Linens are more than just table covers and places for guests to spill their food and drinks. Choosing the right linens can tie an entire event together.

Our comprehensive guide will cover everything from the various types of fabrics and color schemes to how to harmonize linens with your theme or venue and what to anticipate during the rental process.

Understanding Fabric Options for Linen Rentals

The choice of linen fabric can drastically change how your event looks and feels. Here are some popular options, including where they are best suited:

Polyester Linens

  • Pros: Durable, wrinkle-resistant, and cost-effective, polyester linens are ideal for high-traffic events or those on a budget. Their resilience makes them easy to clean and maintain.
  • Cons: Polyester often lacks the luxurious feel of more expensive fabrics and appears less formal.
  • Best suited for Corporate events, casual gatherings, and outdoor events where practicality is key.

Cotton Linens

  • Pros: Cotton linens are known for their softness and breathability. They offer a classic and comfortable finish and are also highly absorbent, which can be beneficial during meals.
  • Cons: Cotton tends to wrinkle easily, may require more maintenance, and is susceptible to stains.
  • Best suited for Intimate dinners, garden parties, and casual weddings where a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere is desired.

Satin Linens

  • Pros: Satin offers a glossy sheen and a smoothtexture, and reflects light beautifully.
  • Cons: It can be more delicate and require special care to prevent snags or stains.
  • Best suited for Formal events like weddings or gala dinners.

Linen-Look Linens

  • Pros: These provide the rustic charm of natural linen with the durability and affordability of synthetic fabrics. They mimic the appearance of linen but are easier to care for and less prone to wrinkling.
  • Cons: While practical, they may not have theexact same texture or authenticity as actual linen fabrics.
  • Best suited for Vintage-themed events, rustic weddings, and elegant social gatherings where a relaxed yet refined touchis desired.

Choosing the Right Sizes and Shapes for Your Event Tables

Sizing your linens is half measurement and half preference.

It probably goes without saying that you will need to match the shape of the linen with the shape of the table you are getting it for. For example, round linen for a round table and rectangular linen for a banquet table. One exception is a rectangular table runner for a round table.

Regarding sizing, most rental companies carry linens that match a specific banquet or round table size, but you will also need to consider overhand and “drop” length to achieve the look you want.

For round tables, linen should fall evenly on all sides, while rectangular tables might need extra length to cover the edges entirely.Typically, a drop of 8-15 inches is ideal for casual events, while formal settingsmight require a full-length drop.

Color Coordination and Theme Matching

The style and color of the linens you choose will depend on the type of event you are putting together and the theme. Here are some tips when selecting the color for your linens:

  • Consider the Event Type: Deep hues such as emerald green, navy blue, or rich burgundy are common choices for formal events like weddings or gala dinners and pair well with metallic accents like gold or silver.
  • Match with the Season: Seasonal events can benefit from aligning linen colors with the surrounding environment. For example, you might opt for pastel shades like pink, lavender, or mint green for a spring event or burnt orange or mustard yellow for a fall event.
  • Venue Considerations: Select linen colors that contrast or harmonize with the venue colors. In a minimalist white space, bold colors like red or purple can create a dramatic effect, while in a richly decorated venue, neutral tones may be less overwhelming.
  • Complement the Floral Arrangements: If your centerpieces include vibrant reds and oranges, try a complementary color like olive green or neutral white.

Logistics of Renting Linens

Renting linens involves planning to make sure everything runs smoothly from selection to setup and return. Here are some logistical considerations to keep in mind:

  • Start planning your rentals 3-6 months before your event. This timeframe allows for a wide selection of styles and colors and helps secure availability, especially during peak event seasons.
  • Work with a reputable rental company early in the process. Communicate your specific needs, including fabric preferences, color schemes, and quantities. This communication helps prevent last-minute discrepancies.
  • Establish a realistic budget for rental costs, delivery fees, setup charges, and potential cleaning fees. Renting is often more cost-effective than purchasing, particularly when factoring in post-event cleaning.
  • Confirm delivery and setup arrangements with your rental provider. Ensure linens are delivered well before the event to allow time for any necessary adjustments. Check whether the rental company offers setup services or if this needs tobe arranged separately.
  • Familiarize yourself with the rental company’s return and cleaning policies. Typically, the rental company manages the cleaning, but you should understand the process for returning linens, including timelines and any fees for damages or late returns.

Conclusion

From selecting theright sizing and coordinating color schemes to choosing fabrics and managing logistics, renting linens involvesprobably more than you expected.

At Pico Party Rentals, we strive to simplify your rental process. Our team is ready to guide you through every step, from the initial consultation to the final setup. Contact us today, and we would be delighted to assist you with all your linen rental needs and any other requirements for your event.