Our Top 3 Most Popular Rentals

Photographer: Katie Beverly Photo

When planning any type of event, rentals are a huge part of tying a space together and creating a complete look for your venue. It can be tricky to determine what you’ll need for your space, especially with so many choices, so today we’d like to highlight our top three most popular rentals. The items on this list are some of our favorite pieces that are not only a reflection of our clients and their taste, but of trends in the event and wedding industries as well. These top three items are staples of any wedding or event and are perfect for customizing your space.

Photographer: Andy Seo

1. Draping - Drapes are one of the biggest ways to dress up your space and transform your venue. Regardless of your fabric or color palette, drapes are the perfect way to enhance the natural beauty of a space or even hide any blemishes your venue may have. Drapes can be used in so many creative ways, such as highlighting focal points, adding dimension, or setting a classic background for your wedding. We love transforming a venue by using draping techniques that brighten up the space and add elegance at the same time. 

Photographer: Katie Beverly Photo

2. Chiavari Chairs - These chairs are a favorite of our clients, and for good reason! We have so many choices of different colors and materials, including metallics, wood, and acrylic. Great for receptions, ceremonies, or parties, Chiavari Chairs compliment any type of decor and keep your guests comfortable.

Photographer: Amy T Photo

3. White Seamless Dance Floor - Dance floors are one of our specialties and such an underrated item. Not all venues provide their own dance floors, so this rental piece is important in establishing designated space for dancing. While our seamless white dance floor is by far our most popular, we have many color choices, including black and mirror. Our dance floors are also customizable to ensure the perfect size or shape for your venue, whether you’re looking to cover an entire ballroom floor or spotlight a smaller floor.

Whether you’re looking to combine these top three rentals for the ultimate package or use them individually to highlight an aspect of your venue, you can’t go wrong with draping, Chiavari chairs, and a white seamless dance floor. With so many customizable options for each of these items, you are sure to find the perfect color and material for your event or wedding. 

Sitting Sweet - A Guide to Sweetheart Tables

Photographer: Andy Seo Studios

In the last ten years there has been an influx of new wedding trends, including the first look, mix-matched bridesmaids dresses, and alternative dessert options like pie or cookies. Along with these trends, we’ve seen the rise of what we now know and love as the sweetheart table. This table, set up for the couple of honor during the reception, is a newer trend that we absolutely love because of the versatility of design and the opportunities it provides for newlyweds.

A sweetheart table is usually a semi-circle or rectangular shaped table reserved just for the newlyweds. This table is placed at the front of the room at the wedding reception, facing toward the guests. There are quite a few advantages of having a sweetheart table, first being that it allows the newlyweds to have some one-on-one time at their reception. Slightly separated from the rest of the guest’s tables, a sweetheart table gives the new couple time to eat and converse together. This is also a great way to direct the attention of guests during toasts and first dances, which usually will occur near the sweetheart table.

In terms of decor, a sweetheart table really opens up a lot of options for couples. Since the sweetheart table is special, a lot of couples choose to concentrate their decor on this table. Such a small table is easy to make look grandiose and creates a beautiful focal point for the reception. We absolutely love decorating sweetheart tables since couples are much more creative when it comes to one table; in the grand scheme of things, sequins on all your tables might be overpowering, whereas just on the sweetheart table it creates a striking look. It is also a great way to tie in the rest of your decor and incorporate elements from the sweetheart table among the rest of the reception tables.

There can be a few downsides to having a sweetheart table, but we have come to learn that the positives definitely outweigh the negatives. Some couples may feel too isolated from the rest of the reception at a sweetheart table, or even worry that guests will feel like they can’t approach the table. One great way to get around this is by doing table rounds during dinner. If the couple has a chance to eat during dinner service, made easier by a sweetheart table, then they are free to roam the reception and say hello to guests at each table. This way, you have the best of both worlds in getting that private table but also have plenty of time to speak to your guests.

The sweetheart table is a wonderful addition to wedding terminology that is a great way to add something extra to your reception. With countless design and logistical options, a sweetheart table is a romantic concept that gives the newlyweds their chance to shine and at the same time, share extra time together during the wedding reception. 

Spotlight on Bistro Lighting

Photographer: Erin Hughes Photography

Bistro lighting is most often used to adorn outdoor patios, but did you know that these gorgeous lights are great for weddings and events as well? Bistro lights are a type of string light characterized by large, circular bulbs that provide a charming and romantic atmosphere which couldn’t be a better fit for any wedding, held indoors or outdoors.

Providing a unique style and aesthetic of their very own, bistro lights are incredibly versatile. Especially when used indoors, bistro lighting is great for brightening up your space and can even be dressed up by adding draping, canopies, florals, or any type of decor. If you have lounge seating at your reception, bistro lights create an instant vignette by framing your furniture and creating the ultimate place for guests to relax.

When used outdoors, bistro lighting can establish a sense of structure to an open area and create the perfect setting for a night under the stars. There are many ways to hang your bistro lights, including straight across, crisscross, tent, or maypole patterns - the possibilities are endless! You also have the option to use just a few strands of bistro lights for a subtle elegance or go all out and glamorous with a multitude of lights.

We love using lighting to highlight focal points at weddings and bistro lights are one of our favorite ways to do this. For a whimsical, romantic aesthetic, light up your sweetheart table, dessert station, or even welcome signs with bistro lights. They are also great for drawing attention to key elements of your venue, such as vaulted ceilings, archways, fireplaces, and pools. 

Whether you are hosting an indoor or outdoor wedding, bistro lights add a touch of classic elegance to your event and provide you with so many decor options. Excited about incorporating bistro lights into your wedding or event? Our lighting pros at Illuminate Events would love to help you brainstorm ways to brighten up your event!

All About the Details - Charger Plates

When it comes to designing any type of event, be it a party or wedding, the little details are what really makes your space shine. One of our favorite ways to incorporate details that amplify the elegance and overall look of an event is by using charger plates. This simple addition of a decorate plate is a great way to add to your decor without being overwhelming and creating a great base for your table settings.

Photographer: Erin Hughes Photo

Chargers are the large, decorative plates that are placed under the main dishes your guests will use to eat off of. They are mainly used for decoration, but they serve a few practical purposes as well. Using a charger in your place settings helps to space out your plates and makes sure your guests won’t be too cramped next to each other. They also catch any food that may spill off the sides of the plates, keeping your linens looking clean all night long. Chargers are especially useful if you have a buffet and guests take their plates with them to collect their meal; their place setting remains present with the charger and it will be easier for them to find their seat when they return.

Photographer: Manya Photo

The main purpose of a charger plate is decorative. They come in so many beautiful designs and colors, and add a lot of style to your place settings. Incorporating a charger provides a pop of color and texture that keeps your table from looking too bare, especially when the dinner plates have been cleared away. To add to your decor even more, you can coordinate your chargers and napkins for pulled together look, or even contrasting colors or designs for more of an eclectic style. Chargers can also be used as a base for candles or floral arrangements, which is a great way to tie together your decor together and create a beautiful base for your pieces. 

Photographer: Kathryn Colby Photo

While the big picture is extremely important to the overall look of your event, adding those little details, like chargers, is what makes everything come together. Whether you’re looking for more pops of decor to tie in your theme or ways to bring out your wedding colors, chargers are an elegant option for any type of event. 

Rachel and Mike's Terranea Resort Wedding

Elegance was the name of the game for Rachel and Mike’s gorgeous wedding at the Terranea Resort and we had an absolutely wonderful time working with them. As destination weddings go, this one had it all and we got to do what we do best – add luxury elements to a beautiful space. 

Our white dance floor is one of our favorite rental pieces and does so much for your space. Every reception needs a dance floor, and this stark white one is a great way to make your room look bigger and brighter, which is one of the biggest reasons for using it at Rachel and Mike’s wedding. It also keeps the focus on your décor and florals while creating the perfect foundation for all your reception activities. 

Rachel and Mike chose gold Chiavari chairs to emphasize the details at their reception and provide their guests with a comfortable seat. This addition of a metallic pop throughout the room really brought out the gold accented flatware and were a great contrast to the white and green hues of their florals. These gold chairs stand out against the backdrop of crème linens as well as the white dance floor and flowers, giving the whole room a glamorous feel.

No reception would be complete without a pop of color! In this case, Rachel and Mike chose navy blue velvet napkins to add color to their palette. We absolutely love the way these specialty napkins play off the white flowers and emphasize the blue accents in each arrangement. Texture was another element in play here, and when it comes to elegant, velvet is always a top choice. 

Rachel and Mike’s stunning wedding at Terranea put into practice one of the key aspects we love: incorporating details to make your reception pop and add to the aesthetic of your event. We loved each choice, from the white dance floor to the gold Chiavari chairs and navy velvet napkins. Every accent piece added to the overall elegance of their wedding and made the whole room glow.

Specialty Chair Rentals

Photographer: Kelly Waterman

In the wedding and event world, the word “accent” is used freely and often. It’s a great, all-encompassing word that refers to highlighting key elements of your event and allows for touches of personality and flair in a multitude of ways. You may have heard the term when describing décor or colors, but today we’re going to explore it in a new phrase: accent furniture. This catch-all phrase for specialty furniture rentals are so much more than your typical chairs or sofas and can be used to elevate your space and tie in decor.

Photographer: Kathryn Colby

One of our favorite ways for incorporating accent furniture is at our client’s cultural weddings, such as a Hindu or Persian ceremony. The fixtures at these wedding ceremonies are very important in carrying out the traditions of each culture, and that all starts with a foundation. In a Hindu wedding ceremony, the couple will sit under a Mandap, the four-poster structure at the front of the space, usually on some sort of special chairs or settee. Similarly, a Persian ceremony has the couple sitting under a canopy held up by female members of the family, usually seated together on a bench or loveseat. Using a specialty rental such as an upholstered sofa or set of matching arm chairs is a great way to elevate the look of the ceremony while providing comfort to the couple sitting on them. There are so many options for these types of accent rentals in all types of finishes, colors, and materials, and they really set the couple apart by providing a seat of honor during the ceremony.

Photographer: Kelly Waterman

Accent furniture can also be used throughout your wedding reception and cocktail hour in a variety of ways. A lot of our couples choose specialty chairs for their sweetheart table, which really makes you feel like a queen or king! Setting yourself apart with a pair of elegant armchairs is a great way to make your sweetheart table stand out even more and give the guests of honor (that’s you!) the spotlight they deserve. We also have many types of lounges and armchairs that are perfect for creating vignettes through your event. Specialty lounge areas bring an extra touch of glamour to any event and provide guests with comfortable seating options that are great for sitting over drinks and conversation.

Adding a bit of personality to your wedding or event with accent furniture rentals is so easy, and can even be fun! Choosing the perfect lounge seating for cocktail hour or regal armchairs for under the Mandap will elevate your event and set the scene for a beautiful ceremony and great night.

Upgrading Your Chairs

In almost all cases, the chairs included in your event package are folding chairs for outside and then standard corporate looking banquet chairs for inside. Making them not most comfortable or not the most appealing. Chairs are the base for any event, be it a wedding or party, and upgrading from the basic hotel choices will elevate your décor, plus ensure your guests are comfortable throughout your ceremony and reception.

If you’ve seen any movie or TV show that has a wedding in it, you’ve probably seen a Chiavari chair. They can be identified by their characteristic top panel of vertical spindles, followed by two sets of horizontal rails, and sets of raised rings spaced throughout the frame. These chairs are popular choices for all types of events because not only are they comfortable and sturdy, but they come in a variety of colors and finishes. We offer Chiavari chairs in white, gold, silver, clear, and fruitwood, so you’re sure to find a choice suitable for your event. All of our chair rentals also include chair pads, which is crucial in keeping your guests comfortable for any length of time.

Another great option we have for upgrading your event chairs is the Wooden Crossback chair. These chairs have a characteristic “X” back rail (hence the name) and come in a variety of finishes. Crossback chairs look great in any setting, especially an outdoor wedding or event, and bring a rustic charm to your décor. 

Seating choices are an important part of your event planning and upgrading your chairs from the basic ones provided at your venue is a great way to elevate your décor and keep everyone comfortable all night long. Chairs put the finishing touch on the atmosphere of your event or wedding while also pulling your entire venue together. Once you upgrade to Chiavari or Vineyard Crossback, you’ll never want to sit in a regular folding chair again!

Canopies: Beautiful, Practical, and Everything In-Between

When you were young, did you ever dream of having a princess-style canopy bed? We did, too. While not all of us may be able to pull off a canopy bed as adults, you can at least bring the whimsy and romanticism of a canopy to your wedding and fulfill that dream, just for a day. A canopy is the perfect way to not only satisfy your inner child, but add elegance to your wedding and protect your guests from the elements.

Canopies are incredibly versatile, which is what makes them such an amazing addition to your event. They can be utilized indoors or outdoors, rain or shine, in any shape or size, and can be made with a variety of materials. The most popular form of canopy is found at outdoor wedding ceremonies, either highlighting the front of the ceremony space with an arch or four post structure, or a larger tent that stretches the entire ceremony area. An outdoor canopy creates shade to keep your guests from being sunburned, but at the same time allows for light to pass through the space, keeping you from feeling closed off or claustrophobic. You can also choose for your canopy to be open sided, creating more movement and space, or closed off on all sides, which can protect your guests from the rain. In case of inclement weather, a tent or canopy made from canvas or plastic sheeting keeps you and your guests warm and safe from the rain. 

An indoor canopy is a great way to break up the space in your venue and allow to decorate in ways that might not have been possible previously. By hanging a canopy from the ceiling of your venue, you can create light and depth with simple fabric and make space for hanging lights. Canopies can also be used to highlight areas of your ceremony and reception such as the sweetheart table, buffet, or dessert tables. There are endless types of designs you can incorporate into your space, such as maypole, where the fabric begins at the outer sides of your space and swoop together to meet in the center, zig zags running across the ceiling, or parallel draping.