Midsummer Common

How should I get started?
Once you have your event date, venue and catering booked, have your event planner or caterer contact us to schedule an appointment. We love having guests in our showroom but require an appointment to ensure that one of us is available to work exclusively with you during your visit.

How much does all this cost?
Our rentals are priced individually and in packages, allowing you the opportunity to choose as many or as few items as you’d like.

Do you have order minimums?
Yes, there is a $200 minimum for all rental orders.

What is your standard rental period?
Our standard rental period is 24 to 48 hours. If you need items for a longer period please ask us and we will do our best to work with you.

When should I reserve everything?
As our collections are limited (and mostly antiques); we recommend reserving as early as possible once you have your venue booked. Charleston is an enormously popular city and is particularly attractive for destination weddings. Reserving rentals as much as 12 months in advance (particularly for large events) is increasingly common.

Can I select specific patterns or pieces from within your collection?
Unfortunately, the nature of our inventory makes it impossible for us to answer yes to this question. All of our items are antique or vintage and many are both fragile and one of a kind. As in theory, any individual item, or even an entire set of dishes might be broken or damaged (heaven forbid) before your event takes place, we simply cannot guarantee that a specific item will be included in your rental.That said you can rest assured that each piece included in your rental package will be hand selected and will conform to the colors, styles and quality specified in your rental agreement and invoice list. 
And if there is something that you simply must have, please let us know as, certain individual items may be purchased. In such situations, all sales will be considered final.

What is the process for reserving inventory?
Once you have decided on exactly what you want to include in your order, we will put together a detailed invoice that will be sent along with a rental contract and a credit card authorization form to your planner or caterer. Everything needs to be signed and returned to us along with a non-refundable deposit payment of 50% of the grand total. The remaining balance is due 3 weeks before your event.

What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept checks, cash, money orders and major credit cards.

Why do you require a signed credit card authorization form?
 We hold the card pending the return of all rented items in good order.

How does cleaning work?
All dishes, glasses and flatware will come to you clean and ready for use. Textiles, linens, vases and other items will likewise be delivered ready for use. As all of our items are either vintage or antique there may be some slight signs of wear that does not preclude use at your event.
We ask that all dishes, glassware, and flatware be rinsed of all liquid and food particles, dried and returned to us in the crates and containers in which they were delivered. Vases should also be emptied, rinsed and returned in their original containers.
All of our table top items require hand washing which we provide and is included in the rental fee. Under no circumstances should any items be run through a dishwashing machine cycle.

What happens if something is lost or damaged?
Sadly It happens. If any item is stained or returned dirty, we will make every effort to restore said item to its original condition and charge only a cleaning fee. But if items are not returned, or returned chipped, cracked, broken or stained beyond repair, a fee or 4 times the rental rate will be charged.

Do you deliver?
Absolutely. We can arrange for delivery to your venue and for pick up after your event has ended. Charges are based on distance, size of the order and time of delivery/pick up. Our normal delivery time are 9am to 5pm Monday through Saturday but we can provide after and off-hour pickup if needed for an additional charge. Our minimum order for delivery is $500.

If I don’t want delivery, can I pick up items myself?
Yes, but we do require that any items picked up be transported in an enclosed vehicle and that items of furniture be transported in either a van or a box truck.

What areas do you serve?
Midsummer Common Event Rentals typically provides delivery within a 2 hour driving distance of Charleston, S.C. But if you are planning something further afield, by all means let us know! We love to travel and our delivery team is always ready to roll.

Can I change my order after signing the contract?
you have up until three weeks before your scheduled delivery date to add or swap items on your original list, subject to availability. Items that are swapped must be of equal or greater value than those originally selected. A 50% non-refundable deposit must be paid on all additions and changes at the time they are added to your list.

Do you have a cancellation policy?
We all know that if it can go wrong, it will go wrong. We’re talking Acts of God Here. Hurricanes happen, wars happen, governments suddenly up and do strange things. We will make every effort to work with any renter whose event is cancelled, postponed or otherwise adversely affected by what the lawyers refer to as a force majeure. There will be no refunds for payments already received by Midsummer Common but we will make all reasonable efforts to work with the Renter and provide the rental items at a later date if necessary, subject to availability.