Posted on

How To: Calculate Pipe & Drape

Figuring out pipe & drape for your event may be a little daunting. With this tutorial, we hope to make your planning process a little easier!

Here are the parts of a pipe & drape section:

Part Price Measurements Options
A Base $10.90 18”x18”
B Upright $10.90 Extendable from 7’ – 12’

Diameter 2”

Black or Silver
C Crossbar $10.90 Extendable from 6’ – 10’

Diameter 3”

D Drape $6.38 Width: 4’

Height: 8’ or 12’

Black, White, or Navy Blue

 

*The number of drapes you need depends on how much pleating you’d like.

Specialty Drapes Varies Width: varies

Height: varies

Black velour (4’ width x 12’ height; $17.50)

Barn yard (9’ width x 12’ height; $26.50)

Sheer (9’ width x 12’ height; $26.50)

Silver sequin (9’ width x 12’ height; $26.50)

3’ high black banjo (12’ width x 3’ height; $9.00)

How to calculate how much pipe & drape you need:

  1. Draw out the entire width of coverage that you need for the pipe & drape.
    Example:
  2. Divide the total width into sections that are 6’ to 10’ in width (because each crossbar can only extend from 6’ to 10’).
    Example:
  3. Figure out how many drapes you’ll need. The number of drapes that you’ll need will depend on how much pleating or “fullness” you prefer. For reference, we generally recommend 3 panels of drape per 10’ section which will create a slightly pleated look.
  4. Figure out what height you’d like for your drapes – 8’ or 12’.
    .
  5. Now count all the parts that you need to get a total list of all the items you need for your pipe & drape!
    Example:
    4 x bases
    4 x uprights
    3 x crossbars
    8 x drapes (8’ high, black)
    .
    Example #1: 10’ wide and 12’ height section

    You’ll need:

    • 2 x bases
    • 2 x uprights (black)
    • 1 x crossbar
    • 3 x 12’ drapes (black)
    • Total Rental Cost: $73.64 (before taxes)

    .
    Example #2: 16’ wide and 8’ height section

    You’ll need:

    • 3 x bases
    • 3 x uprights (black)
    • 2 x crossbars
    • 6 x 8’ drapes (black)
    • Total Rental Cost: $125.48 (before taxes)

Of course, if you’re still unsure about determining your pipe & drape needs, you can always give us a call at our office; our sales team will be happy to help. We just need to know (1) the width of each area that you’re looking to cover, (2) the height that you’d like, and (3) the colour of drapes, and we can do the rest!

~ Kim Co

Posted on

How To: Read Your Rental Contract

Checking over your rental contract is an essential part of preparing for a successful event. By taking a few minutes to review your rental contract in advance, you can avoid last minute problems and unnecessary stress closer to your event date. And since we have recently switched over to a new rental system and our rental contracts look quite different, we have decided to create a guide as to how to read your rental contract.

Part A: A&B Contact Information

This is where you can find our contact information. This includes the address of our showroom and warehouse for pickups and returns.

Part B: Customer Information

Your contact information will be here, including billing address, phone number, and event name or description. You should check that this is all correct in case we need to contact you.

Part C: Delivery & Pickup Information

If applicable, this is where you will find information regarding your delivery and pickup. This includes delivery and pickup dates, scheduled time windows, address, and specific delivery instructions. Make sure to check that the date and time window is correct for delivery and pickup. You wouldn’t want us to come a day early for a surprise party or a day late for a wedding!

Part D: Rental Items

This is a complete list of your rental items. It goes without saying that you should check this carefully to make sure nothing was accidentally omitted or added.  This is also where you can see the price breakdown for your rentals, delivery and pick-up, and retail items.

Part E: Contract Status and Number

This is where you can quickly find out whether your contract is a “Reservation,” “Quote,” or “Cancelled.” This is also where you can find your contract number. Pro tip: when calling or emailing us to inquire or revise your order, it is very helpful to have your contract number handy.

Part F: Event Dates and Sales Representative

This is where you can find out when your items are booked out and due back. If your rentals are being delivered, these dates should match the dates in Part C.  The sales representative that last revised your order is also noted here.

Part G: Total Charges

This is where you can find a summary of your total charges.

Part H: Hours of Operation

These are our hours of operation. For pickups and returns, please arrive at least half an hour before closing to avoid the end of day rush.

If you have any questions about your contract, you can always call our office to speak with our sales staff.  Happy ordering!

~ Kim Co

Posted on

5 Questions with…Kim Co, Event Specialist at A&B Partytime Rentals

Meet the people behind A&B that make all the magic happen! Our blog series, “5 Questions with…” introduces our team of event experts. Today’s post features Kim Co. Kim started with A&B in the summer of 2014. Working during busy weekend hours, Kim is used to being quick on her feet.

What does your typical workday look like?

Saturdays are unpredictable! A tall Blonde roast from Starbucks sets me up for a day of last-minute order entries and event crisis management. It’s a bit of a juggling act too! With customers coming into the showroom, calling to place orders, or emailing to revise orders, Saturdays can get quite hectic.

What are some of your favourite events that you have worked on?

My sister’s Carnival-themed 18th Birthday Party was really fun to plan and host. We had DIY carnival games, popcorn, cotton candy, and live performances!

What are some new rental items that you are coveting right now?

I love our new Wheat Burlap tablecloths. Generally, I like the earthy, rustic, and natural look. Think: lots of greens and natural wood with a splash of gentle elegance.

Finish this sentence. They key to a successful event is…

Keeping your guests comfortable, fed, and their thirst quenched.

If you had an unlimited budget to plan the ultimate event of your dreams, what kind of party would you throw?

I would love to host the ultimate Halloween party. Imagine an overflowing candy bar, caramel apple decorating, freshly popped popcorn, and taps of craft beer. All of this, of course, is in preparation for a horror movie marathon.