Expert Tips from An Event Decor Specialist
Aug 1, 2024Discover valuable insights on the event rental process from Shannon Collins, Calgary-based event decor specialist and founder of Chair Flair
Introducing Shannon Collins, the visionary founder of the event rental company Chair Flair. With a passion for transforming venues, Shannon uses her expertise as a decor specialist to share exclusive insights and tips on the event rental process. Read on to gain all the knowledge you need to understand the event rental world and ensure your event goes as smoothly as possible!
How can rental decor transform a venue?
Rental decor can significantly transform a venue by adding personality, enhancing the ambiance and creating a cohesive theme for your event from start to finish. Decor doesn't always have to be elaborate; sometimes, the smallest elements can make the biggest impact on your event! Lighting, draping, backdrops and statement centrepieces can dramatically change the look and feel of any space, whereas enhancing your tablescape with charger plates and coloured napkins are small elements that significantly impact the overall design of an event.
What are the latest trends in rental items and decor for weddings?
Minimalistic, clean, and elegant designs are very on trend right now. Clean lines and neutral colour palettes with simple floral arrangements, glass charger plates and candles for ambiance are enough to make any tablescape photograph beautifully! A lot more clients are choosing a designer chair instead of a chair cover, which also brings a clean, modern look to the tablescape.
What is the most common thing couples forget to consider when renting items for their wedding? Are there any common mistakes couples make, and how can they avoid them?
Couples often underestimate the time it takes to set up rented items, especially if they're DIY-ing it or relying on friends and family’s help. Hiring professionals to set up and take down decor will save you a ton of time and allow you to enjoy the day stress-free. If you really want to do it yourself, ensure you are allocating enough time for setup and teardown.
How far in advance should people book their rentals for a wedding or significant event?
Six months to one year is the average timeline for booking event rentals. Booking early guarantees inventory availability and can also help set, or coordinate with, your overall theme and colour palette for other elements, like stationary, florals, and cakes.
If you choose a company that guarantees pricing on the day of booking, that can be a huge benefit, so you don't have to worry about price increases down the road.
Can you provide any tips on maximizing a rental budget for a wedding or event?
The best way to maximize a rental budget is to prioritize the essentials first! Focus your budget on essential items such as seating, tables, dinnerware and linens because these are crucial for guest comfort and the overall functionality of your event.
Next, consider your budget and find ways to get the look you want with more affordable options. For example, fresh flowers can be very costly, so choosing a more affordable artificial arrangement can save you lots of money while accomplishing your desired look. Additionally, always look for rental items that can serve multiple purposes or be easily repurposed, such as chairs and florals, which can be used for both the ceremony and reception.
How do you recommend couples stay organized with everything they need to rent for their wedding?
A day-of coordinator is always a huge benefit, keeping you organized on the wedding day and the month leading up to it. Also, consider using a decor company that offers complete set-up and take-down services so you and your support system don’t have to worry. Lastly, make a list of all the decor you have rented and where it goes, that way you can count everything at the end of the night to avoid any unexpected charges for missing items.
When planning events that require rentals, you need someone who can ensure it all comes together seamlessly. It is important to work with a professional company who have the right training, insurance, experience and staff to make your event come to life. You want to make sure you are trusting your special day to someone who has back up plans, who understands your vision and who can provide more than just decor rentals. If you book vendors who you feel comfortable with and who understand your vision, they are the people who will go the extra mile to make the small details come to life for your big day.