One of the most common questions we get from couples planning weddings in Salem, Oregon is: "How much should I budget for rentals?" It's a fair question — and one that's surprisingly hard to answer without context. Rental costs vary widely depending on your guest count, venue, and the specific items you choose.
Here's a practical guide to budgeting for wedding rentals in the Willamette Valley, based on what we see most often at E&C Event Rentals.
The Highest-Impact Rentals (And What They Cost)
**Pipe & Drape Backdrops** — Our most popular rental. A 10×10 backdrop starts at $150 and includes full-service setup and teardown. A 10×20 backdrop starts at $250. These are the single highest-impact rentals you can add to a wedding — they show up in nearly every ceremony and reception photo.
**Table Linens** — Floor-length linens range from $8 (cocktail and round tables) to $15 (French Toile Sage Green). For a 100-guest wedding with 10–12 round tables plus accent tables, budget approximately $100–$180 for linens.
**Roman Pillars** — Pillar rentals start at $45 per pair and include delivery and setup. Most ceremonies use one to two pairs.
**Faux Floral Arrangements** — Our floral urns and arrangements range from $35–$85 depending on size and style. They're a cost-effective way to add lush, romantic accents without the cost of fresh flowers.
How to Prioritize Your Rental Budget
If you're working with a limited budget, here's how we recommend prioritizing:
**First priority: A backdrop.** It's the most photographed element of your reception and the one that makes the biggest visual difference in photos. Even a single 10×10 backdrop behind the sweetheart table transforms the look of the space.
**Second priority: Floor-length linens.** They're relatively inexpensive and have an outsized impact on how polished the overall space looks.
**Third priority: Pillars or florals.** These add dimension and elegance, but they're more optional than the first two.
What's Included in the Rental Price?
All of our custom installation rentals — backdrops, draping, and pillars — include professional delivery, setup, and teardown. You're not just renting equipment; you're hiring a team to make your venue look beautiful. Delivery fees are based on distance from our Salem base and are quoted upfront.
How to Get an Accurate Quote
The best way to get an accurate rental budget is to submit a quote request through our contact page with your event date, venue, guest count, and a rough list of what you're interested in. We'll respond within 24 hours with detailed pricing and availability. There are no surprise fees — everything is quoted upfront before you commit to anything.