Guides · 6 min read

Throwing a party or an event with rented equipment

Tents, tables, chairs, sound system, ice machine, lighting: the checklist for a birthday, wedding or christening without buying everything.

The checklist

Shelter: tent or gazebo depending on the number of guests (count 1 m² per seated person). Furniture: tables, chairs, tablecloths, high tables. Atmosphere: sound system, microphone, lighting, string lights. Kitchen: ice machine, coolers, griddle, fryer, punch fountain. Comfort: fans, food warmers, dry toilets for large events.

Book early

December weekends, carnival and wedding season go fast. Send your requests two to three weeks ahead, and look at the weekend rate many owners offer.

Think about delivery

A 50 m² tent or twenty tables do not fit in a car. Many listings offer delivery with a surcharge: it is shown on the listing. Otherwise plan a van or a well-equipped friend.

On the day

Do the photo condition report with each owner at hand-over, count the equipment (chairs, pegs, extension cords) and name someone in charge of returns. Cleaned and returned on time, everyone leaves a good review.

What about pros?

Professional renters on Tout à Louer often offer complete packages. Their listings carry the Pro badge, and they can create a payment link for you if you spoke outside the app.

How much to plan: a typical budget for 50 guests

5 × 8 m marquee: €80 to €150 for the weekend. Six round tables and fifty chairs: €60 to €120. Covers and tablecloths: €40 to €80. Sound system with microphone: €40 to €80. Ice machine and coolers: €30 to €60. That is €250 to €500 for the equipment of a full reception, delivery included in many listings, where buying would exceed €3,000 for a single use.

The ideal calendar

Six to eight weeks before: requests for the marquee, tables and chairs (the most in demand). Four weeks before: sound, lighting, machines. One week before: confirm dates with each owner in the chat, agree on delivery and return time. The day before: pick-up or delivery, photo condition report. The day after: return, condition report, reviews.

Traps to avoid

Underestimating space: count 1 m² per seated guest and 0.5 m² standing, plus the dance floor. Forgetting electricity: a sound system and lighting on a single garden socket means the breaker trips at 10 pm; rent a generator or plan suitable extension cords. Returning equipment dirty: covers and tablecloths are returned clean or charged.

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