Fresh Air, Fresh Ideas: What to Rent This Season

Spring in Pittsburgh means blooming flowers, longer days, and a renewed excitement for gathering outdoors. Whether you’re planning a garden wedding, graduation party, corporate gathering, or a neighborhood picnic, the right rentals can make all the difference. At Party Savvy, we’re here to help you create seamless, stylish, and stress-free spring events.

Here are our top five rental recommendations for spring celebrations:

1. Frame Tents

Midwestern weather can be unpredictable—but with our frame tents, your event won’t be. These versatile structures provide elegant, weather-resistant coverage without center poles, giving you maximum space and flexibility for layouts. Add sidewalls or clear panels for extra comfort without sacrificing the view.

Browse Tents

2. Tent Heaters & Fans

A warm afternoon can quickly turn into a chilly evening. Keep guests comfortable, no matter the forecast, by adding discreet, easy-to-use tent heaters or fans to your rental package.

3. Linen & Table Settings

Spring is the season for color—and nothing says fresh and festive like beautifully coordinated linens, napkins, and tableware. From soft pastels to garden-inspired patterns, our linens set the tone for everything from backyard brunches to upscale soirées.

4. Outdoor Seating Options

Comfortable seating is a must. Our wide selection includes folding chairs for casual setups, padded options for ceremonies and formal events, and even rustic benches or bistro-style seating for garden parties. We’ll help you find the perfect mix for your vibe.

5. Lighting & Decor

As the sun sets, your event should shine. String lights, chandeliers, and lanterns add ambiance and function to your spring gathering. Pair them with custom draping or floral accents to transform your tent into a picture-perfect space.

Ready to Plan Your Spring Event?

 At Party Savvy, we’ve been helping Pittsburgh celebrate for over 50 years. Our team is here to support you every step of the way—from planning and layout to delivery and installation. Let’s bring your spring vision to life!

Contact us today to start planning your event.

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Whether from high school, college, graduate, or professional school, graduation is one of life’s milestone events that deserves to be celebrated with an unforgettable party. 

And with a little planning, creativity, and the right equipment, you can host a great party for your graduate in your own backyard, one that your guests will remember for many years.

Take it Outside Under a Clean Party Tent

Surely nothing says “party” like a beautiful party tent. It’s an invitation for guests to visit and stay a while.

It’s not unusual for guests to have more than one party to attend on a given day during this busy season. If you’ve attended graduation parties for your friends, family members and family, you’ll understand how many of the guests tend to stop by and then move on to the next party.   Providing a clean and inviting party tent to shelter your guests from the weather will encourage them to stay longer and enjoy your party.  

Party Savvy offers both festive party canopies and sturdy frame tents to protect your guests from the sun and the rain. Party canopies may be picked up at our showroom and installed as a Do-It-Yourself project.  Currently we carry party canopies in sizes 16’ x 16’ to seat 30 guests, and 20’ x 20’ to seat 50.  

Our commercial white framed tents require our professional installers for obvious safety reasons and can seat up to 300 people.  

We can also add festive lighting to extend your graduation party well into the evening hours once dark settles in. And the addition of sidewalls can be helpful in shielding your guests from wind driven rain. 

Offer Your Guests Seats and Festive Tabletops

We offer rectangular and round tables in various sizes, and a variety of chair styles and colors to complement any budget.  

When trying to determine how much seating you need for a graduation party, it’s best to assume you will need 50% of your total guest list if you are hosting a party during the graduation season.  

And for those who want to celebrate their Alma Mater, we offer a complete line of table linens in beautiful colors, fabrics, and prints to complement any graduation party theme or décor.  Of course white linens always look great and offer a clean backdrop for your own personalized flowers, balloons and other decorations.

To the surprise of many host’s, the additional cost of renting crisp, clean linens is minimal when compared to plastic table coverings and is one way to upscale your graduation party.

Another way to spice up your graduation party is to set up a few linen-covered cocktail tables around your backyard.  It’s a professional touch that won’t go unnoticed!

Feeding Your Graduation Party Guests

Whether you’re doing the cooking yourself or having your event catered, we have all the cooking and serving equipment you may need for your graduation party.

Young adults tend to come with big appetites so you’ll want to make sure you can quickly satisfy a hungry crowd. 

Consider renting a large grill to make cooking a breeze. Fun food machines such as popcorn, cotton candy, sno-cone, hot dog rollers, and frozen drink machines also tend to be a big hit at any graduation party. We can help you with these machines, and the supplies they need.

Graduation Party Beverages Rentals

To be certain a large crowd will go through a lot of cold drinks on a hot summer day.  

Our large ice chests, ice tubs, and our new Fill n Chill ice tables will allow you to set out large quantities of cold beverages at one time and avoid constantly refilling smaller containers throughout the party. 

We also carry coffeemakers in a variety of sizes to brew and serve.

Let’s Play

Outdoor games such as softball, horseshoes, and corn hole are a great way to keep party goers busy & having fun. If you have the space, we have the games to rent.

If you’re hosting a graduation party, we are here to help with all of your event rental needs. Graduation season is just around the corner so contact us today for a quote before this busy season passes! But don’t forget, those lazy, hazy days of summer are also a great time to gather under the tent and celebrate.

Don’t start too early.

Send out your invitation online or via the postal system at least 2 weeks in advance, and plan a starting time that isn’t too early in the evening. A 7pm start time will mean that you need to keep guests entertained for at least 5 hours before the main event. We recommend kicking things off closer to 9pm, but make your plans based on what works best for your social circle. If you plan to have families with kids, consider and earlier start time, and a “faux” or early countdown before kids need to be in bed.

Don’t skimp on food and drinks.

Even if your party doesn’t kick off until after dinner, be sure to have plenty of snack foods, sweet treats, and a variety of beverages on hand. New Year’s Eve parties tend to stretch well past midnight, and your guests will be grateful for a variety of snacks and drinks. To keep things simple and to stick to a budget, make it a potluck, and ask your guests to bring something to share.

If you’re hoping to take your party the extra mile, whip up a few elegant hors d’oeuvres and a signature cocktail.

Don’t forget to have champagne poured in advance of the final countdown for the traditional New Year’s toast!

Have plenty of seating.

Be sure that you have enough space to comfortably seat all of your guests. Think about renting tables and/or chairs to ensure that everyone will be comfortable. If you’ll have kids at your party, you may want to have a dedicated ‘kids’ table – a place where they can eat, play games, or complete crafts to keep them occupied (and contained).

Plan some entertainment.

Getting your guests to the midnight hour (and beyond) will take a bit of planning. While everyone is waiting on that countdown to the New Year, think about hosting some games, karaoke, trivia, or dancing. Add a unique twist with games, trivia, or music related to the last year.

Be sure to have enough space.

If you’re planning to throw a big bash, but don’t have the space, think about alternative locations. If you’re in a mild climate and have the space for an outdoor party, consider renting a tent. A tent provides flexibility outside your home, while still offering protection from the elements. Add tables, chairs, and a dance floor to make the most from your additional space. If an outdoor party isn’t an option, think about renting an indoor space like a recreation center, restaurant, or ballroom.

Don’t forget the props and décor!

Nothing rings in the new year like some glitter, photo booth props, sparklers, and horns. Make the space festive with streamers and balloons, and offer new year glasses, tiaras, and other fun props for an impromptu photo booth.

Designate someone to keep track of the time.

Thanks to all of your stellar planning and exciting entertainment, there’s a good chance the night may get away from you. Designate someone to be in charge of watching the clock.  This person make sure the champagne gets poured and distributed in advance of the countdown, and should kick off the countdown at the one-minute mark.

From all of us here at PartySavvy, we wish you a successful party, and a very happy New Year!

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Holding a wedding ceremony and reception outdoors is an idea that appeals to many couples as they begin planning their wedding and are considering venue options. Outdoor weddings have been popular for many years, and the trend continues to grow. Photos and articles about tented weddings seem to be everywhere, from bridal magazines, to Pinterest, to TV shows and movies, and they can be beautiful! As beautiful and special as they can be, they aren’t for everyone, especially if you are on a tight budget.

Why choose a tented wedding?

There are many reasons couples opt for outdoor wedding ceremonies and receptions. In some cases, they can’t seem to find an indoor venue that suits them, or the venue they like isn’t available on their date, or maybe it’s important to them to be married at the bride’s home, or a family farm, or maybe they just like they idea of being married outdoors on a beautiful day. Whatever the reasons, planning an outdoor wedding almost always involves the rental of a tent, or perhaps multiple tents, regardless of the season. The tent provides the setting for the event, as well as protection from the elements, which may be sun, heat, rain, wind, or cold.

But how much does a tented wedding cost?

As an event rental company specializing in tented weddings and events, we handle numerous inquiries for tented events. One of the first things people ask is what it is going to cost to hold their wedding reception under a tent? They know they will need to rent a tent, tables, and chairs, and sometimes they also realize that they will need tent lighting, a dance floor, china, glassware, flatware, and linens, but in many cases they will need much more than that, including any number of things they hadn’t considered.

Because there are so many variables, it really isn’t possible to give an accurate answer regarding what it will cost without asking a lot of questions and developing a line item quote based on what the couple thinks they want. After gathering some basic information about their plans, we typically offer an approximate cost per person for the type of wedding they have in mind. Some are very basic and are held at a venue that doesn’t require much in the way of rentals; others are very elaborate and are taking place at a property where everything must be brought in; and then there are those that fall in between those two extremes.

In recent years, we have done some picnic style receptions where we have provided a tent with basic lighting, along with tables, chairs, and linens where the cost for the rental services came in around $30 per person. We’ve also outfitted some very elaborate weddings where the cost exceeded $500 per person. It is not unusual for rental costs for a fairly typical tented wedding to end up in the $100 – $150 per person range, which would equate to $10,000 – $15,000 for a 100 person reception.

How do I plan a tented wedding?

If a couple wants to pursue the idea of an outdoor wedding, we’ll arrange to meet them at the proposed venue for a site evaluation, which will be followed up with a detailed quote and CAD drawing. We charge a non-refundable fee for this service, which will be applied to the rental charges if our services are booked.

Variables to consider

What are some of the variables that drive the costs, and how can you keep those costs under control? One of the primary factors in determining your costs is your guest count; the more people who attend your wedding, the more it is going to cost for rentals, catering, etc. That seems pretty obvious, but it’s something to think about; if you are on a budget, maybe you may want to consider inviting fewer people.

The venue

Aside from your guest count, the venue you select is going to have a lot to do with how much everything is going to cost. If the facility you choose has some amount of indoor space that can be used for a cocktail reception for example, that may save the cost of renting another tent. Are there adequate restroom facilities on site, or will you need to rent those facilities? If you’ve decided to get married at family home, or farm for example, are there any usable facilities at the site? Depending on the guest count, many homes will not have adequate restroom facilities.

Electrical service

Many people are not prepared for how much electrical service a large reception will require. Most homes do not have enough available power for a wedding reception. Some of the things that require electricity will be tent lighting, a DJ or band, catering equipment, a restroom trailer, heaters, fans, and more. Most of the tented receptions we do at private homes, and pretty much all that we do at remote locations like a farm, require the rental of generators to power everything. We typically provide a primary generator, and a backup generator, along with a technician to operate them. The backup generator is almost never needed, but if you only have one generator, and it fails during your event, the party is pretty much over with no light, food, or music.

Miscellaneous activities

Some of the other factors that will affect your costs are the number of different wedding day activities you are going to hold at the venue. Are you planning to hold the ceremony at the venue, or will that be held at a church? Chances are, holding the ceremony at the venue is going to be more costly as you will probably need to rent chairs, at a minimum, and probably arrange for sound services. If you are planning on an open air ceremony, you need to have a backup plan in case of rain; is there an indoor space you can use for the ceremony, or will that involve an additional tent? Are you planning to hold a cocktail reception prior to dinner? If so, will that be held in a separate area, or will it be held under the dinner reception tent. If it is going to be in a separate area, that may require another tent. If it is being held in the reception tent, you’ll probably need to expand the size of that tent to accommodate the cocktail reception comfortably, under the tent, in case it is a rainy day.

The Caterer

The caterer and the menu you choose will also affect your rental costs. In most cases, the caterer is going to need an area to do their prep work. In some cases, there may be a garage or a barn that can be used, however, in many cases, a separate tent will be needed for catering prep. Some caterers will bring most of the food already prepared and ready to serve; others prefer to do the cooking on site, in which case you will most likely need to rent ovens, stoves, refrigerators, etc.. Sometimes we need to provide separate prep tents for the cocktail reception and the dinner reception when they are a distance apart. Of course, the prep tents will need to be lighted, and enclosed with solid sidewalls, and often times connected to the reception tent with a walkway canopy.

Wedding tent add-ons

You will have numerous options for basic things such as tables, chairs, china, glassware, flatware, linens, dance floors, lighting, and much more. Depending upon the time of the year, you may need sidewalls for the tent, and heaters. During warm weather months, we often provide fans, and in some cases, air conditioning services.

Some of the more elaborate weddings opt for flooring and carpeting under the tent; the flooring typically follows the contour of the ground when it is reasonably level. In some cases, the only way to make some sites usable is to install a level floor.

A rain plan

In Western PA, it seems that it can rain on any day of the year; we really don’t have a reliable “dry season”. That being the case, we feel it is important to have a “rain plan” ready to go in case rain is in the forecast. A rain plan typically involves things such additional tents and/or walkway canopies, as well as sidewalls, heaters, etc.. It is best to plan for these things and reserve them so they will be available for you, if needed.

Additional resources

There are numerous blogs on our website that address many topics related to tented weddings and events. Those can be found by clicking on the link below.

https://partysavvy.com/weddings/

There are also dozens of photo albums from tented weddings we have equipped in our Photo Gallery; these albums are a good source of inspiration, and a good way to see the many possibilities for accessorizing your wedding ceremony or reception tent. The photos can be found by clicking on the link below.

https://partysavvy.com/photo-gallery-events/

If an outdoor wedding is in your future, we’ll be happy to speak with you about your ideas and help you plan the wedding of your dreams!

The popularity of farm wedding venues remains strong in the Pittsburgh metropolitan market.  We believe it’s so because you truly can’t beat the rural, country vibe they offer a bride, groom, and their wedding guests. If a traditional wedding venue is your style, there are many palace-like ballrooms from which to choose.  If not, couples may choose to seek the romance and charm of a down-home barn wedding venue.

We’ve compiled an expansive list of some of the best farm wedding venues available in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area and are pleased to share them with our website visitors:

The Barn at Madison –  The Barn at Madison offers both one-day wedding and reception packages, and also sets itself apart by offering a 3-day, relaxing wedding weekend. You can “move-in” to The Madison’s Bridal Suite (3 bedroom, 2 bath, kitchen, & den for up to 12 Guests!) and enjoy the serenity of a fun-filled weekend instead of the typical single-day wedding and the hustle and bustle it presents.

Pinerock Farm – Pinerock Farm is nestled in over 80 acres of property located directly between the Seven Springs and Hidden Valley Resorts, at the base of Roaring Run Natural Area. The location provides unobstructed, 360° views of the Laurel Highlands. When you turn onto the property, you experience privacy and seclusion and time just stops…providing a magical setting to relax, reflect & recharge. Simply put, at Pinerock Farm the vibe is of serenity, where time slows and memories are made to last a lifetime.

Valley View Farm – Valley View Farm is a rustic wedding venue located in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania. This Greene County destination provides hosts with a welcoming atmosphere that invites many different types of gatherings. The property is also home to a working Belgian horse farm. This means that your wedding guest will be able to interact with a farming landscape that is functional all year round.

A-venue in Sarver – This is a historic barn and wedding venue in Sarver, Pennsylvania, just 25 miles North of Pittsburgh. The structure’s history spans more than a century and a half, giving the building its memorable character. The classic red barn set against the peaceful landscape provides an elegant and timeless setting for reciting and/or renewing your wedding vows. A-venue is incredibly versatile, providing couples the opportunity to easily adapt the space for any special occasion.

Baneberry Meadows – Baneberry Meadows is a barn and farm wedding venue situated in the countryside outside of Pittsburgh in Donegal, Pennsylvania. This bed and breakfast specializes in creating personalized celebrations in a cozy and affordable environment. Located in the idyllic Laurel Highlands, the venue effortlessly blends rustic event spaces with a beautiful natural landscape.

Forever Farm – This venue offers a scenic countryside wedding near Franklin, Pennsylvania, and lies on 150 acres of tranquil natural landscape. The owners began to welcome couples to tie the knot in 2021.  This lovely property is just a short drive from the historic town of Franklin. The farm is centrally located and easily accessible from a range of nearby communities, including Pittsburgh and Grove City. Overnight guests can find accommodations within a three-mile radius of the venue. Couples seeking something special to do with their wedding party need look no further than the Allegheny River, offering outdoor entertainment opportunities such as kayaking.  Also nearby is the Kinzua Dam located in the Allegheny National Forest and is one of the largest dams in the United States.

Pinehall at Eisler Farms – This property is a rustic farm wedding venue located in Butler, Pennsylvania. This family-owned venue opened to the public in 2016 and offers couples a serene space to start their new lives together. The entire property is at your disposal, with several locations to host ceremonies and receptions at this great rural venue.

White Barn – White Barn is an amazing venue located in Prospect, Pennsylvania. This beautiful, rustic 100-year-old barn is a wonderful option for couples who want a modern and elegant wedding. This gorgeous venue sits on 200 acres of land and offers couples a slice of the country with modern amenities, including air conditioning, heat, and indoor restrooms.

SanaView Farms – SanaView Farms at Roaring Run is a Historic Landmark Organic Farm in Champion, Pennsylvania. This 52-acre farm is right in the middle of the Laurel Mountains, a tourist destination for thousands each year. This venue is also located near Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Hidden Valley, Ligonier, Fallingwater, and the Ohiopyle State Park making it the perfect weekend destination for you and your guests. The SavaView Farms team also tends to its organic gardens and specializes in a variety of programs to help people achieve greater levels of wellness, happiness, and success.

The Barn at Fallingwater – The Barn at Fallingwater is a truly unique site.  Once owned and operated as part of a dairy farm by the Kaufmann family, this fully renovated 19th-century barn is located at the trailhead of the Bear Run Nature Reserve, just 500 yards north of Fallingwater’s main entrance.  Set in the rolling hills of the Laurel Highlands, The Barn at Fallingwater offers a distinctive and picturesque location for a wedding.  With the serene woodland setting as your backdrop, an imaginative and festive gathering awaits!

Lingrow Farm – This barn and farm wedding venue is located near Leechburg, Pennsylvania. The landscape provides a verdant backdrop while a creative, hard-working, and thoughtful staff serve you and your guests. For your special day, this combination makes for an ideal rustic country yet elegant wedding experience.

The Company Stables – The Company Stables is a barn and farm wedding venue located in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania. This rustic, countryside retreat offers somewhere inviting and secluded for celebrating one of life’s most important milestones. It offers panoramic views of the Laurel Mountains and a charming ambience where “I do” moments and receptions can take center stage in a wonderful way.

The Heritage Barn – Ideal for couples who wish to marry in a rural setting in Oliveburg, PA which is near Punxsutawney, home of the famous groundhog, Punxatwaney Phil. The name was inspired by the fact that the farm has been in the family for several generations.

Yinzer Valley Farms –  Sitting on the outskirts of Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania, this venue offers weddings as well as special events and can accommodate up to 200 guests.  Couples can have their ceremony take place at the arch which is overlooking acres of gorgeous farm land.

Woodhaven B&B and Event Venue – Located amongst 15 acres of forest, field and stream in idyllic South Central Pennsylvania, sits Woodhaven B&B and Event Venue.  Its historic farmhouse, 1886 covered bridge and 19th century barn present a unique and breathtaking setting for both large and small celebrations. The Woodhaven property offers an array of indoor and outdoor options for both ceremonies and receptions.

Armstrong Farms Bed & Breakfast – Located just 22 miles from Pittsburgh in the historic town of Saxonburg, Armstrong Farms provides a beautifully unique setting where you can create memories to last a lifetime. A 200-year-old family farm, Armstrong Farms features three restored barns, each with its own history.  

Five Fillies Farm – Five Fillies Farm was established in 2007 by the Williams Family. The farm is named for the family’s five daughters who all loved horses. As a former Amish farm, every effort is taken to maintain as much authenticity as possible. The two original homes on the property have been preserved and are occupied by members of the New Wilmington Amish community.

The Inn at Watson’s Choice – The fully-restored Barn and Stable at Watson’s Choice provides the perfect ambiance in a unique and serene setting for your wedding celebration as you and your guests enjoy dinner in the Stable surrounded by a beautiful view of the Laurel Highlands countryside at sunset. The Rustic Barn provides the perfect transition from dining to dancing and the finishing touches to the celebration of your day!

Regardless of the time of year or where you choose to seal the deal, a rustic farm setting will serve as the charming backdrop for your very special day wedding. Farm wedding venues offer breathtaking scenery — from rambling, snow-shrouded scenes in the winter, to radiant, warm fall days – and anytime in between.  And don’t forget that you can accessorize the venue of your choice in your own style.  You can also add tenting at the venue for the ceremony or cocktails.

With so many romantic wedding farm venues available in the Pittsburgh area, it may be difficult to settle on just one.  

If none of these venues strike your fancy, you can always create your own rustic wedding vibe in the location of your choice with Party Savvy’s rustic event furniture.

Party Savvy is pleased to supply and deliver wedding rentals for your farm wedding. Please note that Party Savvy has a limited delivery area. We have everything you may need to make your wedding day memorable.

In Part 1 of our “Unique Wedding Venues” series, we discussed unique Pittsburgh wedding venues with great outdoor spaces. Here, we’ll discuss some of our favorite unique wedding venues with an emphasis on their head-turning indoor spaces. Let’s dive in!

Roxian Live – Newly renovated, the Roxian Theater and Thunderbird Cafe and Music Hall each feature state-of-the-art sound and lighting, multiple bar installations, and accommodating parking and loading zones, making it an ideal venue for weddings featuring live bands. These venues are particularly unique, thanks to their multi-level layouts – each offering surprises around every corner!

THIS IS RED – Boasting a rich and fascinating history, THIS IS RED has converted the former St. Michael’s Slovakian Roman Catholic church into 20,000 sq feet of office, exhibition and event space. This unique venue is both large and intimate, featuring flexible and multi-configurable spaces.  Impressive amenities deliver a modern twist on an historic and fascinating venue.

Pittsburgh Opera – The original George Westinghouse Air Brake Factory is now home to Pittsburgh Opera and makes a beautiful and memorable backdrop for a wedding! The Pittsburgh Opera building maintains the raw industrial feel of an 1869 warehouse, offering you the flexibility to create the ambiance you desire. Additionally, the Pittsburgh Opera is LEED Silver Certified, so you can plan a green wedding in the event that is a priority for you.

SLATE – Described as a “Blank and Intimate” space, SLATE is truly a blank slate for designing and creating the event of your dreams. Chic and understated, this indoor wedding and event venue is versatile, simple, and rustic. Boasting a long list of amenities (including a cleaning staff, tables and chiavari chairs), SLATE can transform into whatever you want it to be.

Encore Studio – Encore Studio is an intimate venue with a capacity for 60 or fewer guests. This elegant studio makes wedding planning easy, thanks to the available “Signature Design and Decorating” service included in event packages. Simple and classy, Encore studio transforms to meet the needs of any intimate wedding.