Preparing for a wedding involves countless details, from the venue to the guest list. With so much to organize, it’s easy for some rental items to slip through the cracks, especially for an outdoor or tented reception. You’ve secured the tent, tables, and chairs, but what about the smaller components that support a smooth and comfortable event?
Considering the practical needs of your guests and vendors can help you create a comprehensive rental checklist. Here are a few of the most commonly forgotten wedding rental items to keep in mind during your planning process.
Power and Climate Control
One of the most frequent oversights for tented weddings is managing the environment inside. A generator is essential for powering lights, speakers, and catering equipment. Without a reliable power source, your DJ can’t play music, and your caterers can’t keep food at the proper temperature.
Similarly, guest comfort depends heavily on the temperature inside the tent. On a hot summer day, portable air conditioning units or large commercial fans keep the air circulating and cool. For cooler evenings in the spring or fall, patio heaters create a warm and inviting atmosphere, allowing guests to celebrate comfortably well into the night.
Proper Flooring and Walkways
While a tent provides overhead shelter, the ground beneath your guests’ feet is just as important. Setting up a tent directly on grass can lead to problems, especially if it rains.
Pair a walled tent with flooring that prevents tripping hazards and provides a stable surface for dancing. Tents For Rent is your go-to provider of practical flooring options that augment durable walled tents in PA and surrounding states.
Beyond the main event space, think about the paths your guests will travel. If the parking area or restrooms are a short walk away, temporary walkways can keep shoes clean and prevent slips on damp grass. These practical additions contribute significantly to the guest experience.
Catering and Service Area Support
Your catering team needs more than just a place to set up. To operate efficiently, they require a dedicated prep tent or a designated back-of-house area. This space keeps the functional aspects of their work hidden from guests. Caterers also require access to portable sinks for food safety and hand washing, as well as extra tables for food preparation and staging.
Trash and Recycling Bins
Some of the most commonly forgotten wedding rental items are additional waste management bins. Forgetting to rent trash and recycling containers can lead to a messy venue and extra cleanup stress at the end of the event. Ensure you have enough receptacles stationed near food areas and throughout the space.
Ensure Your Rental Checklist Includes All Necessities
A memorable tented wedding goes beyond the big-ticket items like tables and decorations. It comes down to oft-missed details, too. When you factor in commonly overlooked needs in advance, you save yourself stress and create an event everyone will enjoy.