#173 Let's talk about rentals

Today, Christy is joined by Heather Rouffe, Director of Sales and Partner of Atlas Event Rental, a full-service event rental company serving the Southern Florida market for over 30 years. Atlas has locations in Miami, Palm Beach, and Martin County. It was also recently named one of the top 30 rental companies in the United States by Special Events Magazine. Heather is a big believer that rentals can be for everyone, and can make your wedding look like how you imagine it, without having to break the bank or do all the research and treasure hunting all on your own. *Big Takeaways * Heather works with the couple themselves, their parents, and whoever is planning/paying for the wedding. A lot of companies have gotten away from that formula, but holding on to it has created continual customer satisfaction and steady business for many years. A huge part of the equation in the rental business is matching the client with the right sales person so that they really have a great experience. The magic is in the connection, and understanding what and how the couple wants things. Heather’s rental company and similar ones want you to enjoy every element of the wedding day. They can help you pick the right pieces down to the napkins, the placeholders, etc. The showroom helps you see things in real life so you don’t have to try to imagine from your computer. With showrooms experiences, bring what you can that will help you design. Going to use white flowers at your wedding? Bring some from the grocery store. Pretty sure you’re using your mom’s candle holders? Bring them along to make sure it all matches! Ask as many questions as you can up front! It’s helpful to know what you need to budget for as early on as possible. No one likes being surprised by ugly linens a week before the big day. Work with a rental company that has the mentality that they are there to help, and there to answer the hard questions! When it comes to working with a catering company that subcontracts a rental company, the extra cost of the rentals themselves is often very worth it! In this scenario, the caterer is taking so much of the responsibility off of the couple. They are signing the contracts, scheduling the drop off, consulting on the menu, and more. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ask questions, and get what you are wanting, but any extra cost is helping relieve so much extra work on the day of and the days before. The mark up is minimal and they have a perfect formula for everything that is needed. *Extra Hot Tips: * Velvet linens are gorgeous in person, but don’t necessarily translate in all to photographs! It’s okay to go extra special on the head table that will photographed the most. You don’t have to put all the money into every piece, find your key areas and build from there. The Big Wedding Planning Podcast is... Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez. Edited by Veronica Gruba Music by Steph Altman of Mophonics On Instagram @thebigweddingplanningpodcast and be sure to use #planthatwedding when posting, so you can get our attention! Inviting you to become part of our Facebook Group! Join us and our amazing members. Just search for The Big Wedding Planning Podcast Community on Facebook. Easy to get in touch with. Email us at [email protected] or Call and leave a message at 415-723-1625 and you might hear your voice on an episode On Patreon. Become a member and with as little as $6.99 per month, you get 2 exclusive, ad-free episodes, + Zoom Happy Hour with Michelle and fellow patrons every month! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices