Events with Ease: 5 Myths About Rentals

The world of rentals is often misunderstood. This has contributed to a spread of myths about the rental and design process. These misconceptions can be confusing and off-putting to those unaware of the truth behind rentals. We've heard so many myths about the rental industry over the years, so we're debunking some of the most common ones below.

Myth # 1: Color is more expensive

A common misconception is that any linen colors outside of black, white, or ivory will cost more money. However, it's incredibly easy to add a pop of color without breaking the bank! At Special Occasions, we own over 70 shades of our standard polyester linens, all of which are the same price, regardless of color. With so many options and no worries about blowing your budget, you can seamlessly elevate the theme, aesthetic, or brand of your event with colorful linens.

Rockstar Woman Brunch featuring mauve poly; Wedding shot by Megan Hannon featuring celadon poly

Myth # 2: It's easier to purchase online

Don't get us wrong, we know the cheap online tablecloth or charger plate is super intriguing. However, you're getting what you pay for, and the low quality of these purchases consistently continues to bring buyers into our shop, asking for assistance with repairs and replacements. By the time you fix the flaws, you’ve spent more money, time, and effort than if you had rented in the first place. Since we launder all of our products in house, you never have to worry about cleaning, ironing, or repairing damages, contrary to purchasing from an online seller.

Myth # 3: Chairs aren't a big deal

It's easy to dismiss and forget about chairs when planning an event's design. However, the fact is that every guest table at an event has 6-10 chairs around it. As a result, there are chairs everywhere! As chairs flood a room, the seat's style makes an impact on the overall vibe of the space. For example, banquet chairs have a traditional feel, folding chairs are casual yet polished, chiavari chairs emulate elegance, and cross-back farm chairs are charming and rustic. For a detail that will tie your event all together, consider chairs, and the way they undoubtedly enhance an event's aesthetic.

gold chiavari, captured by Kellie Hetler; cross-back farm chairs, captured by Evan Davies; mahogany chiavari; silver chiavari, captured by Katie Grace Photography

Myth # 4: Renting is complicated

The pressure of planning with so many options available can be overwhelming, but we keep our process simple. Our team of event pros are available to help every step of the way. Once your favorite items are selected, we'll reserve them, and your rentals will be ready to make your event shine. Sure, there’s plenty of heavy lifting and hard work behind the scenes, but our team handles all that, so you don’t have to. We do everything we can on our end to ensure renting with us is seamless, enjoyable, and an easy process.

Myth # 5: Everything has to match

We get so many clients who ask "but, does it match?" To which we respond, we encourage mixing and matching! Don’t get us wrong, throwing a multitude of colors together can look busy. That's where we come in to help you curate your perfect design. When planning within a purposeful color scheme and aesthetic, utilizing a variety of design elements, rather than perfectly matching, will actually elevate your event and create more cohesion.

Black connection featured at the Grand Rapids Art Museum; Tiffany Riviera featured at Frederik Meijer Gardens, captured by Wildcrest Studio; Trinity Health event featuring plum glitz; ocean zest and gold chiavari captured by Allie and Co Photography; floral and photo: Rueben Antonio Floral and Events featuring red cabana stripe and royal blue stars printed poly; ivory juliette featured at Greencrest Manor captured by Clary Pfeiffer; artichoke capri featured at Millhaven, captured by Benjamin David Photography