension cords, power strips, etc.
Linens
Almost always rented or ordered via caterer.
Buying is strongly discouraged: linens arrive wrinkled and require pressing.
Rented linens: arrive pressed/hung, returned dirty (easy!).
Typical costs: ~$19 for basic polyester, $30+ for specialty fabrics.
Pro tip: Arrange Monday pick-up if possible (lets us reuse for Sunday brunch).
Color tip: dark cloths + lighter napkins = hides spills, looks elegant.
Chairs
Provided: white chairs (classic, clean).
Upgrade rentals: Cross-backs: $16 apox
Cost-saving idea: rent special chairs just for sweetheart table and use standard for guests.
Delivery & storage: we have space if chairs arrive early.
Dinnerware & Glassware
If using full-service caterer, they often supply plates, silverware, and glasses.
If DIY/food trucks: choose between disposables (many upscale options) or rentals.
Rental costs add up: multiple glasses per guest (water, wine, champagne).
Hybrid approach saves $$: Rent real linens + silverware. Use disposables for wine/beer or dessert.
Clarify cleanup: rental companies expect dishes/glasses rinsed + reboxed. Ask if your caterer handles this.
Tents
Needed if guest count >100 or if you want outdoor reception.
Indoor capacity: ~100 seated in ballroom/dining.
Tent sizes: e.g., 40’ x 70’ can fit ~200 with dance floor.
Costs: several thousand dollars. Book early.
Extras often required: lighting, flooring, dance floor.
Install: usually Thursday/Friday before.
Trusted local vendors: Sammy’s Rentals
Specialty Décor & Furniture
Lounge seating, vintage furniture, themed bars, etc. are rental options.
Popular ideas: Lounge set for older guests away from loud music. Unique bar furniture.
Note: The Manor’s inherent beauty means you may not need extras.
Lighting
Rixey’s existing lighting: ballroom chandeliers + outdoor string lights to light food trucks.
Rental/upgrade options: Market lights: Tents/patios. Uplighting: Ballroom or outdoors (often via DJ). DJ lights: Highly recommended—adds energy to dance floor.
Candles: allowed if in holders. We provide glass votives. You provide tea lights (real or LED).
No oil lamps allowed.
Dance Floor
Ballroom hardwood floor = dance floor (no rental needed).
If tenting outdoors: rent portable dance floor but not necessary.
Delivery & Pickup Coordination
Schedule deliveries with us in advance.
Typical schedule: delivery Thursday/Friday, pick-up Monday (ideal).
If vendor requires same-night pickup (rare but possible for lights/sound), let us know—we’ll accommodate.
Things We Don’t Recommend Renting/Buying
Buying linens: Too much ironing—rent instead.
Too many signs: Focus on key ones (welcome, bar, seating chart). Guests don’t need labels for everything.
Cheap large items: Low-quality tents/chairs look shabby—use trusted vendors.
Silk florals outdoors: Prohibited (don’t biodegrade). Real petals only.
Leveraging Vendors
Florists: May provide vases, candleholders, arches.
Caterers: Often supply cake stands, beverage dispensers, linens.
Always check with them before renting extras.
Use our Décor Borrowing List too—saves money and effort.
Conclusion
Rentals should fill gaps—not overwhelm your budget. Invest in impact items like quality linens or a tent (if needed), and lean on what Rixey + your vendors already provide. Package deals and negotiations can save a lot; we’ll happily review quotes with you to cut unnecessary items.