August 1, 2010

Renting Vs Buying, The More Sane Approach

I began to think about the last two posts and I realized it doesn't have to be all or nothing. I'm sure many brides and events have done a mix of both rentals and purchases to get a nice happy, more work-free medium.

Okay, last post on this, I promise:

Chairs:

Padded chairs = $2.50 each
Cost for 115 = $287.50

Chair Total: $287.50

Linen:

-Tablecloths for round tables = $12 each
-Found at linentablecloth.com
*Cost for 12 = $144
-Tablecloths for buffet tables = $15 each
-Found at cvlinens.com
*Cost for 6 = $90
-Napkins = $0.53 each
-Found at efavormart.com
*Cost for 115 = $60.95

Linen Total: $294.95

Dinnerware:

-10" plates = $0.60 each
*Cost for 115 = $69
-7" salad plates = $0.60 each
*Cost for 115 = $69
-Bread plates = $0.60 each
*Cost for 115 = $69
-Cup and saucer = $1.05 each
*Cost for 115 = $120.75
-Sugar bowl = $1.15 each
*Cost for 24 = $27.60
-Creamer pitcher = $1.15 each
*Cost for 24 = $27.60
-Salt and pepper set = $1 each
-Found at Dollar Tree
*Cost for 24 = $24
-Sauce boat w/stand = $2.15 each
*Cost for 24 = $51.60
-Chargers = $0.38 each
-Hexagon 11" plastic plates found on Ebay
*Cost for 120 = $45

Dinnerware Total: $503.55

Glassware:

-Champagne glasses = $0.39 each
-Plastic glasses found at Sam's Club
*Cost for 120 = $46.37
-Goblet = $0.55 each
*Cost for 115 = $63.25
-Juice (or water) glasses = $0.55 each
*Cost for 115 = $63.25

Glassware Total: $172.87

Silverware:

-Salad fork = $0.16 each
-Found at Sam's Club
*Cost for 120 = $19.40
-Fork = $0.13 each
-Found at Sam's Club
*Cost for 120 = $15.60
-Spoon = $0.12 each
-Found at Sam's Club
*Cost for 120 = $14.40
-Knife = $0.23 each
-Found at Sam's Club
*Cost for 120 = $27.90

Silverware Total: $77.30

Add all these together with the venue rental cost, minus the venue chairs...

Grand Total = $1,846.05

Difference From Renting Everything = $221.85 less

Possible gain from re-sale = $220.57

Possible Net Cost = $1,625.49

This seems to be the best way to go about things, because now you have the rental company taking care of transportation and cleaning of most of the dinner items, what you have to do is wash a lot of silverware, (easier to transport anyways in my opinion,) iron the linens, and bring salt and pepper shakers, chargers, and disposable champagne glasses. After the event you would need to wash the silverware and linens for resale.

So never fear readers, I haven't completely lost my mind and out to buy 100 sets of dishes... :P I just did that for sake of comparison and curiosity!

Okay, really, I'm done with this subject...
:P