What You Need to Know About Event Rental

    Choosing to rent can give you access to high-quality items that are just what you need to make your event memorable. Rental makes things affordable that wouldn’t be possible for most to achieve otherwise.

    Event Rental Selection

    Event rental stores understand the importance of making celebrations and get-togethers special. They keep up with trends, offer timeless options, and may offer something you wouldn’t expect.

    Event rental items are designed to be sturdy to stand up to many rentals, and convenient to allow for easy transportation and flexibility in use.

    Not every store carries the same products or styles, so don’t be afraid to consult with multiple rental stores and check their inventory. Use the Rental Store Quick Locator at the top of the page to find local rental stores. Examples of event items available to rent include:

    • Amusement rides
    • Banners, pennants and flags
    • Casino equipment
    • Chafing dishes
    • Chairs and tables
    • Cotton candy machines
    • Dance floors
    • Dunk tanks
    • Frozen drink, snow cone and ice cream machines
    • Grills, stoves, ovens, cookers and fryers
    • Helium tanks
    • Inflatables and bounce houses
    • Karaoke machines and jukeboxes
    • Bubble, fog, smoke and snow machines
    • Popcorn machines
    • Stages, platforms, risers and trussing
    • Tents

    Event Rental Tips

    Plan to book your event rental items as early as possible for a wider selection. As the date of your event approaches, items are more likely to already be reserved.

    Use the items responsibly. By taking care of rental items, renters help keep costs down for everyone. As part of the sharing economy, rental splits the cost for the item and maintenance across all renters. The more events the rental item is used at, the better it is for all, including the environment.

    Plan ahead for how the rented items will get to and from your event and who will be responsible for managing and cleaning. Make sure everyone who needs the details of the event rental agreement has them.

    Consult with Your Rental Store

    Talk with your local rental store about your event. They know their inventory better than anyone and have collaborated with countless renters on their events.

    Control Costs

    Rental is a great way to control your costs. You’ll have a good idea up front of what your event rental will cost when you sign your agreement. Be sure to know and calculate for the following to have the most accurate picture of your costs.

    • Rental period. Be realistic about your expected rental period so you will have accurate cost estimates on those times. It is always good to talk through different scenarios with the rental store in case there are options available that work better for you and your event.
    • Accessories. A cotton candy or snow cone machine can be a super fun touch at an event, and the right signage or packaging could take it to the next level. Be sure to check what accessories are included with your rental items and know which additional ones you would like to rent or purchase for the best idea of total price.
    • Delivery. For large items or a rental of multiple items, ask about delivery options to determine the best solution for your event. Plan accordingly for delivery fees.
    • Damage waivers. Rental items are generally sturdy, but not indestructible. Unexpected costs can be minimized with damage waivers, which cover accidental damage. However, damage due to abuse, misuse, or negligence is not included, so be sure to care for the items.
    • State/local tax. Ask what tax rates apply to your rental.

    Frequently asked questions

    What to rent for a party?

    For a party, rent both practical items, like tables and chairs, and items that set the event apart, like snow cone machines, jukeboxes, or bounce houses.

    What to rent for a birthday party?

    For a birthday party, rent things you know the guest of honor will love. From a cotton candy machine for a sweet treat to helium tanks to fill balloons in a favorite color, to a dance floor or a fog machine for a true event, you can make the event special. Don’t forget places for people to sit and eat, silverware and other sensible party rental items.

    How do you make a party not boring?

    A party should be anything but boring. Make it visual with balloons filled with helium from a rented tank. Offer a meal or a treat with rented items like grills, popcorn machines or frozen drink machines. Entertain guests with rented games like dunk tanks or casino games, a rented stage for a performance, or even rented amusement rides.

    Event rental allows you to expand the possibilities for your event. It doesn’t matter if it’s a children’s birthday party, a baby shower, an anniversary event or something else entirely, the power of rental can help make it happen.

    Contact your local, ARA-affiliated, rental store for information on available rental products to help you take care of your event rental needs. To find “event rental near me,” use the Rental Store Quick Locator above to find a local rental store with the items you need.

    Related articles:

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    Tips for Using a Rented Helium Tank