This suggestion may not apply in every town, but it’s old hat in a movie town like L.A.

When I was a young thing, I worked on lots of low budget films and student films. Lots of dreams and ambitions but totally no money. Decorating sets were always a challenge.

Renting Prop Chairs for a Vintage Wedding

Some smart producers and directors would hit the second hand furniture shops and the lower end antique stores — and negotiate with the owners to rent some of the furniture for a few days.

Benefit to the shop owners:  They could make money twice on the same inventory.

Benefit to the wedding couple: You can get some really neat fixtures for a small rental fee.

You have to be really organized if you go this route. Photograph every piece you rent before you take it, so there won’t be any difference of opinion as to the state you return the furniture in.

If you live in a film city like Los Angeles or New York, check out the prop houses. You can rent some really neat fixtures and furniture for a pretty good price.

We rented lots of chairs from Warner Brothers for a large, elegant party we threw.  As good a price as we were quoted from the party rental company for regular chairs.

This may not work in all cities and towns. But, you may already have a relationship with a local antique or second hand furniture shop and this could be a win win for both parties.