Day 26, meet Kathy with The Party Place!
Champagne: How did The Party Place begin, how long has it been in business?
The Party Place: The Party Place was started by my great-grandfather, Clement Hawver, in 1966 as a rental franchise called United Rent All (not relation to the tool business United Rental). United Rent All actually had little to no party items for rent. Their inventory consisted of exercise equipment, baby cribs, wheel chairs, crutches, home improvement and tools. When my Grandparents, Bill and Delores Manning, took over in the early 1970’s they broke off from the United Rent All chain and gave the company our parent name: Portland Rent All, Inc. More importantly, they also purchased the company’s first party rental item: one rack of wine glasses. Due to lack of storage space, management decided to store them in the bathroom. My grandfather was convinced the wine glasses would never rent. Portland’s wedding and event industry exploded in the 1980’s giving Portland Rent All its big break. We added a whole new party rental and merchandise department to our company and we finally became The Party Place! Our continued success is always credited to our early philosophies: great customer service, impeccable quality and an expansive inventory. By the way, we now own over 10,000 wine glasses! Thanks Grandpa!
Photo by Sara Gray Photography
Photo by Sara Gray Photography
Champagne: What do you think is unique about The Party Place? Do you have any items that you carry that are not widely available otherwise?
The Party Place: We at The Party Place have always prided ourselves on our exemplary customer service skills. We set very high standards for our staff, and we make sure every employee can assist customers on anything from large weddings to small and intimate ceremonies. When problems arise our staff handles it calmly and respectively, and we have a driver out within 10 minutes. Our cell phones are on 24/7. Every customer is important to us, and every event is unique and special! The Party Place is run by owners who are truly passionate about this industry and only want to be the best. The Party Place’s rental selection is also quite impressive, housing one of the largest rental inventories in the Northwest Region including specialty linens.
Another important piece of equipment that sets The Party Place apart is our fabulous new tent washer! The Party Place is the only rental company around who owns one, and this way we can always guarantee that the tent on your wedding day will be ridiculously white. We also house our own laundry rooms with a full laundry staff and dishwashing quarters. Product quality is one of our biggest priorities. Our regular clientele only expect like-new quality, and I contribute their loyalty to our company to our high standards in quality control.
Photo by Sara Gray Photography
Champagne: What do you do if a client wants an item that you’re out of? Do you outsource it for them?
The Party Place: This is one of our famous quotes in our sales office: “Book it anyways!” There is ALWAYS a way to get what you want if you are a Party Place customer. We fully believe in outsourcing if it means making our customers happy. We have even made trips up to Seattle, Washington to source equipment for events! We rarely ever send some one away, but if we must we will always send you to the right person. You tell us what you want, and we will make the magic happen!
Photo by Sara Gray Photography
Photo by Sara Gray Photography
Champagne: A little bird told us that YOU are getting married this year! What have been some of your favorite aspects to being a bride so far!?
The Party Place: Yes, thank you! One of my favorite aspects of being a new bride (wee!) has been the transformation from being a supplier to being a bridal customer in Portland’s amazing wedding market! The design concepts and planning have been so much fun, and I am working with many talented vendors - some of whom I have personally helped plan their own weddings. It has such been such an incredible experience so far, and I know our wedding day will be truly unforgettable.
Photo by Sara Gray Photography
Champagne: Does The Party Place have a minimum for orders?
The Party Place: No minimum order is required! My smallest order has been one silverplated dinner fork to complete a customer’s at-home place setting.
Photo by Lauren Brooks Photography
Champagne: Where can people find The Party Place and do they need an appointment?
The Party Place: The Party Place has two Portland area showrooms to serve our customers: 10101 SE Stark Street by Mall 205, and 1211 N Loring Street by the Rose Quarter. We welcome walk-ins with open arms, however we highly encourage appointments if you are placing a large wedding order. This way we can guarantee a sales person will be available to you! Just call us to a make an appointment: 503-548-4880.
Photo by Vibrant Table Catering
Champagne: Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers about The Party Place?
The Party Place: You can view our rental inventory and prices on our website. Also friend us on Facebook and wreak the benefits! Oh, and we LOVE Champagne Wedding & Events!!
Champagne: Thank you, Kathy [The Party Place], for telling us more about your company! Make sure to check out their website and become a fan on facebook!
Day 25 of 30: Limelight photo booth
Day 24 of 30: AniA Collection
Day 23 of 30: Nicole Wagner Make up
Day 22 of 30: Alesia Zorn Calligraphy and more
Day 21 of 30: Bass is Loaded! Mobile DJ
Day 20 of 30: Effesenden Music
Day 19 of 30: Anne Adams Photography
Day 18 of 30: Paparazzi Tonight Photo Booth
Day 17 of 30: Timberline Lodge
Day 16 of 30: hi, friend.
Day 15 of 30: Byron Roe Photography
Day 14 of 30: Francoise Weeks
Day 13 of 30: phresh catering
Day 12 of 30: Carroll Myers
Day 11 of 30: Ryan Ricketts Photography
Day 10 of 30: Floral Designs by Alicia
Day 9 of 30: Domaine Margelle
Day 8 of 30: Crave Catering
Day 7 of 30: Pro Djs Oregon
Day 6 of 30: O’Brien Event Rentals
Day 5 of 30: Lauren Brook Photography
Day 4 of 30: Fleur:ology Wedding + Event Floral Design
Day 3 of 30: Pure Space
Day 2 of 30: Celebrate Life Photography
Day 1 of 30: Paper Bloom
Last year’s 30 days of vendors
What is 30 days of Vendors?
We look forward to seeing you again tomorrow! Thank you for stopping by our blog! Happy Planning!
Cheers,
Mandi, Rachelle & the Champagne team
P.S. Oregon Bride Magazine just opened up the voting for this years “Best Of” issue. Make sure to go vote for your favorite wedding vendors!! We appreciate you all helping us win “Best New Wedding Vendor” last year! We’d love to win best planner this year- one can dream! : )
