Rent or Buy? Wedding and Event Edition

Alright, let me start by admitting, as the owner of an event rental company, I'm not going to have the most impartial advice when it comes to renting vs buying your event equipment. But I've probably spent a lot more time thinking about this question than most people. So here's my honest take on the pros and cons of each decision so you can make the best decision for yourself.

Cost

Renting is almost always going to be the most cost-effective option. The rental company has taken on the cost of purchasing the equipment and can offer heavy discounts because they intend to recoup the cost over dozens of rentals. Additionally, the rental company takes on all the hidden costs such as storage, maintenance, cleaning, and repairs.

Buying can be more cost effective in a few instances. If you are hosting events regularly throughout the year and plan to use the exact same items again and again, you may find it makes sense to purchase the items. Even then, however, you may find that your break even point is further off than you think. For a one-off event, you may decide to sell the items after you use them to recoup some of your investment. This may let you break even with the renting option, but you're putting in a lot of effort to both source and sell the items.

Flexibility and Variety

Buying will lock you into a single style, which is fine if you're only planning a single event or you're a venue that is dedicated to a particular style. But if you're looking to host a modern event one day and a boho event the next, it's impractical to buy all new items. The flexibility that buying does offer you is the ability to source whatever equipment you want without being stuck with the local rental options. Keep in mind, however, that most rental companies are eager to expand their inventory and will be happy to make purchases if they believe the items you request will be a worthy investment.

Renting allows you the flexibility of event size and style. Guest count suddenly increased or decreased by 10? Simply adjust your rental quote. Hosting a rustic-themed event but all your tableware is contemporary? An event rental company has you covered. And did I mention that most rental companies, like Herriott's, can also do all the setup and tear down for you? Now that's flexibility.

Maintenance, Clean-Up, & Storage

Events require a lot of equipment. Tables, chairs, lighting, tents, draping, linens, napkins, bows, plates, flatware, glassware, and a whole lot more. Each of these items requires some sort of unique attention whether it's polishing, pressing, washing, drying, painting, etc. And of course all of those items have to be stored somewhere. If you buy, that's all on you. If you rent, that's all on the rental company.

You know the worst part of an event? It's when everyone has gone home and you're left with dirty linens, flatware, plates, & glassware that all need cleaned. If you rented that equipment, you simply scrape off the food, dump excess liquid out of the glasses, throw the linens in the return bag, and send it all off for someone else to take care of.

Environment

Remember learning about reduce, reuse, and recycle in elementary school? Yeah, that's kind of our main thing as an event rental company. Every piece of equipment will be reused countless times, thus reducing the waste and carbon footprint associated with manufacturing, shipping, and tossing equipment. Renting is the most environmentally-friendly option available.

Convenience

Renting is a one-stop-shop experience. Share details about your event with an event rental consultant, book everything you need, have it delivered & installed before your event and removed after your event, and be done!

Buying means shopping countless vendors and thrift stores hoping to piece together everything you need, and then setting it all up yourself.

Conclusion

When considering sourcing equipment for your next wedding or big event, it almost always makes more sense to rent than to buy. Next time you are planning an event in Central Illinois, reach out to Herriott's Rents, Tents, & Events to rent your event equipment! We make events easy, beautiful, and unforgettable. Plus your wallet will thank you.