Enhance your Event by Using the Services of a Rental Center or Event Decorator

If you are planning an event of any size or complexity, chances are you may need the services of a rental center or an event decorator. So, what is the difference and which may best fit your needs? Rental centers carry tables, chairs, linens, dishware, tents and much more. Larger event or party rental centers stock a wide selection of items - numerous chair styles, many linen colors and styles, tables in several sizes and more. They may also be able to special order unique linens to compliment your event theme.

Rental centers will deliver your items (for a fee) or you can pick them up. In addition to the cost of the rented items, you will be charged sales tax, delivery fee and possibly damage insurance. Should you rent large items, such as tents, the rental center's staff will erect and take them down.

When you rent tables, chairs and linens from a rental center, you must arrange for the set up, decorating and take down yourself.

An event decorator usually owns tables, chairs, linens and centerpiece items. They will rent anything you need that they don't own, such as tents. Their staff will handle set up, decorating and take down. Decorators usually charge a flat fee for their services with a sizable minimum order (in dollars, not items) required. They do not rent individual items from their inventory.

So which option is best for your event? It depends on your needs. If you are holding your event in an empty building, such as the Boise Depot, where you need to provide everything, it is often more advantageous timewise to hire an event decorator rather than enlisting employees or family and friends to spend their time setting up, decorating, and tearing down. The cost of doing it yourself or hiring a professional is often quite similar.

If, however, your event center owns tables and chairs and you need to rent only linens or a few other items, it may be more cost effective to use the services of a rental center. 

Occasionally, caterers may offer to rent linens for you. Be sure to get the details before agreeing. Many caterers provide square linens to fit on round tables or short linens that leave most of a table's legs exposed. If you are having a formal event, chances are you won't want such a casual look. If not, then a rental center or a decorator will offer more options.