DIY wedding/celebration - what would you hire?

celticcurl

Hi guys

I've been shocked at the cost of chair covers, crockery, tablecloths etc and wondered if an idea I've had would have any appeal.

I'm looking for feedback, suggestions and constructive criticism.

Over the years my mum and I have been the go to people for all family and friends celebrations. Whether decorating the venue, shopping for accessories or even making the buffet. Consequently, we have amassed a large collection of white and glass serveware (platters, dishes etc) as well as tablecloths, vases, tealight holders - you name it we've got it!

My partner and I have been discussing getting married and that set me off on my research - I'm an insane planner and organiser! It soon became evident, that the major venues are outrageously priced and more basic venues have limited supplies. Not a problem for me you might think except I don't want to cater my own wedding.

So my idea is two-fold. Firstly in order to re-coup some of the money I've spent over the years and only use a few times a year, create a small locally based business targeting those who want to create a fabulous event on a budget. But if you were making your own buffet would you hire (low priced) serveware or would you just use disposables? Would you hire tablecloths or would you use paper? Would you be willing to iron chair covers yourself if that saved you more than half the normal cost?

The second part of my idea is I think in the true money saving tradition. By keeping it all locally based, I'd like to create a network of brides etc who can offer to lend each other stuff and help each other out. For example one bride might have wonderful table centres and another bride might have a beautiful cake stand. If they agree to lend them to each other they both make a saving. If two different events are having chair covers but don't have time for set up perhaps the people could set up each others events.

Would I need to create a facebook page for this or has anyone any other ideas? I hate generally hate social media - I dont' view this site in that way. I used this site a lot a few years ago, so I knew this was the place to come when I wanted to research my idea.

I would just like to add I have very high standards with a real eye for detail. My partner recently dragged me out of a ceremony room in country hotel we were look round. Why? Because I started to re-tie the sashes:rotfl:The bows were terrible and I knew if it was my special day I'd have been really upset.

many thanks in advance for all your input

CompBunny

Quick post so i don't forget to reply:

As to hiring: I would def hire tablecloths and crockery/serveware etc instead of buying disposable. HOWEVER I wouldn't iron a load of chair covers unless it was for a very small wedding, I'd rather pay more and get them already ironed unless there was someone who would do it for me.

The group of people sharing things: ABSOLUTELY!!! I've been thinking of setting something like this up myself locally, or even just lending out my wedding stuff for free if no-one else wants to join

minniemaus1970

in theory this a great idea, however

people taking part , especially on FB (it's hard enough selling it for peanuts on there)

1 do not care about your stuff
2 rarely replace broken items
3 want it delivered
4 loose half of it

I would lend to friends, but be cautious with FB
every business supplying make you sign a contract for a reason

apart from that
good luck and I hope it takes off
MMx

celticcurl

thanks to those who've replied.

I'm strange and really like ironing so wondered if others would prefer to save money but maybe I can offer the choice. I'm hoping to hire out the platters etc for a similar price to purchasing disposables. I know I'll need to take deposits and create a hire agreement.

I would only use facebook for creating the sharing network. The hiring side I will probably advertise through gumtree, local papers, shops etc.

I just really want to create a way of allowing people to have a fab standard of presentation without spending the ridiculous amounts of money that the big businesses demand. I'm not looking to make a fortune but it would be really helpful if I could cancel out some of the costs of my own celebrations.

Still open to any other ideas/feedback.

CompBunny - if you do set up a local network, let me know how you go. Maybe we can support each other with further ideas.

Thanks again.

mountainofdebt

My thoughts are if you were going down the you stratch my back and I'll stratch yours what happens if one party fails to deliver? Unless both brides have morals then the bride who has the later wedding is really chancing her arm that the bride whose wedding was first will keep her side of the bargain.

also has already been said how are you going to ensure that each bride looks after the other's stuff? Personally I wouldn't lend anything to a complete stranger - if I didn't want it any longer then I'd sell it.

CompBunny

Personally, I wouldn't lend any more of my stuff out until after my own wedding and with the attitude that if I don't get it back, I don't get it back!

There was a bride who was a victim of a venue decoration scammer and let down on the morning of her wedding, I "lent" her a load of little ornate tea light holders that I'd bought from my own wedding. I still haven't got them back. But thats ok - very rude of the lady, but ok. Simply because before I took them to her that morning my H2B and I discussed it and said that sometimes its nice just to take a risk and help someone out and if they don't come back then its a reflection on the nature of that person. I might get them back eventually, but if I don't thats the risk we took