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How to Decide What’s Worth Keeping — and What Isn’t

When you walk into your wedding reception, everything feels magical.

The soft glow of candles.
The perfectly dressed tables.
The beautiful little details that make the room feel warm and welcoming.

But here’s something most brides don’t realize until later…

Much of what makes the room beautiful doesn’t need to be owned to be meaningful.

In fact, one of the smartest — and most peaceful — decisions you can make is knowing what to rent, what to borrow, and what’s truly worth buying.

Because after the celebration ends, your real life together begins. And you don’t want to be left storing boxes of items you’ll never use again.

Let’s walk through how to decide.

Rent What You’ll Only Use Once

As a general rule, if you won’t use it again, renting is usually the best choice.

Rental companies exist for this exact reason. They provide beautiful, high-quality items that help create the atmosphere you want — without the long-term cost or storage.

Common items that are perfect to rent include:

• Linens and tablecloths

• Chair covers or specialty chairs

• Decorative lighting

• Candle holders and lanterns

• Easels for welcome signs

• Backdrops or draping

• Specialty centerpieces

• Dance floors or lighting equipment

Renting allows you to enjoy beautiful pieces without worrying about where they’ll live afterward.

And most companies handle delivery, setup, and pickup — which removes stress on an already full day.

Buy What Has Meaning or Future Use

Some items are worth owning because they carry personal meaning — or because you’ll use them again.

Consider buying items like:

• A guest book you’ll treasure

• Frames for engagement or temple photos

• Home décor pieces that match your future home

• Signage that can be reused or displayed later

• Simple vases or candle holders if you’ll use them again

These pieces become part of your story — reminders of the beginning of your life together.

When decorations can transition naturally into your home, buying makes sense.

Borrow Whenever You Can

One of the quiet blessings of Church communities is how willing people are to help.

Family members, friends, and ward members often have beautiful items they are happy to share.

You might be able to borrow:

• Vases and centerpiece containers

• Lanterns

• Table runners

• Serving trays

• Easels

• Decorative accents

Not only does this save money — it also weaves love from others into your celebration.

There’s something meaningful about knowing your reception was shaped by people who care about you.

Avoid Buying Out of Panic

Sometimes brides buy items simply because they’re afraid they won’t have enough.

But more decorations do not create more beauty.

Intentional decorations do.

A few well-chosen elements — beautiful centerpieces, thoughtful lighting, and a clean, welcoming space — will always feel more peaceful and elegant than a room filled with too much.

Your guests will remember how they felt, not how many decorations were on the tables.

Focus on the Feeling You Want to Create

Before deciding whether to rent or buy, ask yourself one simple question:

How do I want the room to feel?

Peaceful?
Joyful?
Warm?
Welcoming?

Then choose the simplest path to create that feeling.

Sometimes that means renting.
Sometimes it means borrowing.
Sometimes it means buying something meaningful.

There’s no single right answer — only the one that brings you peace.

Your wedding reception is not about collecting things.

It’s about creating a moment where people gather to celebrate the covenant you’ve made and the life you’re beginning together.

And the most beautiful receptions are never defined by what was owned…

…but by what was shared.