Prior Engagements

Prior Engagements provided tables, linens and votives for our wedding day. We loved the final look. Our goal was to create our version of the big kitchen table that we spent many evenings around from my in-laws family home, and it worked out perfectly. It was so great having our guests all around us at one table. The look was rustic elegant - perfect for a wedding but also comfortable enough that we all felt right at home. The rental items all looked great and really elevated the table scape as we went minimal on the florals. Thank you Sarah!

Sarah was amazing to work with setting up for our September wedding. The installation crew was a bit crusty about a miscommunication, but everything worked out splendidly!

Would recommend.

It was great working with Sarah for our wedding rentals. She was always quick to respond, and saved the day when extra linens were needed the day of. We were so happy with the quality of the dishware, glassware, and linens.

Unfortunately, I have some mixed feelings about my experience with Prior Engagements. My partner and I had a small backyard wedding in June and rented tables, linens, dinnerware. Upon delivery, it was noted that two of the glasses were broken. The staff was very helpful and immediately replaced them, after searching for other broken glasses. However, the following morning, the day of our wedding, we discovered an additional broken glass. In addition, there were many shards of glass left at the bottom of the bags that covered the crates of glasses, which then were displaced as glasses were taken out. There were shards of glass on the deck as a result, which we then had to clean. This was concerning, particularly as there were children attending the event. Upon bringing this to their attention, I was reassured that they would implement a different method for delivery of glassware to ensure this didn't happen again.

Many of the ivory table linens we received had prominent stains. Unfortunately, we did not notice these stains until we set up the tables the day of the wedding. They were not stains that could be masked. This was of course disappointing as we had taken a lot of time and care in preparing for the big day and made a conscious effort to have all decor in pristine condition.

Lastly, we had ordered two table runners that were meant to run along two tables that were placed side by side as the head table. Unfortunately, the runners were so drastically different in width that we were unable to use them.

Overall, the communication with staff leading up to the day was great. They were quick at responding and very helpful with answering questions. However, when I reached out following the event to share my concerns, the response felt rather defensive and not empathetic. I would hope for greater understanding and greater quality products considering many people are using these rentals for special occasions, such as weddings. I would definitely recommend doing a thorough examination of all products prior to use to ensure that they are in tact and not damaged in an way.

After visiting many retailers while wedding planning, Prior engagements was a breath of fresh air. The client service is the best you will get in Ottawa for party rentals/decor. I can't recommend this place enough! Thank you Sarah for your amazing service and quick responses to my enquiries. I would give this place 10 stars if i could :)