Linen rental or wedding deisgner?

sms274

Have any of you decided to go with a wedding designer rather than a linen rental company? I met with Encore Creatives last night and have a meeting with Simply Elegance tonight. I just wasn't really impressed with the straight linen places - everything seemed so flat and plain. I haven't received the custom quote from Encore yet, she said I'd have it Monday, but I imagine it will be quite a bit more in the end, and I'm not sure which direction to go. The design we discussed last night (in my head) is simply stunning and I do not think I could create anything even close on my own. I'm torn because people already have high expectations, as do I, and I don't want to disappoint or be disappointed but I also do not want to waste money...

1104*Celsius

I'm not really following the bit about "people" having high expectations, but I wouldn't spend MORE money just to keep up with someone else's standards. Whatever it is you're shooting for, make sure it's what you and your FI want and can afford. As far as the linens being flat and plain - what are you looking for? Pintucks? Satins? Velvets? Prints? We went with satin pintucks, and they were made for our event by Premiere Events, but when we were done, they went into their inventory to be rented out again. We had nothing but a great experience with them, and found their prices to be very reasonable (especially for the quality, and when compared to the biggies like BBJ). The linens were absolutely gorgeous and definitely added to the look of the room.

sms274

Well it's definitely not just other people's expectations I want to live up to, it's mostly mine. What I meant by that was, based on all other aspects of my life (I can be a bit over indulgent and obsessive in nature) people are truly expecting the event of the year, which I am really hoping for. My fiance has no interest in the table decorations or any of that. He was very involved in the location, photographer, dj, etc but is leaving the decorating to me.I thought I had wanted satin, but that is what looked so flat to me when I met with the linen company. I was thinking maybe looking at pin tuck, but I don't know if I will be able to pull of the same kind of look that I want for the tables. I saw an ad in Wedding Chronicle (http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/4341c2ad#/4341c2ad/6 - it's the one on the right) and fell in love with that table so I went in and we created my own version (no flowers - all candles, crystals and pearls - with hot pink and black). Now I feel like, even with that inspiration I won't be able to pull off something quite as stunning if I just rent the linens.

NillaWafer10

I would look at the price difference between the two.  I know that sometimes we brides can get a little crazy with our ideas, but you have to remember to stick to your budget.  Remember that you could save money here and splurge on a more important area.  In twenty years are you really going to remember what your tablecloths looked like?  Maybe you will, but your guests won't remember the next day.  If you really want the designer table but can't afford it, maybe you can have a really elaborate head table.  Just some things to consider

1104*Celsius

Amen! That's great advice.If you're hell-bent on splurging and having the event of the year, then yes, linens make an impact on the overall look of a room. BUT more than likely, you're not going to be staring at photos of your table linens in 20 years. I hate to say it, but as much as WE loved our linens, we're also the only people who remember them. People just don't care about linens - custom or otherwise. Guests remember the food, the bar and the entertainment. You want an extravagant event? Those are the places to spend.

sms274

Thanks ladies for all of your honesty!! It's always nice to get different perspectives from girls who are inthe same boat.

Fondue II

I agree that you shouldn't blow your budget on linens. Talk to the coordinator at your venue or the designers you've already spoken to and ask if they have any suggestions for how they might be able to create a very similar look with a smaller price tag. Also, keep in mind that some details may not even be noticeable in dim reception lighting. If you focus on drawing your guests' attention to the tablescape "accessories" or serve them a knockout meal, they may not even notice (or care!) if your linens are pintucked or not. In the beginning I wanted pintucked linens also. We ended up winning free linen rentals at a bridal show, but it was for solid, standard linens only, so I had to revamp my ideas. I decided to go with solid, floor length ivory tablecloths, my mother sewed table runners (complete with lining, which gave them a more substantial appearance) out of a very nice eggplant material. We used mostly candles for our tablescape, along with chargers (which I purchased cheap from another bride) at each place setting that we had coated with an elegant copper hammered-finish spray paint to coordinate with our colors. For a little more impact/drama, we chose wide rectangular tables (4 people seated on each side), and paid a little extra to have fruitwood chiavari chairs instead of the chair covers provided by the venue in our package. Out of everything, I think the chairs are what had the most "wow" factor. I'm not sure what type of look you're going for, but what I described worked perfectly for the classy, elegant, sophisticated look I was going for. If you have your heart set on an opulent, posh, over-the-top-Platinum-Weddings-worthy style, then it probably wouldn't work for the tablescape of your dreams. Good luck and keep us posted on what you come up with!

sms274

THANK YOU everyone for your input. I REALLY appreciate it. I haven't made a decision as I am really taking the time to figure out the best option without spending a bunch of money but I just had to share a proposal price I received over the weekend that literally made my jaw hit the floor. For flowers (none at the reception just bouquets, corsages and boutonnieres), linens and centerpieces for 200 guests, they wanted over $17,000. I mean that is just absurd!! Needless to say I won't be going with them, all the adjusting in the world couldn't get that down to a reasonable price without huge compromises on vision, which was the reason I met with them in the first place.And the quest for the perfect tables continues...