Imagine you are planning an event to rival the best. You've got a guest list, a theme and a vision that is so clear it can be touched. The tricky part is choosing the rentals. You can either found event rentals a bunch of average items or select a handful of standout ones. Let's take a look at this dilemma.
Imagine being at an event in which everything is overdone. Imagine a room filled with tables overflowing with centerpieces that are mismatched, chairs which wobble when viewed in an odd way, and more decor than you can shake your stick at. The event looks like it's been thrown together with everything except the kitchen. It's true that there is a lot to look at, but will it last? It's unlikely.
The script has been flipped. Imagine a party where each item was carefully selected. The chairs are comfortable enough for you to want to stay seated through the most lengthy speeches. Just enough décor is on the tables to draw your attention without making you think you're in a fleamarket. Here, less is more and it really shows.
Consider it as you would a dating app. Sure, swiping left on everyone will get you a lot of matches. But are any of them going to be good connections? Not likely. Renting event space is no different. Quality items are more memorable than quantity.
I attended a reception where there were these beautiful velvet lounge chairs placed in cozy corners all around the venue. The chairs were not in large numbers, but just enough for a conversational atmosphere. The people loved them! People loved them!
Let's just talk about the practicality of it for a minute. Do you really need 50 fans spread out everywhere if you're planning an outdoor event during the summer? Do you think ten misting fans of high quality would be a better investment? Think intelligently, not frantically.
A different angle: When budgets are tight, we often choose to buy more than what is best because, hey! Who doesn't want more for their money? Sometime, however, renting less high-quality items is more cost effective in the long term. Renting less high-quality equipment can save you time, money and headaches.
In the spirit of budgets, I'd like to share another story. A friend of mine planned her son's party and rented an inflatable castle as well as twenty plastic chairs with tables that looked straight out of garage sales. Guess what happened! Everyone loved the castle, but not those wobbly chair! She could have spent half as much money on fewer, but better seating options.
All right then! Now let's think about another issue: the difference between clutter accumulation and ambiance creation. Beautifully set tables with tasteful centerpieces and elegant linens will elevate the mood of an entire room far more than five tables filled with trinkets.
Do you know that chefs claim we eat our food with our eyes? The guests also first experience an event visually! First impressions count a lot, so make sure yours is memorable by choosing fewer but striking elements.
The next time you are knee-deep in rental catalogues or scrolling endlessly through Pinterest boards (we've been there), don't forget to focus on pieces that will make them stand out, rather than blend in with the rest.
The choice of essential rentals doesn't have to be a difficult one. It is about creating memorable moments that will last long after the guests leave.
Go ahead and make those difficult decisions, but choose wisely.