2026 Brides - It's Your Turn!

Planning a 2026 Wedding: What Couples Should Be Thinking About Now

Congratulations!! It is almost your turn - and 2026 is YOUR year. If you are getting married in the first half of the year, now is the perfect time to start locking in your rental items which are typically booked 3-6 months out from the big day. 

Secure your Tent or Backup Weather Plan - Even for spring weddings, weather in Northeast Ohio can be unpredictable. The day can start with frost and end with warm, humid temps or light rain showers. Having a backup plan is key for your ceremony, cocktail hour or catering area.

Start looking at:

·       What size tent fits your guest count

·       Whether you will need sidewalls or tent heaters for temperature control

o   We recommend adding sidewalls to your reservation. You can always remove them from your order if they are not needed, but we cannot make more sidewalls appear if they are all booked!

·       Heating options both inside and outside of the tent

·       Flooring options if the ground is soft or muddy

A tent reservation is often the first rental item that sells out for May and June weekends.

2.      Choose your Tables and Chairs – These items will determine your layout. As soon as you have an idea of guest count and area size, we recommend reserving your preferred tables and chairs.

Things to think about:

·       Round vs. Banquet Tables

·       Ceremony Seating options

·       Specialty chairs or seat covers if your venue has chairs

·       Extra tables for gifts, desserts, DJs, Memory table etc.

Thinking about this piece early on gives you plenty of time to build a floor plan that flows beautifully.

3.      Select Your Linens and Color Palette – If you are a bride with access to the internet, there is a good chance you already have an idea of what you want your big day to look like. Linens have one of the biggest visual impacts on your event. Specialty linens and texture are in, but it doesn’t have to break the bank to achieve the vibe you are dreaming of.

Now is the time to:

·       Narrow down your color palette and overall vibe

·       Choose linen styles and sizes

·       Order samples or view them in person

·       Confirm if you want matching tables or contrasting accent tables

One way to achieve variety and texture in your event space is to consider textured napkins or accent tables. Spring weddings tend to lean towards neutrals, soft blues, natural greens, blush and earth tones.

4.     Finalize Your Place Settings – This is our favorite part, personally! Selecting your place setting is an opportunity for you to have fun with the look you are trying to achieve. While your caterer might provide basic options, elevating your tables with matte gold flatware, chargers, textured napkins or vintage goblets can help you achieve a cohesive and beautifully designed tablescape. 

Consider checking out options for:

·       Charger plates

·       Flatware

·       Dinner, Salad and Dessert Plates

·       Water goblets, wine glasses, bar glasses and champagne flutes

·       Napkins

Figuring out how many glasses are needed for bar service is sometimes the hardest part. Our team of event coordinators can help you align on the perfect amount.

5.      Lock in Larger Specialty Items – If your vision includes statement pieces, book them early. 

This may include:

·       Dance floors

·       Bars or bar backs

·       Cocktail tables with stools

·       Specialty décor pieces

·       Staging

These items are particularly limited in inventory and are often first to book during busy spring wedding weekends.

6.       Book Your Rental Company’s Delivery and Pickup Slots – Couples often overlook this part but delivery and setup are crucial to your event timeline. Delivery schedules book up fast and rental companies may not have time to work in last minute set up requests. If your venue has limited access hours or if you’re getting married at home, the sooner we have that information, the better.

       When it comes to rentals, the earlier you start the more options you have and looking ahead at these items now will ensure your wedding day is beautifully designed and stress-free.

       Call today to speak to one of our event coordinators or request availability online         !