Weddings in Virginia are undeniably beautiful — historic estates, chic industrial spaces, vineyards, gardens, mountain views — but every venue comes with its own set of needs. And one of the biggest questions couples ask us is: “What do wedding rentals actually cost?”
The honest answer? It depends on your guest count, your venue, your design style, and whether you’re building a fully custom experience or simply filling in the gaps. But we can give you a realistic, Virginia-specific look at what to expect (and how to plan smarter). Let’s break it down.
The Rental Basics: What You’re Actually Paying For
When couples think “rentals,” their minds often go straight to tables and chairs. But your rental list may also include linens, place settings, lounge furniture, bars, lighting, tents, architectural pieces, custom builds…the list grows quickly depending on the look you’re going for.
And because every venue is different, rentals help you bring the vision to life in a consistent, elevated way. They’re the subtle details that shape the guest experience, and the structural pieces that make your celebration work.
What Couples Typically Spend in Virginia
Across the state, we see a wide range of rental budgets. For smaller, indoor weddings, where your venue already includes tables and chairs, couples often spend $500-$1,500 on supplemental items like linens, decor pieces, or a standout bar.
For medium-sized celebrations (around 100 guests), especially in venues where you’re bringing in more of your own inventory, it’s common to see budgets land closer to $800-$1,600 for tables, chairs, linens, and place settings.
Outdoor weddings, which are wildly romantic and rental-heavy, tend to sit in a category of their own. Once you factor in tents, lighting, flooring, and all the functional pieces needed to build a venue from the ground up, it’s completely normal for couples in Virginia to spend $3,000-$6,000+ on rentals alone. Tent size, style, and add-ons (like draping or flooring) can shift this number significantly.
The Reason Behind Varying Rental Costs
A few factors make the biggest impact on your rental budget:
Your Guests Count
More guests means more tables, more chairs, more place settings, and potentially a larger tent.
Your Venue
Some spaces include tables and chairs; others are a blank canvas. Vineyard, barn, and estate venues often require additional decor or structural elements to complete the space.
Your Design Vision
Upgraded chairs, specialty linens, statement pieces, bars, lounges, or custom builds will elevate the aesthetic, and naturally cost more.
Outdoor Logistics
If you’re saying “I do” under the sky, tents, flooring, sidewalls, and lightning become essential pieces of the puzzle.
Delivery & Labor
Rental costs don’t stop at the pieces themselves. Delivery, setup, styling, and strike are part of what ensures your day looks polished and cohesive.
How to Plan a Rental Budget You Feel Good About
Start by asking your venue what they include and what you’re welcome to bring in. From there, decide what matters most to you. Do you envision a warm, lounge-style seating area? A sculpture bar? Textured linens? A modern ceremony backdrop?
Once you know your priorities, you can allocate your rental budget toward the pieces that make the biggest visual impact.
And remember: quality over quantity always wins. Thoughtfully curated rentals elevate the experience far more than dozens of mismatched extras.
Final Thoughts
No matter what kind of celebration you’re planning, it helps to understand what rental costs realistically look like in Virginia.
With a clear guest count, a transparent venue list, and a defined design vision, you can create a rental plan that feels intentional and aligned with your investment.
And if you’re dreaming up the perfect pieces to tie your day together, we are always here to help you curate a look that brings your vision to life. Ready to begin? Reach out today!
Photography Credit: Feature Image: Brand Gloss | Image 1: Allison Dash Photography | Image 2: Kristen Camielle Photo | Image 3: Jen Fariello Photography
