If you have decided on a garden wedding . . . or have rented an unfurnished hall, you will find yourself in need of some expert advice on setting up your reception or celebration party. Visit a rental store that specializes in party rentals. Many offer staff consultants to help you with every detail of arranging a truly comfortable and elegant wedding reception or rehearsal dinner. They can supply all of your chairs, tables, linens, china, crystal, and silverware needs. You will find beautiful serving accessories too, from champagne fountains to elegant silver chaffing dishes.

A fully equipped rental store will have a wide selection of wedding accessories, including: arches and huppah’s, kneeling benches, candelabra in assorted sizes and styles, plant stands, aisle runners and standards, wedding canopies, gazebos, artificial greenery and flowers.

Tell your rental specialist how many guests you’ve invited to the reception and the square footage of the room where it will be held. With this information they can accurately plan your seating and serving arrangements.

If you’re planning an outdoor reception, you may want to rent a tent, possibly even a section of wooden flooring for dancing. A deposit may be required to reserve specific pieces. Set tentative delivery, set-up and pick-up times. Confirm these the week before the wedding.

A word about renting . . . charges are usually for time out, whether used or not. Most prices quoted are for a one day charge and you will be responsible for set-up and knockdown of all items rented, unless you make special arrangements with your rental store.