Most party problems come from things nobody asked about before the deposit was paid. Take these questions to every party rental company you contact, compare the answers side by side, and get the important ones in writing.
When to book: hosts usually book party, tent and event rental companies about 1–3 months ahead (tents and peak weekends earlier). Saturday evenings and the holiday season (November–December) and graduation season (May–June) fill first.
The Questions
- What are the delivery, setup and pickup fees, and the delivery window?
- Is there a damage waiver, and what does it cover?
- For bounce houses: are you insured, and who supervises setup and anchoring?
- What are the wind and weather rules, and the rain refund policy?
- Do tents need a permit, a site visit or a utility-line check?
- Do we need to rinse dishes or bag linens before pickup?
- Until when can we change quantities?
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Tips
- Check what your venue already includes before you rent anything.
- Inflatables usually need a flat area, a power outlet nearby and calm wind; ask for the operator's safety rules.
- Count chairs for every guest plus a few spares; tables for 8 at 60-inch rounds are the common standard.
Before You Pay a Deposit
- Get the date, start and end times, exact items or services, total price and payment schedule in writing.
- Read the cancellation, weather and rescheduling terms.
- Check that the business name on the contract matches the one you researched.
- Pay deposits by credit card where possible, for buyer protection.