How Much Does It Cost to Rent Table Linens?
TL;DR: Renting table linens typically costs $7–$15 each and includes laundering, pressing, and shipping, making it a cost-effective and time-saving choice for most event planners.
- Rentals eliminate hidden ownership costs like laundry, storage, and replacements
- Renting offers more flexibility in size, color, and quantity
- Saves time, labor, and overhead, especially for one-time or large-scale events
- Delivers consistent quality and elegance without long-term commitment
- Supports customization and sustainability goals
- Ideal for planners seeking convenience, professionalism, and peace of mind
Creating a captivating ambiance is a crucial aspect of hosting a successful event. The choice of linens can significantly impact the overall aesthetic and set the tone for any gathering.
However, event organizers often face a dilemma when it comes to acquiring these linens. Should they rent or buy? What is the cost to rent table linens, and do the time savings and labor efficiency ultimately add up?
In this blog, we’ll touch on the benefits of both options. We hope to help you make an informed decision that aligns with your unique priorities. You might be surprised by the many benefits of event linen rental!
Continue reading to learn how much it costs to rent tablecloths—in time, energy, and money.
How Much Is it to Rent Tablecloths?
The average cost to rent tablecloths ranges from $7 to $15 per piece. The final cost will depend on the size, fabric, quantity, and provider.
For standard polyester round tablecloths, a rental from a vendor like ASAP Linen averages around $12 per tablecloth. Be aware that that figure includes laundering, pressing, and two-way shipping.
In comparison, purchasing a tablecloth outright would cost approximately $10. While slightly cheaper up front, the total cost after laundering and storage often exceeds $20 per use.
Consider that rentals offer an all-inclusive price with no extra work or overhead. That may make them a more cost-effective and time-saving option. The value is especially evident for one-time or infrequent events.
However, linen rental offers additional benefits for event planners. After all, planners may need access to large quantities and a range of colors. Eliminating the need to store and launder linens saves time, energy, and money, resulting in long-term savings.
Thus, instead of asking “How much to rent table linens?” think about the investment of time and energy. That’s key to determining if a rental partnership is right for you.
What Owning Linens Really Costs
When you rent event linens, you’re outsourcing everything from inventory storage to laundering. A competent team will handle all elements of quality assurance.
After you order, crisp, clean linens will arrive two to three days before your event. When you’re done, you’ll ship them back in the provided packaging. The rental company will handle the laundering, pressing, and storage. That means you’ll have more time to interface with clients and craft bespoke event experiences that fetch you new business.
Here is the true cost of owning and maintaining your own linens:
- The upfront investment of buying tablecloths in multiple sizes and colors to meet client needs
- The upfront investment of purchasing matching accessories (napkins, chair covers, sashes, table skirts, etc.)
- Time spent washing, drying, pressing, and folding linens after each event
- The cost of commercial-grade detergent, stain treatments, and fabric softeners
- Increased water, gas, and electricity bills from frequent laundry cycles
- Labor costs or overtime for staff to handle linen care
- Wear and tear on home or commercial washers and dryers
- Space to store bulky linens safely between events
- Climate control to prevent mildew, wrinkles, or discoloration
- Time and labor to count, inspect, and prep linens before events
- Regular replacement of stained, damaged, or outdated linens
- Time spent inspecting for tears or holes
- Cost of sewing supplies or outsourcing minor repairs
- Lost time that could be spent on higher-value tasks like client service, marketing, or event design
- Risk of limited availability (for example, not enough stock for overlapping events or specific color requests)
- Inability to pivot quickly to last-minute changes or special client requests without additional expense
For many event planners, these hidden expenses make linen rental the more cost-effective and efficient option. By allowing a rental company to do their job, you’ll have more time and energy to do yours. That almost always translates to increased customer satisfaction.
6 Benefits of Renting Table Linens
Below, we’ll share the top benefits of choosing to rent table linens. These are factors beyond cost that may make renting the right choice for your event or business.
1. Options and Flexibility: Colors, Sizes, and More
One of the primary advantages of renting event linens is the extensive variety and flexibility it offers.
Event rental companies maintain diverse inventories. They offer an array of colors, sizes, patterns, and materials to match any theme or occasion. This versatility allows you to experiment and find the perfect linens. You’ll craft tablescapes that seamlessly integrate with your event’s décor without exceeding your price range.
Whatever the event, renting event linens allows you to choose from an impressive selection. You can easily switch up your linens for different events, ensuring that each gathering has a fresh and unique look.
2. Cost-Effectiveness: Saving on Your Event Budget
For one-time or infrequent events, renting linens can be more cost-effective than buying them. Purchasing linens can incur significant upfront costs. Such expenses may not be justifiable for events with limited budgets or rare celebrations.
Renting, on the other hand, allows you to access high-quality linens for a fraction of the purchase cost. It is an ideal choice for event planners working with budget constraints. Renting ensures you can achieve an elegant look without overspending.
3. Convenience and Hassle-Free Logistics
Renting event linens comes with the added benefit of convenience and hassle-free logistics. Linen rental companies handle everything, from delivery to cleaning. After the event, you can simply return the linens. You will free yourself from the burden of cleaning and storing bulky linens.
This convenience is particularly beneficial for large-scale events. At large celebrations, the logistics of cleaning and storing linens can be overwhelming. Renting allows you to focus on other essential aspects of event planning without worrying about linen maintenance.
4. Quality Assurance: A Touch of Elegance
Reputable event rental companies take pride in providing high-quality linens that are impeccably maintained and laundered. Renting linens ensures that you receive fresh, well-cared-for items, free from stains and signs of wear. This quality assurance adds a touch of elegance to your event and reflects positively on your attention to detail.
On the other hand, purchasing special event linens may pose a risk of investing in low-quality products. Moreover, the responsibility of maintaining their quality lies entirely with the owner.
5. Customization: Adding a Personal Touch
Renting event linens doesn’t mean you have to settle for a generic look. Many rental companies offer customization options to add a personal touch to your linens. From custom embroidery and monograms to logos, you can tailor the linens to align with themes or branding.
6. Sustainability Considerations: Eco-Friendly Events
Renting event linens is a more environmentally friendly choice compared to buying them. It reduces waste and promotes resource conservation by minimizing the demand for single-use disposable items. Utilizing rented linens can help you host a greener event, contributing to sustainability efforts.
The Cost to Rent Table Linens is Lower Than You Think
Renting linens offers a wide variety of cost-effectiveness, convenience, and quality assurance options. It is the preferred choice for one-time events or those working with limited budgets.
On the other hand, purchasing event linens provides the advantage of ownership. It can offer potential cost-effectiveness for frequent event hosts, plus the satisfaction of having a curated collection. Sustainable choices can also be made by opting for high-quality, reusable linens.
In the end, the decision rests with the event planner. It is crucial to weigh the benefits against the unique requirements of each event.
Whatever option you choose, event linens play a vital role in creating an unforgettable experience for your guests. Let the linens set the stage for memorable moments that will be cherished for years to come.
Check out our selection of tablecloth rentals for your next event!