If you are confused about all of the linen rental options available, the following material should help iron out the wrinkles.

Tablecloth. The king of rental linens, the tablecloth, beautifully covers tables to create an elegant dining experience. Rental stores offer tablecloths in a wide variety of colors and materials. Layering tablecloths can create an even more dramatic effect. For instance, a floor-length tablecloth can act as the base cloth and another shorter tablecloth in a coordinating color or pattern then tops it off.

Table skirt. This table linen decorates a table using gathered or pleated fabric that runs from the top of the table to the floor. Rental table skirts beautify buffet tables, wedding cake tables, gift tables, etc.

Napkin. In addition to serving the functional purpose of allowing wedding guests to wipe their mouths while eating, rental napkins also bring decorum to the table, especially when properly folded. For detailed instructions on how to fold napkins in a variety of ways, visit www.napkinfoldingguide.com.

Chair cover. Rental chair covers come in a variety of materials, including cotton, polyester, lace, lame, lamour satin, velvet and taffeta. They cover the entire chair from the top to the floor. Although, rented chair covers may cover all types of chairs from a folding chair to a Chiavari chair, chair covers made of a more sheer material, such as organdy, appropriately cover rented chairs too beautiful to hide. Chair style covers include straight, swag or pleated backs.

Chair wrap or bag. This type of rental chair cover does not require a sash because the cover itself ties into a draping knot at the back of the chair.

Chair jacket. Unlike chair covers, rental chair jackets do not cover the entire chair. Instead, they drape to the floor, but cover only the back of the chair, leaving the seat and legs of the chair exposed. For this reason, they sometimes are called chair backs. Brides and wedding planners rent chair jackets when they want to add a little something more to a rented chair, such as a Chiavari chair, that is too beautiful to cover completely.

Chair shawls. Similar to chair jackets, chair shawls cover only the back of the rental chair, but they only reach as far as the chair seat and do not drape to the floor. Brides and wedding planners often rent chair shawls to dress up folding chairs. Chair sleeves are another name for chair shawls.

Chair cap. This rental linen enhances a stylish chair without covering it all up. In fact, chair caps cover only the very top of the chair’s back.

Chair sash. Also called a tie, this rental linen consists of a long piece of fabric that wraps around the front of the chair’s back for tying in a bow or knot behind the covered or uncovered chair. You can also use chair sashes as table runners.

Chair pads. Rental chair pads, which provide added seating comfort, come in a rainbow of colors.

Disposable linen. Some rental stores offer disposable linen items as an alternate to traditional linens. The disposable linen industry has evolved beyond paper and plastic, though. Disposable linens now can look and feel just like real linens. A disposable napkin of this kind even can hold its shape when folded. Disposable tablecloths, napkins and table skirting come in a multitude of colors and patterns, including white damask for a more elegant-looking table.

Contact your local, ARA-affiliated, rental store for information on available rental products and services to meet your wedding linen needs. To locate the rental store nearest you, use the Rental Store Quick Locator above.