Why you should book your venue before your rentals!

 

Brides and grooms contact OWPR about their rentals at every stage of the wedding planning process.  We know that the first step of the wedding planning process is always choosing your wedding venue.

 

We reached out to Shannon Tarrant, founder of WeddingVenueMap.com, an Orlando wedding venue search engine to help explain why the venue is the place to start:

 

I understand what it feels like. Your partner asked you to marry you and you said YES! Hopefully, you took some time to celebrate being engaged before rushing into wedding planning. If you are like most, you’ve maybe already created an inspiration board with ideas and wants (on Pinterest maybe). This board likely contains different color combinations, unique details and a few tablescapes.

 

There are no rules to what order you HAVE to book your wedding vendors in. You do need to remember that there are two questions that everyone you contact or speak with is going to ask you: 1 – what is your wedding date and 2 – what is your wedding venue??

 

Why do they ask about the date?

Your actual wedding date will be determined by the wedding venue that you choose. While you may have a preferred date in mind, of times couples tend to be more flexible if their venue of choice isn’t available of there is a different date that may save $$$. So, other vendors want to make sure you have a final date selected to make sure they are available.

 

Why does the wedding venue matter?

Oh there are so many reasons. Each venue has it’s benefits and challenges for different vendors. Let’s say you choose an all outdoor venue, the DJ may have to bring a pop up tent for cover in case of bad weather. Or you rent a photobooth at a venue with stairs and no ramp or elevator. The details are important for vendors to get you accurate pricing information.

 

Knowing your wedding venue is the most important factor for a rental company. Here are 8 reasons why you should book your wedding venue before your rentals:

 

    1. What is already included in your wedding venue rental? Every venue is completely different. Some hotels include ballroom chairs that you might love, while other event centers have chivari chairs as their standard chair. You don’t want to contract for something like a dance floor that is already included from your venue at no additional cost.
    2. What are the rules for outside rentals? Some venues have contracted relationships with specific rental companies.  They may limit where you can get additional items like tents or chargers from.
    3. Is your wedding venue cool or warm color tones? If your venue has burgundy and gold carpet, navy blue linens with silver chairs might not look right. By selecting the space first, you can design around the look you’ve chosen.
    4. Do they handle the rentals for you? An extra service many venues provide is taking care of the rentals for you. They have created partnerships with just a few companies that know their property, location and rules. By handling the contracting, payments, and final counts, you only have to tell your venue you want gold chivari chairs and the rest is taken care of.
    5. Does your wedding venue include or require a wedding planner? Each planner has relationships with their preferred rental company which usually includes negotiated rates. By working through your wedding planner, you may be able to save in your budget to upgrade something else.
    6. Indoor or outdoor? If you haven’t finalized the venue, then you don’t really know for sure where your ceremony or reception is going to take place. Chairs that work well in a carpeted ballroom might sink into the grass or scratch hardwood floors.
    7. Who is the rental company on your venue’s preferred vendors list? Your wedding venue has usually done the work for you. This is really helpful for rentals when it’s time to talk about the logistics of things like delivery times. The venue trusts these companies implicitly and can often show examples of how these wedding rentals will look in the space.
    8. What does your venue look like? Your rental decor should compliment and not compete with the venue you’ve contracted. Industrial versus rustic are two totally different vibes which would require different styles of rentals.

 

 

To ensure that your wedding rentals look at home in your venue, it’s important for your rental company to understand your vision, learn your style, see the space and provide items that not only look good but provide a function.

 

Rentals are the perfect opportunity to really customize your wedding venue and make it your own. Whether you want to dive into the details of choosing every item or leave the design up to them, the goal is always for your wedding day rentals to enhance what is already included from your venue.

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

Shannon Tarrant is the Founder of WeddingVenueMap.com. She is an experienced wedding catering and venue sales manager with over 15 years of helping couples create a lifetime of wedding memories. Search through all of Orlando’s wedding venues and define what is important to you.

 

 

Wedding Venue Map Contact Information:

Website | Venue Search | Email | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | YouTube

 

 


 

Photo: Ever After Vintage Weddings
Featured products: Farm tables, French country chairs

Trendy Vendy- Priscilla Rose Events

A Soda-POP of Color

 

We recently paired up with Priscilla Rose Events to bring you a fun tablescape full of mixed metals and bright beautiful colors! This table totally reflected the fun and adventurous spirit that is – Priscilla Rose.

During our time with PR Events, we had the chance to interview Priscilla and got to know this lady boss a little better.

 

 

 

How did you get your start?

I started out in education, teaching middle school and then instructional support as a coach. I was a high performing teacher, but my passion lied in the skills it took to be a good educator. Skills like time management, organization, delegation, and providing guidance and support to peers. I had experience with friends and family with planning and organizing events, and felt I could do this full time. So, I jumped into the wedding industry, well dove in really! I was certified through the internationally recognized Bridal Society and connected with hundreds of planners and professionals. I fell in love with the industry and built a company that reflects my vision and clientele.  

What services do you offer?

PR Events offers Day of Coordination to Full Service Planning, and everything in between.  I have been excited to extend services to Build Your Own Packages for Coordination and Planning to fit every couple and budget.

What can clients expect when they book with you?

Clients can expect my honesty and hard work from booking PRE through their grand exit, keeping them calm, informed & excited for their big day.

What sets you apart from other coordination/planning companies?

Education. PR Events strives to not only continually educate ourselves but our clients. Each month, I continue to build my network of professionals with vendor relationships and connections, but also adding continual education certifications to our resume. In return, I want my couples to feel that they are also staying educated. For most, this is the biggest investment they have made and they don’t know what to expect or what to even budget. PR Events has started a Facebook live and Youtube series that educates couples on big topics they want to know through a panel of professionals!

What advice would you give couples during the planning process?

Schedule times for breaks in your planning to go on a date, enjoy your gals without them making centerpieces and breath!

What’s your favorite part of a wedding day?

That is so difficult! I have so many, but my top moment would be the room reveal. You get a personal moment with the couple after tying all the loose ends together and working with so many professionals to make their vision come to life, it is amazing to see their faces light up!

Fun Fact

Fitness is my other love! I compete in bodybuilding shows. I actually had the privilege of coordinating a professional bodybuilders wedding! So much fun!

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Vendors: Priscilla Rose Events, Bluegrass Chic Weddings, Dazzling Deco, Amalie Orange Photography (Featured Image)

Featured Products: Industrial Chairs, Hedge Wall, Vintage Mirror Cake Table, Blush Glassware, Gold Flatware, Gold Napkins, Silver Scalloped Glass Charger Plate

 

Trendy Vendy- Art and History Museums Maitland

This Trendy Vendy is something extra special, as we were just at this venue last night for the Landmark Wedding Showcase!

Now, we can’t say enough good things about this venue and the event staff that we get to work with- pretty much every weekend! This venue is such a hidden gem, nestled in Maitland. Between the mature trees, Mayan architecture, and artist colony heritage- this venue is a goldmine for weddings and events! You’re guests will be talking about it for a long time.

We sat down with Kelly, the Rental Manager, to chat with her about all things A&H. Check out our conversation, below!

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

Hello! I’m Kelly Young and I’m the Rental Manager here at the Art and History Museums Maitland. I’m originally from the Florida Panhandle and have been working with weddings and events since 2008. I moved to Orlando to attend UCF where I obtained a degree in Art History. I’ve also worked in collections and archive fields, as well as, the resort/hospitality industry so marrying my art background and event experience has sort of been a dream come true at the A&H.


 Tell us a little bit about the history of A&H!

The A&H’s Maitland Art Center, originally known as the Research Studio, was founded in 1937 by visionary artist and architect J. André Smith. The center was originally a winter artist’s colony, dedicated to fostering an exploratory approach to modern art. The hundreds of original sculptural elements that adorn the structures were hand-carved by André Smith and his associates, and the center remains one of the few surviving examples of Mayan Revival architecture in the southeastern United States.

 


 

How many event spaces are there?

We have 4 spaces that we rent for private events!

Our Chapel and Mayan Courtyard is an outdoor venue that seats:

  • 46 ceremony style in the Chapel or 100 ceremony style in the Mayan Courtyard/ 46 reception style in the Mayan Courtyard

Our Main Garden is an outdoor venue that seats:

  • 150 guests (ceremony or reception style)

Our Germaine Marvel Building is an indoor venue that seats:

  • 150 guests reception style, and also includes our outdoor Rotary Plaza (seats additional 150 guests reception style) and Oak Tree Lawn (seats 75 guests ceremony style)
  • This venue is also a great plan B for rain!

Our Cottage at Lake Lily is an indoor venue that seats:

  •  30 guests reception style
  • Ask about the bridal suite package!

What sets you apart from other venues?

The  A&H’s Maitland Art Center is Central Florida’s only National Historic Landmark and one of 12 in the entire state that hosts private events! So you could say that we’re pretty unique! Our Chapel and Mayan Courtyard has been hosting weddings since the early 1940’s. The benefits of hosting your special day at the A&H is the longevity and history of the site. Since our grounds are free and open to the public (outside of private events of course), couples come back to see us and may have a romantic picnic in the Main Garden where they got married or take anniversary photos in the Chapel and Mayan Courtyard. There is a very special history here that just can’t be replicated anywhere else.


What can couples expect when booking with A&H?

 Our rental’s team prides itself on superior customer service! We are available for questions, by phone or email, and are happy to schedule walk thru’s of the spaces to ensure our couple’s vision comes to life. On the day of your event either myself or one of our capable event attendants will be there to make sure the venue is show ready and to assist with any questions throughout the event. Our renters have a cell phone number to call/text to get in direct contact with the event attendant should anyone need any assistance.

What advice would you give couples during the venue selection process?

My advice would be to choose a place where you can actually visualize yourself getting married. Seems easy, but there are a lot of places to choose from! Your wedding day is special and while factors such as trends, budgets,and amenities can influence your decision- ultimately I think you should feel comfortable in the space!


What’s the coolest part about getting hitched/ hosting an event at a historical art and history museum?

Other than A&H’s rich history, I think the coolest part about hosting your event here is the uniqueness! There’s simply nothing like the A&H in Central Florida, nor the entire state. Even working here, I always notice new sculptural work or little details I haven’t noticed before and I’m always impressed how couples and vendors can transform our event spaces!


Fun Facts about you:

1. I’m happily married and have a snowshoe cat named Francis.
2. I play roller derby for Orlando Roller Derby as Rosie the Ruiner #850
3.I’m a huge Disney fan and when I’m not at work, I’m probably at Magic Kingdom or Epcot.
4. When I’m not at Disney or skating, I love to read and am in a monthly book club.

Tap any image for a larger view!


Connect with A&H!

Trendy Vendy- Dishie Rentals

For this week’s Trendy Vendy, we have the pleasure of featuring Sheena of Dishie Rentals! An NYC native who found her “heart & home in the south,” Sheena joined Dishie in 2012 but truth be told Dishie Rentals is more than a business, it’s a passion! A passion for authentic celebrations, community, and creativity. Her mission is to “encourage celebrations of life through gathering at tables beautifully curated with pieces reflective of the unique heart and character of each party host.”

Since 2012, Dishie has worked with several local vendors and has been published in numerous publications! It’s not hard to see why! Her personal story is reflected in the pieces she offers to clients, so you know you’re getting a little piece of “heart & home” in your tablescape. Read more about Sheena & Dishie Rentals, below! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got your start!

Hoarding beautiful tableware is in my blood! I always remember staring at (and wanting to play with) my mom’s pretty china. I built my own collection of vintage thrifted china as an adult, but our newlywed home was too small to fit all of our gifted wedding tableware, so I donated my collection to appease my new hubby. When a friend from college shared she was looking for a new owner for her company, Dishie Rentals, a dream bloomed in my heart. We met and it was the perfect fit! And I got my collection back ten-fold!

My husband and I are passionate about building an intimate community through consistently sharing meals with others, and I believe every good celebration starts at the table! Dishie is my outward expression of my deep gratitude for every day we are given. It’s my joy to create beautiful tablescapes to help others authentically celebrate all of life’s special moments.

 


What services do you offer?


Dishie Rentals has a large collection of curated boho, southern, and vintage tableware available to rent for any wedding or special event. Our collection includes large quantities of vintage glassware in every color, mismatched vintage china, tea cups & settings, chargers, and modern and vintage flatware collections.

We provide delivery and washing, and also offer complimentary tablescape design and set-up services for all of our rentals. This fall we are launching Dishie Shoppe, a curated collection of Dishie faves that you can purchase and have in your very own home! My clients always ask if my inventory can go home with them so creating the Shoppe seemed like a good fit. We’re excited!


What can we find at Dishie Rentals?

Tableware Heaven! We have a capacity to serve up to 500 people with our collection of mismatched vintage china & glassware – whether you are a boho bride or Southern belle we have something for your heart’s desire!


What inspired the pieces you selected for Dishie Rentals?

Heritage & Heart. My husband once made me a special dinner and set the table using my favorite tableware, decorated it with my favorite flowers, lit my favorite candle, and served me my favorite food. Everything was perfect, the table was so pretty, and I just felt so special – I want every one of our dinner guests to feel like that. I want them to feel like out of the hundreds of people these vintage plates have served, they are the most special one.


How do you keep up with the latest wedding trends?

Dishie is all about mixing and matching, and I love adding modern, trendy pieces like flatware or chargers to our vintage collection. Our luxe rose gold flatware has beautiful modern lines and looks gorgeous next to our china.


What sets you apart from others?

My team at Dishie believes that every celebration is really just a display of gratitude towards your attendees for the special place they hold in your life. We love engaging with brides and party hosts of all budgets to uniquely help them create tables reflective of their heart and character.


What advice would you give couples during the wedding design/planning process?

I love the quote, “The heart of hospitality is when people leave your home feeling better about themselves, not better about you.”

Remember that your wedding is really the first dinner party that you and your husband get to host together! Look at your budget and decide what the most important pieces will be to help you celebrate with your guests and thank them for sharing with you in such a special moment of your lives, and then spend your money and time on that.


What’s your favorite Dishie product?

Oh my stars, don’t ask me to choose! I LOVE our vintage champagne coupe collection. I just feel like a girl at one of Jay Gatsby’s parties when I drink out of one! I am also obsessed with our luxe flatware collection. It’s so sleek and the flatware is such a nice, heavy weight.


When you’re not helping clients, what can we find you doing?

Honestly, most likely tracking Hot Wheels tire marks into my sofa alongside my toddler, or dragging said toddler and my hubby throughout Disney! #boymom #disneyfanatic


Fun Facts About You:

I have a degree in Classical Humanities (Ancient Art, Culture & Philosophy) and Nonprofit Management. On the DL, I’m working to create a give back component to my business at Dishie and couldn’t be more excited about it.

 

I live in Winter Garden and am pretty obsessed. I just love my little town and I think everyone else should too!

 

I am also obsessed with our springer-cocker spaniel mix name Lady (yes, like the movie). She mostly chases bubbles and butterflies, sleeps in the sun, and snuggles with our family – she is my spirit animal.

 

I saw a quote on social media recently that said “Every pizza can be a personal pizza if you just believe in yourself” and I think I’m going to make it my new mantra for life.

 

 

 

 

Connect with Dishie Rentals!

Facebook // Instagram // Website

 

Featured photographers & products: Josh & Rachel Best Photography, KMD Creations, Kristen Weaver Photography, Andi Mans, Jessica Bellinger Photography, InStyle Imagery // farm table, gold rimmed glass charger plates, gold glitter charger plates, silver beaded charger plates, french country chairs, gold flatware