Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to clean the dishes or glasses I rent from you?

No. That’s the great thing about renting. We just ask that you rinse the plates and empty the glasses and we take it from there.

How long is my rental for?

Rentals are priced for 1 event. We allow a 3-day rental period to pick up and drop the rentals. For weekends, this is extended to a 4-day rental as we are closed on Sundays, and rental items can be returned on Mondays. Longer term rentals can certainly be arranged, please call or e-mail for longer term pricing.

What information do I need to provide to rent from you?

We require the following information to set up an account for you: Name, Address (with postal code), Phone number, E-mail address (optional) and a valid credit card number to be held in lieu of a damage deposit. If your order is being delivered, we also require the delivery address and on-site contact info.

What happens if an item is broken or lost?

Breakage, damage or shortage will be charged at replacement costs. This includes missing items, chips on glasses, burns or tears in linens, etc. You will be notified of missing items and damage charges and will be given a period to return missing items, after that, charges will be incurred.

Do you require a deposit?

We take a non-refundable deposit of 25% on all orders beginning in February each year.

Are tents and rental items insured?

Rentals are not insured by Special Occasions Ltd while out in customer possession. If you are concerned about your rental items, it is your responsibility to arrange insurance. This includes our tents, which should be secured at nights, as any damage or vandalism will be the responsibility of the renter.

Do you deliver to the Gulf Islands?

Yes, we do deliver to the Gulf Islands during certain times of the year. We can not deliver to the Gulf Islands from June 1st to September 30th. However, you are welcome to arrange pick up of rental items. Please contact our shop about our rates for island deliveries, as the cost can vary quite a bit depending on size of the order, time of year, ferry costs, manpower needed, etc.

Can we barbecue under the tent?

That depends. If you notify us ahead of time, we can work with you to arrange one of our specific tent tops that can be used for BBQing. Unless previously arranged, then the answer is no. We try and keep our nice white tents in as good a shape as possible to make sure they are perfect for all the weddings we do in the summer. BBQ grease and the musky smell that goes with it can be impossible to remove from our white tent fabrics.

Can you help me figure out what I need for my event?

Certainly. We have years of experience planning and booking events of all shapes and sizes. We can help you pick out everything you need to make your event perfect.

What if I did not use some of the items?

There are NO refunds on items not used (even if the wrapping has not been removed). Our policy is to rewash every item that leaves our premises.

My wedding numbers keep changing, can I reduce my numbers?

Yes, you can reduce the numbers on your reservation. We understand that booking your final numbers can be daunting as RSVPs keep coming in or changing. We allow reductions in numbers up until two weeks before your order date. At that time, the full remaining balance is due for payment.

Do you charge a fee for paying with a credit card?

As of November 6th, 2022, we will be charging an additional 2% on payments of $200 or more made by credit card. To save having to pay this fee, you may consider paying with debit, cash, or E-transfer.

*Effective May 1st, 2023 – A 2% surcharge will be added on payments of $500 or more made by credit card. Please note we do accept E-transfer, debit and cash.