Designing the look and feel of a banquet or event takes a lot of time and effort, but services like dinnerware rentals can take some of the pressure off you and make your event look elegant and flawless. The key is to find a supplier that has a wide selection of options to choose from and can help make sure that every cup and plate is perfect.

Finding the right dinnerware rentals provider may take a little bit of research, but if you know where to look the process can be much smoother. Here are some places to start your search:

1. A dinnerware rentals directory from your chamber of commerce

2. A dinnerware rentals list provided by the venue or your caterer

3. Referrals from friends and family members

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Do your homework to learn what typical dinnerware rentals include

If this is your first time renting dinnerware, you may not know how to go about it. By researching different suppliers online, you can learn how the process works and get dinnerware rentals information about such details as damage waivers and add-on options. The more you know, the better chance you have of getting exactly what you want with no complications.

I recommend: Study the rental process. Check out the services on It's My Party Rentals' website to find out what a dinnerware rental company typically offers and get a better idea of what you may need for your event. American Party Rentals has a good Terms and Conditions page that goes over some of the questions that you may have about the rental process.

Find a dinnerware rentals provider with a good inventory in your area

It's always disappointing to find just the right product but discover, when you try to make rental arrangements, that your event is outside the company's delivery area. So when choosing a dinnerware rentals provider, make sure that they cover your event and can guarantee a sufficient inventory in writing.

I recommend: Choose a company that offers a wide selection of options no matter where you are in the country. RentalSite has a party and dinnerware rentals directory that covers the country. Party Pop offers choices and styles to suit every budget, and since it lists vendors across the United States and Canada, you can find someone local to you.

Work with a dinnerware rental company that offers a damage waiver

You can't predict the future, but you're likely to have some kind of damage to your rented items, so it's a good idea to choose a dinnerware rental company that has a damage waiver policy. Many offer it as a flat rate per piece or as a percentage of the total bill. It's always a smart idea to buy the waiver when possible, regardless of the price.

I recommend: Get the damage waiver. Taylor Rental Party Plus has a damage waiver that you can add to every order, while A Party Pleasing Rental offers it for an additional 6% of the total bill.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Find out if the dinnerware rentals company has a certain discount if you purchase rental services in bulk. Some may offer discounts if you order service for more than 100.