Before you go:

• Consult your ceremony, reception site and caterer's contracts. Create a list of what you'll need. Rental items used during a typical wedding include: chuppah or ceremony altar; guest, food, bar, DJ, cake, gift, favor and placecard tables; ceremony and reception chairs; guest table, food table, bar, DJ table, cake table, gift table, favor table and placecard table linens; napkins; appetizer, salad, dinner or buffet, bread and cake plates; water, coffee, wine, beer, martini and mixed drink glasses; appetizer, dinner, salad and cake forks; dinner, dessert and coffee spoons; steak and butter knives; ceremony or band staging and stairs; dance floor; catering, buffet and service equipment; cake stand; centerpieces, lighting, event draping and other décor; tenting; and power generators.
• Because supplies are limited, make sure you reserve your preferred rentals about four to six months prior to the event. Base all table, chair, linen, china, glass and silveware on guest estimates.
• Be prepared to shop. Most rental companies offer a variety of choices in almost every category. If you have them, bring color swatches, pictures or other inspiration pieces to help you make your choices.
• But be aware - the selection is not the same at every shop. If the rental shop with your favorite options is further from your site, you may have to pay a little more in delivery to get what you want.

Questions to ask:

• Ask to see pictures of events similar to yours. Most rental companies provide supplies for a dozen events each weekend. As unique as your wedding will be, they've probably seen something similar and can make suggestions on what works and what doesn't when the big day comes.
• Ask about additional fees including: delivery, pick-up, set-up and break-down. Most rental companies prefer to deliver on Friday and pick-up on Monday. However, if your site does not allow storage of your rental items overnight, you will have to pay a priority for weekend delivery and pick-ups.
• Another charge to be aware of is the damage waiver. This is typically a percentage of the total rental estimate and covers the cost of any items damaged during the event, whether a linen is burned or a glass or plate is broken. You can elect not to pay this damage waivier, however, you will be financially responsible for any items damaged during your event.

• About one week prior to your event, you will need to finalize all numbers for guest tables, guest linens; china, glass and silverware. But, when making those adjustments, allow for a few extras especially if you are serving food via a buffet. Guests love to eat seconds and usually use a second plate to do it. This is also when your final payment will be due.
• If your rentals are being delivered directly to your site, don't forget to clear any delivery and pick-up scheduling with your site coordinator.

• Everything has a price. If you don't particularly care which type of silver your guests eat with, you may want to opt for the less expensive option, leaving more of the budget for your priority pieces like higher grade linens or nicer chairs.
• If you are only renting a limited or light-load of equipment, you may consider picking up these pieces yourself. Just remember, return of the items is also your responsibility.