FAQ

We understand that events can be exciting, with lots of details to include in the preparation and execution of the plans. Our general process is shared below, in addition to frequently asked questions answered. Please Contact Generations for further information. We look forward to assisting you with your event!

After receiving your inquiry and collaborating in an initial consultation about your event, a personalized quote will be shared with you. Consultations can be held in-person, via phone, email, or virtual meeting. If you are in agreement with the quote, a signed rental contract agreement will be required along with 50% nonrefundable security deposit. The nonrefundable security deposit holds the date of your event and reserves your requested dishes and other equipment. Adjustments thereafter to your order can be made up to 10 days prior to your event. At that time, final payment will be due and all details will be finalized. Generally, we deliver the day before the event, and pick up the day after. All of the washing is handled by us - giving you more time during your special event.

What information is needed to prepare the quote?

  • Client name, address, phone number, email address

  • Date and time of the event

  • Name and location of venue, if a private residence we will need the name of the owner

  • Occasion and theme/colors

  • Number of guests and/or tables

  • Additional rental order details (such as place setting options, serving dishes, decor pieces, special requests, etc.).

What costs are associated with the rental?

The Rental Fee is the cost for renting the dishes, decor, serving ware, etc. In addition to the rental cost, there are two fees, the Stocking Fee and the Delivery/Retrieval Fee. The Stocking Fee is 20% of the Rental Fee, and incorporates packing, washing, and restocking of rental items. The Delivery/Retrieval Fee is based on the event’s location distance from our base in Fort Bragg, California.

The Delivery/Retrieval Fee is, depending upon distance traveled, currently:

For locations not listed above, please inquire specifically with us. We currently cover Mendocino County and parts of Sonoma and Napa counties.

Is there a deposit?

We have two deposits associated with our rentals. The Security Deposit (50% of the total Rental Fee) is nonrefundable and due upon signing the contract to secure your items. The Replacement Deposit is a flat-fee of $200.00 and is refundable upon the return of all items. The Replacement Deposit will only be deducted from in cases when dishes are missing or damaged, as a replacement cost. If replacement costs exceed the deposit amount, Generations will ask for the additional replacement costs. Generally, replacement costs are under $12/each for most items, and $25/each for colored goblets.

All fees and deposits will be included in the rental quote. We want you to be fully aware of all the costs for your event, and will work with you to stay within budget.

Other FAQs

  • Renting the products, the product delivery to and from the event location, washing and packaging of products are all inclusive. Set up can be arranged for an additional charge.

  • All rental equipment from Generations is delivered to and retrieved from the event location. This makes it one less task for you to complete, and ensures that everything is included and present at the event location.

  • No, we do not ship our vintage treasures.

  • No! We do the washing, yet the dishes and tableware will need to be rinsed or wiped, removing all food debris, before repacking in the crates. Be sure to make arrangements with your caterer or event coordinator, or you can assemble your own crew, to manage the cleaning and packing. Linens can be placed in provided linens bins for collection and retrieval.

  • As our collection represents a few of many different patterns, we will try to honor the request as much as our inventory and time allows. Check out our ‘Collections’ page to see our current offerings.

  • Typically, the client, caterer, wedding planner, friends, or family members set the tables, yet we would love to help! We can provide you with a quote for this additional service.

  • We use standard catering crates for our dishes and glassware, protected with plastic wrapping. Flatware utensils are packed in plastic bins. Tiered stands are packed disassembled for safe transport; we ask that you rinse and repack disassembled. Cake stands and other large glass dishes come in padded crates. Assorted decor will be packed in marked crates. Linens are packed in covered hangers, or in crates, and laundry mesh bags are used to collect soiled linens. Directions to repack and an inventory checklist will be provided upon delivery.

  • The rental time frame is typically three days – which is the day before the event, the day of the event, and the day after the event. We are, however, flexible with the rental period, and we can discuss particular needs for your event.

  • We understand that this may happen. When it does, please tell us and carefully pack the broken piece separately for us to retrieve. We will need to deduct from the Replacement Deposit the fair market value of the item, with most pieces being less than $12/each, or colored goblets at $25/each.

  • Breathe! Enjoy the planning process, too. Be sure to discuss your contract with Generations with your caterer, florist, wedding planner, family helpers, and venue coordinator. If there are any questions or concerns, we will do our best to help and work out details as needed.

Have another question not listed?