While do-it-yourself invitations, cakes and wedding favors are all the rage, some things are best left to rent for the big day.

Reception hall

Booking a party venue should be at the top of your wedding checklist, as open dates fill up quickly.

Spacious and convenient, hotel reception rooms accommodate out-of-town guests and often do much of the decorating and cleanup. For more decor possibilities, go with a reception hall or local community center that can be adorned the week prior to the wedding. These venues usually come equipped with a full kitchen, stage and dance floor.

Other romantic locations include parks, vineyards or the personal backyard of family or friends.

Transportation

Whether your wedding calls for a horse-drawn carriage or classic Mustang, there are many transportation options for both the wedding party and guests to ride in style.

Limousines and party buses are always popular, but new ideas include vespas, trolleys or a stretch Hummer.

Classic cars are a great choice for vintage weddings and create a timeless backdrop for photos.

Decorations

Avoid unnecessary expenses and extra decorations by renting linens, centerpieces or even outdoor tents. For intimate settings of 60 or elaborate parties of 2,000, wedding tents can accommodate parties of any size throughout different seasons.

“We rent many tents throughout the spring and summer, but fall is really the new wedding season,” said Sue Randall, manager of Party Time in Ames.

The local events store covers all rental needs from chairs, tables, lighting and more.

“We usually set up two or three days before the wedding to allow for plenty of time to decorate and prepare for catering and music,” Randall said. “Then we take down the site at the beginning of the next week.”

Renting from professionals provides many options and helps ease wedding day stresses.

“We’re happy to provide quality products to help make the day special,” Randall said.