FAQs
I’ve never rented anything before. How does it all work?
First, discuss your event with one of our salespeople. We will help you choose tablecloths and chair covers that are the proper size for your tables and chairs. We'll give advice about the best color combinations, fabrics, and complimentary tabletop accessories. You can schedule an appointment to visit our showroom, or we can help you by phone or email. After the consultation, you will have time to review your quote. When you're ready to confirm your order, just sign our contract and provide a 50% deposit. Final changes are due 10 business days prior to the event, and final payment is due seven business days prior to the event.
Download our rental contract here.
Where are you located? Do you have a showroom? Do you have other office locations?
We are located in Minneapolis, MN – just north of downtown Minneapolis off of I-94 and the Broadway exit. Although this is our only location, we do ship nationwide via UPS. We highly encourage you to visit our showroom. We'll actually do a mock table set-up for you so you can do more than visualize! (Bring your color swatch if you are looking to match a specific color.) Showroom visits are by appointment only. Our inventory is so large that it's impossible to display every item. By scheduling an appointment, you can be sure that our staff will be available to show you various rental options and answer all of your questions.
Do you require an appointment to visit your showroom?
Yes, to visit our showroom an appointment is needed. Our appointment times are Monday - Friday from 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM. If you wish to make an appointment, please call our main line at (612) 355 - 2500 or Book an Appointment. You can also email us at sales@lineneffects.com.
Do you schedule evening or weekend appointments?
We don’t. We are usually setting up events during those times. We often suggest that if a lunch hour appointment isn’t possible, take an afternoon off from work and schedule a series of vendor appointments to make the most of a vacation day.
Do you send out samples?
We are happy to send out swatches and samples. Swatches are mailed free of charge. Samples are shipped with a return label, just like a regular rental; however, we will only charge you for the shipping.
Do you ship products nationwide? How much is shipping?
We ship via UPS, and the cost depends on delivery location and weight. We do not know the exact shipping cost of any order until it is packed and weighed for shipping; however, we can get you a shipping quote for proposal purposes.
How do we ship back your products after the event?
When we ship your products to you, we enclose pre-paid return shipping labels. After your event, re-pack the used linens into the duffel bag that we provided for your dirty laundry. The return shipping label is already attached to the duffel bag. Take the bag to a location where UPS picks it up. Many times, that will be at the location where you had your event. Otherwise, use the nearest UPS Store. We ask that you ship our products back to us on the first business day after your event.
Are there things you will not ship?
Yes, at this time, we will not ship anything that we consider breakable, or that is too large to fit in a standard box. Examples would be glass charger plates, glassware, and furniture.
How far in advance should I place my order?
We operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so the sooner you place your order, the better. We have a large inventory and are usually able to fill last minute orders, but if there is a specific linen or chair cover you want to be sure to get, you’ll want to get the order placed and confirmed as soon as you know what you need.
Is there a minimum order?
There is no minimum size order for pickup. In most cases, you can order just what you need. However, for delivery, we have a $300.00 minimum and only deliver to Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area. We also charge a minimum of $300.00 for labor to set up your event if requested. (Set-up labor is only available in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area).
Why do I need floor-length linens?
Floor-length linens are standard for formal events such as wedding receptions and corporate dinners. They also hide the legs of rental tables, which can be less than attractive. Lap-length linens are fine for luncheons, birthday parties, and other casual affairs.
Do the chair covers come with sashes?
Our “Bag-Style” chair covers have sashes sewn in. Standard chair covers do not include sashes, but we have a large variety of sashes available for rent.
How do I determine what size linens to use?
First, you need to know the dimensions of the tables you will be using. Most standard tables are 30” high. For a round table, take the diameter of the table and add 60” (for the drop on both sides). Example: If your table is a standard 72” diameter, use a 132” round tablecloth to go to the floor, or use a 108” round tablecloth for lap length. For more specific information, see our Size Selection Chart or feel free to consult with our sales staff.
What happens if we damage or lose something?
Don’t worry about any food-related stains. Our laundry can get all of that out. Please be careful with candles. We will charge you replacement costs for linens returned with burn holes or rips. Be sure to count your rental items before you send them back to us. We charge replacement costs for missing items.
******A special note about mildew: Mildew will almost always destroy linen, and you will incur replacement charges for products returned with mildew. Mildew grows rapidly in damp, warm sealed environments such as plastic bags. Do not ever put damp linens in a tightly sealed container such as a plastic bag. Let damp linens dry before packing them for return to us! Call us first if you have any concerns.******
Do you ever sell any of your products, or are you strictly rental?
We are strictly rental only. Our unique product selection is one reason why we stand above other rental companies, and as such, we do not disclose our sources.
Do you offer discounts for large orders?
We only offer discounts to repeat customers such as hotels and other event industry professionals who have demonstrated that they use us as their primary specialty linen vendor and meet our minimum dollar annual volume. We never offer discounts on anyone’s first order. Call our general manager to discuss.
Do you set up events? What is the charge for that?
We do offer labor to set up your event. It is usually figured at about 28% of your total order. That percentage can vary if there are out-of-the-ordinary circumstances (tight room turns, etc.). However, we only provide labor in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area.
What day will I get my order? How long is the rental period?
In general, we ship/deliver so that your rental items arrive 1 business day before your event. We request that you arrange for the return to be in the UPS system on the first business day after your event. For events in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area, we will schedule our driver to pick up orders that we delivered on the date specified on your order. As many events take place on Saturday, we typically deliver on Friday and pick up on Monday.
What is an “Event Design House”?
An Event Design House offers cohesive design for every step of your event. We tap the talents of our valued partnerships and pair you with the vendors that fit your unique style. As an Event Design House, we facilitate and coordinate all communications with experts in every field.
Do you do in-house event planning?
Our event planning and logistics are handled through our valued partnership with sister company Jenna Culley Events. Click here for more info.
