Planning a DIY Wedding? Here’s What to Rent (And What to Skip)

Planning a wedding on your own terms is exciting  but it can also get overwhelming fast. If you’re going the DIY route for your big day in Southern Minnesota, you’ll want to focus on the pieces that matter most, especially when it comes to rentals.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard wedding in Lonsdale, celebrating on a family farm in Faribault, or tying the knot under a tent in Northfield, this guide will help you figure out exactly what to rent, what to skip, and how to make setup stress-free.

✅ What You Should Definitely Rent

1. Wedding Tent or Canopy

Minnesota weather can change in an instant. A wedding tent is essential for outdoor DIY weddings. It protects you and your guests from sun, rain, and surprise wind gusts. Look for tents that include optional sidewalls for colder months or windier days.

2. Tables and Chairs for Guests

Skip the mismatched chairs and make sure every guest has a comfortable place to sit. You’ll likely need:

  • Tables for dinner or dessert

  • Chairs for the ceremony and reception

  • Extra tables for gifts, cards, the bar, and your guestbook

3. Linens and Table Covers

Clean linens are the easiest way to make your wedding feel polished and cohesive — especially with a DIY setup. We offer black, white, and neutral options that go with any wedding style.

4. Lighting and Power

If your wedding goes into the evening or is at a rural venue, rent lighting and extension cords. String lights, tent lights, or uplighting can completely transform your setup.

5. Setup Service

While DIY is great, trust us when we say setup is where people get overwhelmed. We offer optional setup and takedown services for weddings, so you’re not scrambling to place 100 chairs while trying to get your hair done.

🚫 What You Can Skip (Or Source Yourself)

1. Centerpieces and Decor

These are fun to DIY and often more meaningful when handmade. Just don’t go overboard — choose 2 or 3 elements and keep it simple.

2. Speakers and Music Equipment

Unless you’re hiring a DJ or band, a Bluetooth speaker setup works well for smaller DIY weddings. Just make sure it’s charged and tested beforehand.

3. Fancy Furniture or Lounge Sets

They look great in Pinterest photos, but they can eat up your budget fast. Save that money for food, photography, or a honeymoon upgrade.

 

💍  Tips for DIY Brides and Grooms

  • Measure your space before booking a tent

  • Book early wedding season fills up fast

  • Delegate setup to friends or ask us to handle it

  • Make a layout plan for where tables and chairs go

  • Do a walk-through a week before the wedding

 

💬 Ready to Build Your DIY Wedding Package?

We’re here to help you create a beautiful day without the stress. Whether you need just a few pieces or the full setup, our team will help you get it done with clean, high quality rentals and delivery you can count on.

Browse our wedding packages or contact us for a custom quote. Let’s make your DIY day amazing.

📍 Our Wedding Rental Services in Southern Minnesota

We proudly serve couples across:

  • Lonsdale

  • Lakeville

  • Northfield

  • Faribault

  • Prior Lake

  • Burnsville

  • Elko New Market

  • New Prague

  • Rosemount and beyond

Our Ultimate Wedding Package includes everything you need for up to 150 guests from tables and chairs to linens, tents, and delivery. Best of all, setup and takedown are available, so you can focus on getting married, not moving chairs.

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