Do It Yourself!
Create a Beautiful
Wedding With Party Rentals

by Andrea Giffordu

If you're planning a wedding reception at a location that's a blank slate, like a private home, you can create a beautiful, romantic or fun atmosphere with the help of party rental companies. With so many beautiful linens, tables - even popcorn machines! - the only limit to what you can do is the limit of your imagination.

The first place to start when planning your party is to consider your theme. Your theme can be as simple as choosing a color that will dominate the day - through your flowers, maids' gowns and cake - or as elaborate as an Alice in Wonderland tea party. Picking, and sticking to, your theme is a necessary first step because it will help you plan with ease while creating an atmosphere that truly captures your unique personality as a couple.

Party and specialty rental companies are a great resource for everything from tables, linens and china to water fountains, live plants and cotton candy machines. The trick is to choose your items based on a set guest count and gear specialty rentals to your party's theme. Of course, you'll need to reserve the basics, like tables and chairs, as well as china, glassware and linens. If you're unsure of what you'll need for the guest seating or food tables, your caterer or wedding coordinator can help you determine the necessary items.

If you're planning to add specialty rentals to your list, stick to your theme and choose a few things that will really help round out the day. If your theme is a simple color like pink or ice blue, choose accent linens for the bar and buffet tables in fuchsia or teal for a pop of color. If you're planning something more elaborate, go for specialty rentals based on your theme. A margarita machine is the perfect addition to the bar at a Mexican fiesta. Try a chocolate fountain for a delicious addition to the dessert table at your dessert reception. Or, go for funky grass skirts, live palm trees and colorful leis at your Hawaiian luau.

Planning a great wedding reception can be a lot of fun when you do it yourself, and there's really no limit to what you can do. You can find out more about party and specialty rentals during the Bridal Expo at the Cocoanut Grove.