The Ultimate Event Checklist: What You Need to Rent vs. What You Can Skip

Planning an event can feel overwhelming—so many details, so many decisions! One of the biggest questions is: what should you rent, and what can you skip or DIY?
Whether you’re hosting a wedding, birthday party, graduation, or corporate event, the right party rentals save you time, money, and stress. To help, we’ve created the ultimate event rental checklist so you’ll know exactly what’s worth renting (and what isn’t).

✅ Must-Have Event Rentals

These items are worth every penny when it comes to comfort, style, and convenience:

  1. Tents & Canopies

    2. If your event is outdoors, tent rentals are non-negotiable. They protect guests from unpredictable weather and add elegance to the setup. Skipping this could mean scrambling if it rains or the sun is too harsh.

  2. Tables & Chairs

    3. Every guest needs a place to sit and dine. Instead of pulling together mismatched furniture, go with professional table and chair rentals. They’re affordable, sturdy, and available in different styles to match your theme.

  3. Linens & Tableware

    4. Coordinated linens, napkins, and glassware transform an ordinary setup into something polished. Renting ensures everything matches and saves you the headache of buying, storing, or washing dozens of items.

  4. Dance Floors & Staging

    5. If you’re planning music, speeches, or dancing, renting a dance floor or stage makes the event more engaging. Guests love a designated spot to gather, and it helps photographers capture amazing memories.

  5. Lighting & Audio Equipment

    6. Event lighting rentals like string lights, chandeliers, or uplighting instantly enhance the mood. Pair that with sound system rentals so your DJ, band, or speeches can be heard clearly.



❌ What You Can Skip or DIY

Not everything needs to be rented. Here’s where you can save money:

  1. Small Décor Items

    2. Things like candles, small vases, or DIY centerpieces can often be purchased affordably or crafted at home.

  2. Signage & Stationery

    3. Custom welcome signs, menus, and place cards can be DIYed with templates or printed locally. No need to rent these.

  3. Basic Serving Utensils

    4. If you’re hosting a casual backyard event, you can skip renting serving spoons or trays and use your own kitchen items.

  4. Personal Touches

    5. Items like guest books, favors, or themed decorations are best purchased or made to keep as keepsakes rather than renting.



📝 Event Rental Checklist Summary

What to Rent:

  • Tents & Canopies

  • Tables & Chairs

  • Linens & Tableware

  • Dance Floor / Stage

  • Lighting & Audio Equipment

  • Entertainment (Photo Booths, Bounce Houses, Games)



What to Skip/DIY:

  • Small décor items

  • Stationery & signage

  • Serving utensils (for casual events)

  • Personalized keepsakes


Renting the right equipment can completely transform your event while saving you money and stress. Focus on tent rentals, table and chair rentals, lighting, and entertainment, and skip or DIY the smaller details.
If you’re searching for party rentals near me or need a trusted event rental company in Mckinney, Texas, Rentdoot has you covered. From weddings to backyard celebrations, we’ll provide everything you need to make your event unforgettable.
Contact us today to get your custom event rental package and check off every item on your list!