If you have an event on the horizon, you’re no doubt brainstorming all your needs for an unforgettable guest experience—and rentals have entered the conversation. Before you get too far down the party-planning rabbit hole, ask yourself these questions to determine your rental needs.

What’s my budget?

Like all aspects of your event, your total budget will dictate what you add and what you skip. Before you plan on the ice sculptures, make sure you’ve allocated an appropriate percentage of the budget to places for those sculptures—and for your guests to sit.

Does my venue provide rentals?

A lot of venues include more than just the building in the rental fee. Yours might offer dining tables and chairs, or even a bar. It’s helpful to know what’s already available at the venue before deciding where to allocate your rental budget. If your venue has folding tables, consider splurging on great linens. If they have chairs, ask yourself: do they work for the ceremony, general audience seating, and dining? Or would it be better to rent a second option?

How many guests are coming?

Follow-up question: do you need a seat for every guest? If you’re planning a seated, three-course dinner—absolutely. If you’re hosting an interactive event with passed apps and food stations, you can get away with fewer seats. Tally up your attendees and plan for dining chairs, lounge seating, dining tables, and cocktail tables to accommodate the group however you see fit.

What’s my vibe?

One of our personal favorite questions. There are so many directions you could go—sleek and modern, vintage and one-of-a-kind, authentically Texan, or natural and organic. Whatever your vision, you’ll want rentals that enhance the vibe of your event—not clash with it.

What activities are planned?

Want to set the scene for intimate conversation and connection? Lounges are perfect for that. Want to keep the energy high? Opt for bar-height cocktail tables that promote standing and movement throughout the space.

What’s going to work with the season?

Most rentals can work year-round, but some definitely lend themselves to specific times of year. Dark velvets and rich leathers might feel too heavy for an early summer soirée, but they’re the perfect backdrop for a crisp fall event. On the flip side, cream-colored outdoor sofas might feel out of place at your winter wonderland–themed celebration, but they’d be right at home at a spring garden party.

What’s going to make an impact?

There’s more to rentals than just dining tables and chairs. Consider a backdrop or parachute for a fun photo moment. An unexpected neon sign could be unforgettable. A kids’ table that’s not just an afterthought, but a stylish, on-theme addition, can be the exclamation point on your event

What’s the flow?

A family-style dinner in a dining hall begs for long farm tables end to end, but a seated dinner in a smaller space might benefit from round tables that allow for easier movement of the waitstaff. Make sure your rentals fit your space and create an effortless flow of traffic.

What do my other vendors need?

Before placing a rental order, check in with your other vendors to see what might be needed. Your DJ may need a bar or table for their booth if they don’t bring their own. Cakes will need a display table. Caterers and bar service providers might need more bars than you originally considered.

To flip or not to flip?

Many venues provide a single space for the entire event, meaning your ceremony and reception will share the same room. Is there a way to set the space for both, or will ceremony chairs need to become dining chairs? This can save you on rental fees but may add labor costs for mid-event moves. Depending on your timeline, a flip might not be possible—so weigh the pros and cons before finalizing your rental order.

No matter what kind of event you’re planning, rentals can help enhance the experience for your guests. Just make sure to answer these questions before starting your wishlist—so your event is unforgettable for all the right reasons.