What is the biggest mistake, couples make when renting event rentals?
That is honestly a tossup between two things:
1- Not listening to your vendors’ recommendations. You have hired professionals to help you make your vision come to life. Let them help you! If your caterer says you need 180 champagne glasses- you probably need 180. I suggest getting recommendations on numbers for tables and décor before our consultations because it helps make the entire process seamless and stress-free.
2- Underestimating the costs of rentals. Many factors play into the prices of rentals: labor, installation + retrieval, travel time, etc. Some brides have come to consultations wanting to recreate pictures they have found on Pinterest, but realistically it’s not in their price range. A realistic understanding of rental pricing before a consultation would be very beneficial.
What items should a couple really think about, that you have seen make a big hit?
Lounge areas and bars! Lounge areas are an excellent option for guests to have an area to retreat to in the middle of the night. It also makes for a perfect photo-op for you and your significant other.
I love bars, especially for tented events! They help elevate the space. Bars can also be a fun design element to bring into the area.
How does a couple know what they need for their event?
Working closely with their vendors- especially their wedding planner. Your planner should be able to give you specifics about what you will need for décor and rental-wise.
If you need to rent tabletop items (i.e., plates, stemware, flatware, etc.), I recommend reaching out to your caterer to find out their specific needs to ensure their service goes smoothly on your wedding day.
Also, review your contracts! Some florists include decor pieces in their quotes, and there is no need to spend extra if you do not have to.
How does delivery and pick up work?
We make this as seamless as possible! Leading up to your event, we will be in contact with your wedding planner, discussing delivery and pick-up times, layouts, and even flipping the event from ceremony to reception, if applicable.
Day of- we will arrive with the pieces you rented and set everything up according to the layout. We will go back over and double-check to make sure everything is correct.
After the event, we will be there to help break down everything. The couple and their families do not have to lift a finger!
Can couples see the items before the event?
Yes! This past year we have worked hard to ensure all of our inventory is online, but nothing will compare to seeing items in person.
The last few brides that have booked consultations have left saying they feel so relieved and excited because they can now visualize how their wedding will look the day of!
How long before the event, should they reserve their items?
The sooner, the better- we really do have books that close! Obviously, book the essential items first, like your venue, planner, caterer, etc., before, but if you have specific things like certain chairs, you want to go ahead and book them! Nothing is worse than telling someone that the one thing they had their heart set on is not available.
The French Bee is so proud of The Carolina Refinery. We have watched it grow and watched Ashley and Blake work so hard to create a business together. They just recently added quite a bit of new inventory to their collection and I can assure you they have wonderful taste. We love having them here in New Bern and know that everytime we use them they will help elevate our weddings to the next level. If you would like to see their inventory go to https://carolinarefinery.com
