Imagine planning a lovely wedding, arranging every detail with care, only to arrive at your venue and find things missing. We’re not talking minor things, like being short one centerpiece or a couple of aisle runners. What if there are no plates, utensils, or linens on the tables? That’s a recipe for instant panic. Thankfully, avoiding such a disaster is not difficult. This brief guide covers rentals for indoor weddings and common items you may need – from the mundane to the unusual – for your event.

Checking Your Contracts  

When you’re looking at rentals for indoor weddings, you may expect that certain things are included in the price. You don’t want a nasty surprise on the big day, so you shouldn’t make any assumptions. You’ll want to double-check your provider’s quote or contract. Hopefully, it’ll contain a detailed list of products and services. If not, it’s time to have a chat with the vendor. And if you haven’t chosen a venue yet, be sure to get a complete breakdown before paying deposits or signing contracts.

Tableware and Linens

Just in case tableware isn’t in your contract, you can still rent it from a third party. Wedding Wire’s Caitlin Krebs mentions glassware, flatware, and dishes as essentials for your reception tables. You’ll also need serving dishes and utensils plus linens and napkins. And while you’re at it, don’t forget the chargers – the large service plates that sit beneath the plates and bowls in each place setting.

Table and Venue Décor

You’ll probably have floral arrangements or other kinds of greenery at your site. Depending on what kind of arrangements you have, you could end up with a bunch of vases after the big day. You may not be able to give all of these away. So why not rent them? In a November 2020 Brides article, experts Jillian Kramer and Stephanie Cain suggest asking your florist about vessel rentals. As a bonus, your pro will also handle setup, cleaning, and pickup.

Chances are, you likely don’t want to buy two dozen candlesticks or 100 votive holders. Fortunately, you can rent these too. Check with local event rental companies for pricing and availability.

Lounge and Dining Furniture

If your site isn’t normally used for special events, you may also need to rent furniture. Setting up a lounge requires couches, chairs, and side tables at the minimum. You may also want coffee tables, ottomans, or loveseats in your setup. Besides dining tables and chairs, you’ll also need serving tables. Editor Simone Hill offers a helpful checklist at The Knot. You can use this to scope out your site and get pricing on rental items.

You’ll need other things to put the finishing touches on your lounge. Martha Stewart Weddings mentions pillows, which you can rent from some providers. You can also score some standout lighting options for both your lounge and your reception dining area. Think about lanterns and pendant lighting, plus table and floor lamps, for your space.

Portable Bar and Bartenders

Some venues may not have an on-site bar. Or you’ve chosen outside catering that doesn’t include drink service. Renting a portable bar is your best solution here, as Chloe Gorman remarks in her Martha Stewart Weddings piece. Before you plunk down money for your bar, you’ll want to have your theme and décor already chosen. Some companies have mobile bar packages with bartenders included, so it’s wise to shop around before securing a rental.

With so many things to think about, planning a wedding may seem overwhelming. But it needn’t be stressful if you take an organized approach. Expert advice from both online guides and your wedding planner can help you uncover issues you didn’t consider. Collaborating with your vendors is also key to making your wedding day a success.