Vendor Love: Rustic Bride Wedding Rentals
Ericka is the mastermind, visionary, and dreamer at Rustic Bride Wedding Rentals. Rustic Bride provides custom rentals for weddings and events in Wisconsin and beyond. Having worked with Rustic Bride on a few of my own projects, I wanted to chat with Ericka about her philosophies and any advice she might have for wedding planning couples:
What areas do you consider yourself most successful in helping your wedding clients?
I love knowing that after our planning sessions our couples feel less stressed and more excited for their big day!
If you could give any advice to wedding planning couples, what would it be?
Shop around before you commit to vendors, buying decor, and making decisions. I often have brides wish they would have found our services which are more affordable than some of our competitors. They also wish they would have checked rental prices before purchasing new and used items for their weddings.
What makes your service unique?
We are unique because we custom make quality items. We are flexible on pick up and drop off times and try to make the process as easy as possible.
How many years have you been providing services to wedding clients?
Four amazing years so far!
What areas of Wisconsin do you serve for weddings?
We will travel all over the state of WI and out of the state on occasion.
How many wedding clients do you take on each year? Do you take on other clients as well?
We take on anywhere from 40-50 Wisconsin wedding couples a year. We also do baby and wedding showers, retirement, birthday, grad, and anniversary parties.
What type of wedding client will be happiest with the services you provide?
Our clients enjoy a personalized and custom experience that bigger companies often can't provide. I meet clients for coffee to chat and discuss their wants/needs for their big day. I am available throughout their planning process to help guide and answer questions that arise.
What are some of the policies/rules of your services that you think researching couples should know right away?
We have a 20% deposit due when signing a contract. The remaining balance is due 1 week before the event date. We do not charge a fee to add or take away items on your invoice. Even if it is the day before the wedding!
What are some of your favorite wedding details to work with? What are some of your favorite, unique items/ideas you've seen couples bring into their wedding day/wedding planning?
I enjoy helping brides plan their venue layout and showing them how to create and bring their vision to life.
What is the price range of your services?
We can fit everyone's budget from simple rentals under $100 to full day of coordination and rentals!
How far in advance do you recommend couples book your services? Are you available on short notice?
I have couples book years in advance and some a few days before the wedding. We will try hard to accommodate last minute requests depending on availability.
What do you think is most important for wedding planning couples to consider when they are researching vendors in your field of services?
I mentioned this earlier, but shop around before committing and signing a contract.
What do you think is potentially the most stressful part of wedding planning? Do you have any tips on how to avoid this or get through this easily?
Having all these amazing ideas in your head can be overwhelming. I suggest sitting down over coffee or a beer with us to organize your thoughts and ideas onto paper. Once it is all written down, you will feel 100 times better!
Are there any items you don't allow couples to bring in (outside caterers, glitter/flower petals, pets, open flame candles, etc.)?
For insurance purposes, we prefer not to set up other rental companies products.
Are there other area professionals in the wedding industry that you've been really impressed with (besides KLEM Studios ;) )?
I believe networking and friendships with other vendors is a must even if they provide the same services as us. Liz with From This Day Forward Planning, Angie with Ginger Birch florals, Jess at The Master's Touch, Given Farms, Pioneer Creek Farm, Kingsheart Farm … the list goes on and on!
When you're not working, what are some of your favorite hobbies or pastimes?
I love being outdoors with my husband, Dan, and our daughter, Truly. We like to garden, make wine, play cards, and go to church together. I personally enjoy playing piano and competitive volleyball.
You can find out more about Rustic Bride Wedding Rentals at rusticbrideweddingrentals.com
