If you plan an event in Northern Virginia, Washington DC, or Maryland, you have many rental choices, and they do not all offer the same thing. Some companies carry tables, chairs, and tents. Others focus on décor and entertainment. Your best choice depends on what your event needs and what your venue allows.
I wrote this guide to help you sort through those choices. I judge a rental company by what it offers, how clear its prices are, how it handles delivery and setup, and what its public reviews say. I do not rate a company on size alone.
One company I recommend you put on your list is Sunrise Rentals. They serve Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland, and they focus on creative décor and interactive entertainment for weddings, proposals, birthdays, and corporate events.
Below, I explain the types of rental companies you will find, the questions to ask each one, and where Sunrise Rentals fits. You should finish with a clear plan and fewer surprises on your event day.
The Types of Rental Companies You Will Find
Most companies in the DMV fall into one of three groups. Knowing the group helps you ask for the right quote.
- Full-service party suppliers. These companies rent the basics, such as tables, chairs, linens, tents, and dishes. They are a good choice for large guest counts.
- Décor specialists. These companies rent backdrops, signs, balloon designs, and lighting. They shape how your event looks in photos.
- Entertainment providers. These companies rent photo booths, video booths, and bar service. They give your guests something to do.
Many events need more than one group. I suggest you start with the group that matters most to you, then add the others. A company that covers several of these needs can save you time, because you manage fewer contracts and fewer delivery windows.
How I Judge a Rental Company
Before you compare prices, check each company against the same list. Here is the list I use.
1. Clear pricing. You should see starting prices and a plain list of extra fees.
2. Delivery and setup. Find out who sets up, how long it takes, and what the delivery area is.
3. Equipment quality. Look for real photos and plain descriptions of materials.
4. Venue fit. Check the space each item needs and whether it works outdoors.
5. Deposit and change rules. Know what you pay to hold a date and what happens if your plans change.
6. Public reviews. Read what past clients say about timing, professionalism, and communication.
A company that answers all six points in writing is easy to work with. A company that stays vague on any of them is a risk.
Why Sunrise Rentals Belongs on Your List
Many rental companies offer standard party items. Sunrise Rentals describes its approach as creative décor and premium experiences designed to impress. Their range is wide, and it covers the items guests notice most.
Floral Walls and Arches
Their floral backdrop collection centers on 3D walls made by hand from high-quality silk flowers. The flowers look realistic in photos and in person.
- The Champagne Wall starts at $225.
- Walls such as Classic White, Sage Green, Hot Pink, Blue, and Red start at $300.
- The Disco Wall starts at $700.
- Most walls measure 8 feet tall by 10 feet wide.
They also offer arches, including the Heart Arch from $480, the Pink Moon Arch from $230, and the Eternity Arches from $280. The Eden Panels, a 13-foot floral floor runner, start at $250.
Their team handles delivery, setup, and takedown. Delivery starts at $180 within 20 miles of Sterling, VA. If you want to save money, they offer a pick-up option that includes the panels, a heavy-duty frame, weights, and instructions. It fits in most SUVs and pickup trucks.
Photo Booths and the 360 Booth
I like that they state the type of booth plainly. Their booths use a professional DSLR camera and studio-grade lighting, not an iPad. Every booth comes with a custom photo layout, unlimited sessions, instant sharing by email and QR code, and an on-site attendant.
They offer three packages:
- Classic Snap: starts at $420 for two hours with the white booth.
- Party Pop: their most popular package, starts at $490 and adds a backdrop and props.
- Bloom and Memory: starts at $710 and adds a floral wall and a scrapbook.
Their 360 video booth records slow-motion video, and guests can send clips to themselves at the event. Pricing starts at $500 for two hours. If you add it to any photo booth package, the price drops to $380 for two hours, and one team handles both.
Mobile Bar Service
Sunrise Spirits Mobile Bar is a dry hire service. You supply the alcohol, and they provide the bar, bartenders, mixers, and garnishes. Options include a restored 1979 Vintage Horse Trailer Bar, the Grand Bar, and the Satellite Bar.
The Classic package serves up to 75 guests and starts at $560 for the Satellite Bar, $810 for the Grand Bar, and $1,050 for the Mobile Bar. The Deluxe package serves up to 150 guests. The company states that it is fully insured and can help you coordinate permits.
Marquee Letters, Neon Signs, and Proposals
Light-up marquee letters cost $45 each at 3 feet, and 4-foot numbers cost $70 each. Neon signs start at $150. They also design personal marriage proposal setups that combine their décor with planning help.
Their photo booth page shows a 5.0 rating from 22 Google reviews. That is a small sample, but it gives you a starting point for your own research.
Costs to Plan For
Starting prices are only part of your budget. Ask each company about these items.
- Delivery beyond the standard area
- Fees for setup or pickup outside normal hours
- Venues with stairs, no elevator, or no parking
- Idle time, which Sunrise Rentals bills at $60 per hour for photo booths
- Travel fees for booths and bar service
- Damage fees for broken frames, tears, or stains
Sunrise Rentals lists many of these on their service pages. They also give a 10% savings when you book more than one service together, such as a bar and a photo booth. That helps if you want several items.
Questions to Ask Before You Book
Use this list on every call or email.
1. What is the full price with delivery, setup, and takedown?
2. How much space does the item need?
3. How long does setup take before my start time?
4. Does the item work outdoors, and what happens in rain or wind?
5. How much is the deposit, and can I move my date?
6. What happens if something is damaged?
For reference, Sunrise Rentals asks for a $100 reservation fee on floral walls, with the balance due the day before your event. Photo booths need a $100 non-refundable deposit and allow one date change based on availability.
When to Book
Good dates go fast, especially on weekends and in wedding season. Sunrise Rentals recommends that you book four to eight weeks ahead. I agree with that range, and I would book earlier for a large wedding.
My Recommendation
Start by writing down the three things you want your guests to remember. Then match each one to a company that does it well and states its terms in writing.
If your list includes a photo backdrop, a booth, a bar, or a proposal setup, I think Sunrise Rentals is worth a call. You can reach them at (571) 548-1377. Ask for a full quote, compare it with one or two others, and choose the company that answers your questions most clearly.
