Meet Wedology 101: Classic Party Rentals of Virginia*

When I got engaged early last year, I was giddily making phone calls to parents, immediate family and friends. But guess who was next on my list? That’s right- Classic Party Rentals of Virginia.

I love a good linen and how it can transform a room, even with a minimal investment. I didn’t know much about what I wanted for my own wedding but I did know I wanted those chocolate brown pintuck linens *sigh*.

Nina and Angela with Classic Party Rentals of Virginia was one of our first calls when putting together Wedology 101. After all, these ladies are the party rental experts, and I couldn’t have imagined doing the event without them.

Take it away Classic Party-

Why does Classic Party Rentals stand out from the rest?

Our name stands out due to our impeccable service and simply put, the caring for our brides. Ask any of our brides and they will tell you that we genuinely care about them and their weddings, which sets us apart from the rest. Our Director of Bridal Services will schedule a "play-date" with the brides to go over everything for their wedding - linens, china, glassware, tents - and she will spend as much time as it takes until the bride is comfortable with her decision and loves her choices. She will also assist you with referrals of other wedding professionals that you are in need of. We want the brides to know that we care about them and their guests, all the more making their wedding day just as important to us as it is to them.

What is one of your favorite “bridal moments” over the years?

It is very difficult to nail down only one favorite bridal moment when you have worked with so many wonderful brides. We love when a bride brings her mother to our showroom and they get to make the choices together and once they come across the perfect tablescape, you see the two of them looking at each other with tears in their eyes because they have just had the vision of their reception come true.

We also really appreciate and enjoy immensely when a bride comes by or calls us after the return of her honeymoon to personally thank us for making their day so special. I recently had a bride stop in to give me a beautiful thank you note, a bottle of wine with fresh rosemary and a couple of photos from her wedding showing how happy they both were and even showing off some of our rentals. She is a bride I will now forever call my friend, as well as a return customer for any future events she may have.

What is your biggest Wedding Day “Don’t”?

Our biggest wedding day "don't" is PLEASE DO NOT COORDINATE YOUR LINENS WITH YOUR WEDDING DRESS OR YOUR BRIDESMAID'S DRESSES.....you do not want to become "one" with your tables!!! Also, no cans or kegs at your reception.....bottles or glasses please.

What are some of the biggest challenges facing brides today with their wedding plans?

Spending too much of their budget in the beginning stages without thinking of reception decor. Guests are more interested in where the reception is, how the room will look, what food they will be eating, what they will drink and how much fun they will have! Guests do not care how much money you spent on your dress! Brides tend to skimp in these areas because their budget is shot. You would be surprised at what we can do for you on a small budget.

What should a bride always have handy when planning her wedding?

A bride should always have a book of ideas with pictures. Even if you only use a notebook, cut out your fave flowers, cakes, dresses, tablecloths, etc and glue them on your pages. We also HIGHLY recommend a wedding planner.....they are worth every penny!!!

If you had one piece of advice to share with our brides, what would it be?

Our advice to the brides is to consider your guests at your reception BEFORE you buy the $10,000 dress......brides can wear a $500 dress and still look just as beautiful. Focus on the reception decor, catering and entertainment and of course, the photographer/videographer to capture all of it!

To learn more about Classic Party Rentals, please visit their web site as well as their Facebook Fan Page. You can also find Nina and Angela tweeting away at @cprofva

You can also meet Nina and Angela at Wedology 101 coming up in two short weeks on August 15 at Wyndham Virginia Crossings.

Cheers,
Meghan

Photo credit: Meghan McSweeney Photography

Meghan Ely is one part of the Wedology 101 team, and owner of OFD Consulting, a niche Marketing/PR firm servicing the wedding industry and the Managing Director of the Richmond Bridal Association. She is a contributing writer with Virginia Bride magazine, and has been published in Premier Bride Richmond. She and Jennifer write a Wedology 101 column for the Richmond Times Dispatch's Celebration section. She loves late harvest sauvignon blancs, letterpress anything and cakes shaped like Death Stars.