A Miami wedding lives or dies on two things: the guest experience and the photographs. Both come down to what you rent and how it is laid out. This guide walks through everything a South Florida couple typically needs, how much of it, and when to lock it in — whether you are marrying on the beach, in a backyard, or at a venue that leaves the furnishing to you.
The wedding rental checklist
Almost every Miami wedding draws from the same core list. Start here and subtract what your venue already provides:
- Ceremony chairs — usually white folding or resin chairs for the aisle, moved or swapped for the reception.
- Reception chairs — chiavari or cross-back chairs are the Miami standard; they photograph beautifully and elevate every table.
- Dining tables — 60-inch rounds seating eight are the backbone; add a sweetheart or head table.
- Utility tables — rectangular tables for the cake, gifts, guestbook, DJ and catering.
- Linens & napkins — floor-length cloths for rounds, runners for long tables.
- Place settings — chargers, plates and flatware to finish each cover.
- Tent & lighting — essential for outdoor receptions; see our outdoor party guide.
- Statement pieces — a red carpet, throne seating or a 360 photo booth for the reception.
How much of everything to order
The arithmetic is simpler than it looks. Plan one chair per guest plus about 5% spares, and one 60-inch round table per eight guests. For a 120-guest wedding that means roughly:
- 15 round dining tables + 1 sweetheart table
- About 125 chairs
- 4–6 rectangular tables (cake, gifts, guestbook, DJ, catering, bar)
- 16 floor-length linens + napkins and chargers for 120 covers
For the full method — including cocktail-hour math and dance-floor space — read how many chairs and tables you actually need.
Chiavari or folding chairs?
This is the decision that most changes both the look and the budget of a Miami wedding. Chiavari chairs ($5 each per day) cost nearly double a folding chair ($2.75) but define the "wedding" aesthetic in every photograph. A common compromise: folding chairs for the ceremony, chiavari for the reception where the camera lingers. We break down the trade-off in full in chiavari vs folding chairs.
Outdoor and beach weddings: plan for the weather
South Florida weather is the plan, not a risk to it. For any outdoor wedding from May through October, budget a tent for shade and rain cover and spot cooling for daytime comfort. On sand or pavers, tents are anchored with weights rather than stakes — tell us the surface when you book so we bring the right rigging. Add lighting for after sunset, which arrives faster than couples expect.
When to book
Reserve as soon as your date and guest count are firm — ideally two to four months ahead, and earlier for holiday weekends and peak wedding season. Tents, thrones and chiavari chairs are the first items to sell out across the three counties. Booking early costs nothing extra and guarantees the pieces your photos depend on.
Delivery, setup and pickup
We deliver, set up and collect everything across Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach, seven days a week. Delivery is quoted separately based on distance from our warehouse, and setup of tables, chairs and tents is included. Tell us about access — gate widths, elevators, a beach walkover — so the crew arrives ready.
Frequently asked questions
What do you need to rent for a wedding in Miami?
Guest chairs, dining and utility tables, linens and napkins, place settings with chargers, and — outdoors — a tent, lighting and cooling. Many couples add a red carpet, throne or sweetheart seating and a photo booth.
How far in advance should I book?
Two to four months ahead once your date and guest count are set, and earlier for peak season. Tents and specialty items sell out first.
How many chairs and tables do I need?
One chair per guest plus spares, and one 60-inch round per eight guests, plus utility tables for the cake, gifts, DJ and catering.
Do you deliver and set up?
Yes — delivery, setup and collection across Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach, seven days a week. Free warehouse pickup is available too.
Ready to build your list? Browse the full catalog and add what you need for a quote, or call (305) 528-4444 and we will plan the whole setup with you.
