Questions to ask your venue before you rent
Most of what makes a rental order go smoothly is decided by the venue, not by us. Ask these questions before you send your list, and the quote you get back will be the one you actually need.
What does the venue already supply?
Hotels, restaurants and event halls often include banquet tables, chairs and plain white tableware. Ask for the list. If the tables are included, you may only need the pieces that change the room: tablecloths, napkins, chargers, glassware and centerpieces.
Ask for the table sizes and shapes too. A 60-inch round and a 72-inch round take different tablecloths; see choosing a tablecloth size.
When and where can rentals arrive?
Ask for the load-in and load-out windows, whether there is a loading dock or a freight elevator, where a delivery van can park, and how far it is from the drop-off point to the room. Delivery and pickup windows are set by your requests and the venue's restrictions, so these answers shape the plan.
Ask where pieces can be staged before setup and where they should wait for pickup after the event, especially if the room is cleared the same night.
Does the venue need proof of insurance?
Many venues ask every vendor for a certificate of insurance before load-in. We are insured; tell us when you book and we will arrange it for your venue.
Are candles allowed?
Some venues allow only enclosed flames, or none at all. If open flames are not allowed, glass holders and hurricanes still give candlelight without a bare wick, and a silver centerpiece does the job without any flame at all.
Who sets up?
Setup is offered on all furniture items with delivery: we place the chairs and tables and dress them with linens. Without setup, we drop off and pick up at the nearest drop-off zone, and your team or the venue sets the tables. Decide which before you send the list, and include the answers above. Start your list.
