act now

1. What You Need to Know When Ordering From a Party Rental Company It's not easy planning an event. Dealing with a party rental company for the first time can be tricky if you don't know what to ask and expect. Well, here is some advice to make things a bit easier... Plan ahead. Start thinking about your party or wedding well in advance of the actual date. Party rental companies have busy seasons. March-June and October -December are crazy with weddings and holiday parties. If you want to make sure you get the party rental items you need, you should try to book large orders at least 2 months in advance if you are planning your event during any of these months.

2. Always plan for a few extra people than you are expecting. It is much easier for a company to slightly reduce your order than to try to add items. Remember that they may not be available at the last minute. Pick up the phone. You can tell a lot about any company based on the customer service you receive. When shopping around for the best quote on your party rentals, make sure you take into consideration who you like and will work best with you to make sure your event is a success! Know what you're getting. Some party rental items stay in a companies' stock for years and years. A lot of damage can happen in that amount of time. You can't expect rental items to be perfect, but you can expect them to be clean and presentable. Try to inspect or at least ask what condition the items are in that you are reserving. If you are covering your rentals with linens or chair covers, this is less important. When it comes to linens, make sure the company you go with doesn't just wash and fold their tablecloths without pressing them. Understand what's included in your total. Party rental companies will charge you a delivery fee, most likely based on your zip code or area of town. Most companies will drop your rentals off in a mutually agreed upon location and leave you to move and set up the items. If you need help in setting up, you can usually arrange this for an extra fee. Some companies offer free set up and take down, which could end up being a huge help if you are planning a large event. Clear your space. If you're planning on having your party at home, make sure you have the area cleared and clean prior to your party rental company delivering any items you have ordered. Figure out what to serve in the way of the food and drinks, and think of timing. Remember to consider if you will need any extra tables for food or drinks. A bar perhaps? The time of day you will be having your party is also important. Guests will expect more than finger food if you are hosting your event during any of the three major mealtimes. Allow for extra room. If all of your guests will be seated at the same time, make sure you have a seating chart, or allow for extra space. At weddings especially, you don't want to leave the couple at the end of the buffet line without a place to sit, because there is only one spot left at each table. Remember that guests want to sit with their friends, so allow for plenty of extra seating.

3. Ask questions! Don't be afraid to "bug" your party rental company about any and all details. Your event should be perfect, and you deserve to know exactly what you will be getting. Also, if your rental company isn't helpful and quick in responding to you, find a new one! Negotiate. If you are planning a large sized event, ask potential party rental companies if they have any deals. Chances are, they won't want to lose a large order and will find a way to give you a discount, such as a waived delivery fee or a couple of free tables. It never hurts to ask! Get advice about other vendors. Need to know where to find balloons, or maybe the best florist on your side of town? Ask your party rental company if they have any helpful suggestions.