Questions for Place of Wedding Rentals

• What is the fee for each of the rentals?
• When should we reserve things to insure they will be available for our date?
• Is there a delivery charge?
• If we are picking up rentals, what size vehicle do we need to accommodate all the rentals?
• Do you have a setup service available, how much?
• When do the rentals have to be returned?
• What is your cancellation policy?
• How long have you been in business?
• Do things like dishes and linens have to be washed?
• Do you have a list of items available to rent that we can take with us?
• Do you have your policies written down for us to review?
• Do you have any other suggestions for our wedding? (It doesn't hurt to have the ideas of an expert.)

Questions for Tent Rentals

• When do you set up the tent?
• When do you tear down the tent?
• Are your tents canopy, pole, structure or marquee.
• Can we BBQ or cook under the tent?
• Do you require a deposit? When do you need the deposit by and how much is it?
• Is there any lighting with the tent rental? Is there an extra cost for lighting?
• Is there a floor or dance floor for the tent included? Is there an extra cost for flooring?
• How is the tent secured to the ground? Will there be any damage to ground where it is secured?
• Is there a ceiling under the tent top?
• What is the colour of the tent?
• What is the size and ratio per person of the tent?
• What will the total cost be?
• Is there any decorating restrictions?
• What happens in the case of damage to the tent?

Wedding Decorators
Hiring someone to do your wedding decorations can be a real time saver. It takes away many of the stresses involved in the planning and putting together the look of your wedding. Although it will cost more to have someone else do it for you, they have the professional experience to give you the look you want. Ask to see pictures of work they have done and discuss the overall appearance and feel you want. When you meet with your event decorator make sure you take with you any samples of colours and textures you are using in your wedding to help the decorator coordinate everything. If you are able to get a floor plan of the place of wedding reception and/or ceremony or if you can make one yourself, this can also be an effective tool in planning the decorating.

If you are doing the decorating yourself there are many components to your wedding decorating to think about; everything from chair covers, pew bows, tablecloths, lighting, reception ceiling canopy, balloons, candles, back drops for your head table, door arches, and even your centerpieces. You can customize the decorating to be as elaborate or as simple as you wish or that your budget allows. No matter how much decorating you do all the components should work together, tying the whole look together. You can rent many of the components and then decorate them to match your decor. Never glue decorations directly to rented items. Treat them with care so you are able to return them in the same condition as you rented them in. There are many things you can use to decorate many of your wedding items. You can use personalized ribbon, beads, pearls, fabric, dried and silk flowers, sewing appliqués and/or painted wooden cutouts in wedding shapes. Think of your wedding theme, colours and formality. Shop around and remember you don't need a lot for things to look elegant and beautiful. Sometimes less is more when it comes to decorating. You can use these to decorate many of your wedding items, such as the ring pillow, candles, guestbook and pen, cake knife and server, the cake itself, Champaign flutes, vases, favours, place cards, the cake topper and even your flower boutiques. If you are planning an ethic wedding you can use things from your culture to decorate many items and tie things together decoratively.
Budget Tip: Check dollar stores for candles, balloons, candle holders and other items you can use for decorating.

Questions for Professional Event Decorators

• Can we see pictures of places you have decorated?
• How much say do we have in how things are decorated and what will be used?
• How long have you been doing party decoration?
• Are you familiar with the locations of the ceremony and/or reception?
• How much time will you need at the location?
• What will the total cost be?
• When do you need full payment?
• What is your cancellation policy?
• Do you have any other suggestions for our wedding? (It doesn't hurt to have the ideas of an expert.)