Taste Makes the Space
Ohio rental companies can add charm, luxury to lackluster venues
By Val Hunt Beerbower
You’ve found the perfect venue equidistant from the hometowns of both soon-to-be-spouses in a community with easy access from the highway and plenty of affordable hotel rooms. What could be better? Well, maybe the decor. And the table settings. And the furnishings. If your ideal location leaves a little to be desired in ambiance, there are plenty of rental companies out there with the materials needed to complement your style and zhuzh up a ho-hum venue.
The first step is to check your contract with your wedding venue and make sure they’re cool with any imported infrastructure. They may have preferred vendors they work with. Once you understand the parameters, it’s time to shop for a rental company! Regardless of where you get hitched in Ohio, you’re sure to find rental companies within 50 miles who can upgrade your space.
Some companies like Borrow Curated Furniture + Design in Cleveland can be a one-stop shop if you’re looking for a business that will come up with a clever layout and furnishings that work with your personal style, and all you have to do is give the green light.
“Borrow’s experience in the event and design community along with our collection of modern, made and antique furniture and decor are some of the reasons why we help to produce awesome events,” the company says in a statement. “We provide creative solutions that reflect the values and mission of your company or nonprofit. We lead with design and end with your why.”
“The experience for your guests can be as customized as desired. We use a specific design software to create a unique vision board,” says the team from Collective Charm Vintage Rentals in Cincinnati. “This begins with a color palette then includes specific pieces from our inventory, ceremony, cocktail hour, reception decor, as well as added details including invitation design, cake design—down to the smallest details such as table numbers.”
For brides on a budget, the Borrow team recommends homing in on priorities.
“First, it is vital to find out what matters most to our client and the event,” says owner Ann King. “We break this down in ‘zones,’ which are specialized areas that comprise the layout of an event. Is the bar area your jam? Are you dead set on seating vignettes? Is this a corporate event that wants amazing food stations? Is this a wedding where the bride and groom have their hearts set on an amazing head table? Will you be having a lot of older guests who need comfortable seating? Is this a heavy drinking crowd so self-serve beer and wine stations are a must to prevent bottlenecking at the bar?”
Once those must-haves are prioritized, another money-saving trick is to focus on “showcase pieces” to anchor the space, whether it’s vintage furniture for a lounge area, gorgeous vases for the tables or an adorable selfie station. Less expensive items can play a supporting role for the showcase pieces. Find a color or texture that complements the showcase piece and repeat that throughout the venue.
A final tip from Borrow—remember that it won’t matter if you’ve spent hours curating an Insta-worthy backdrop for your big day if your guests aren’t having a good time. “Chairs absolutely matter when you’re on a budget!” King says.
