Table Rental vs. Purchase: Pros and Cons of Each Option for Event Planners

Finding suitable furniture that matches the theme of the occasion is one of the most important parts of event planning. There are various factors that must be considered whether it’s a conference meeting, a wedding party or a family gathering that you’re organising.  It is not necessary for you to take on everything by yourself. Thankfully, nowadays, you can find many companies that offer useful services for event planners. When it comes to setting up the tables and chairs for your event, you basically have two options. You either buy or rent them. Which way is better for you; what are the advantages and disadvantages of each solution? In today’s blog, we decided to provide all the pros and cons you must consider before making the final decision.

Pros of Renting Tables

Hiring furniture made event planners’ jobs way easier. First of all, it decreased the costs drastically. Just imagine how much you can save by renting instead of buying the entire set. Yahire is one of those companies that offers tables for rent for any occasion in London and surrounding counties. You can easily browse through our wide selection of tables and chairs and find the pieces that best match the occasion. Why should you hire from us, and what kind of advantages do we offer? Let’s review some of the main pros and cons of renting. 

 

 

• Cost-Effectiveness – Renting furniture is a cost-effective option for event planners because it eliminates the need for a large upfront investment. Instead of bearing the full cost of buying, renting allows you to pay a fraction of the price for temporary use. It can be especially practical if it’s a one-time or occasional thing, that you’re planning. Also, don’t forget that renting includes delivery, setup, and pickup services, which means you can avoid logistical hassle and reduce transactional expenses.

 

 

 

• Flexibility – Renting chairs and tables instead of purchasing provides flexibility for event planners in several ways. Firstly, it allows planners to choose from a wide range of table types, sizes, and styles to suit the specific needs and theme of each event. Secondly, if there are changes in the event setup or guest count, rented tables can be easily adjusted or replaced without any additional hassle or cost. 

 

 

 

• No Storage Hassle – Once the event is over, the rental company retrieves the tables. It means that you don’t have to bother with the logistical challenge of storing large furniture items. 

 

Cons of Renting Tables

Although renting tables is a smart decision that saves you a lot of time and money, like anything else in life, it comes with its own disadvantages. Sometimes, it is not the best option to rent. Instead, you should seek other solutions. When does this happen, and what factors one must consider before hiring tables? Below, we will discuss some of the essential aspects you must keep in mind when finalising the order. 

 

 

• Limited Customisation –  Rental companies have specific policies regarding modifications such as painting, drilling, or adding decorations to the tables. Therefore, you must communicate upfront and adhere to the rental company’s guidelines to ensure that it is okay to make any alterations.

 

 

 

• Availability Risks – There is a risk of availability issues with renting tables, especially during peak seasons, as high demand may lead to desired table types being unavailable. Therefore, it’s important to book in advance to minimise the chances. 

 

Pros and Cons of Purchasing 

Purchasing tables for an event is a pricy option and, in most cases, might be unreasonable for all the reasons we’ve already discussed above. It takes a lot of space to store the pieces afterwards, and you have to take care of all the logistical challenges by yourself. Still, it might be the best option for some people. This is a go-to solution, particularly when it’s a regular event, and you need a number of tables and chairs consistently. 

 

 

• Long-Term Investment – Instead of continuously renting tables and paying fees for each event, purchasing ensures the investment pays off over time. Owning tables provides consistency and reliability, as planners have access to their preferred tables whenever needed.

 

 

 

• Customisation Options – Purchasing furniture offers extensive customisation options. It allows you to tailor tables exactly to your preferences. As a result, you can ensure that the pieces perfectly align with the event’s theme and style. 

 

 

Final Thoughts

As you can see, whether you choose rentals or make long-term investments and buy depends on your needs. If it’s a one-time thing or you like to change the theme of the occasion periodically, rentals offer unparalleled convenience. Furthermore, this solution comes with logistical benefits and cost savings. On the other hand, if you regularly organise the same event and like to stick with the original setting to make it more memorable for the guests, then you should consider purchasing. The choice is up to you. If you’re considering renting, read our previous blog, in which we discuss why renting furniture makes sense.