When you start planning your wedding you’ll find that there are items you need to buy outright, as well as those you’re better off renting for your event. And while you can find myriad ways to save on purchases; buying a used wedding gown, choosing flowers that are in season or making trendy paper flower bouquets, or letting your amateur-photographer cousin take photos rather than hiring a professional wedding photographer; you might not know exactly how to save on rentals for your wedding. But you’re going to need several rental items for your event. So here are a few pointers to help you get the savings you need to stick to your budget.

Let’s start with the location. The venue you rent for your outdoor wedding could have a major impact on the cost. Say, for example, that you wish to hold your wedding at a country club. Whether you use their large terrace or take advantage of the grounds, you’re probably going to pay a pretty penny for the privilege. If, on the other hand, you elect to hold your event at a public space like a park or beach in your area, the fee you pay to the city will be significantly less. Of course, you may have to deal with the public intruding on your private affair, but if cost is a major consideration, you might be willing to make some compromises.

You also need to consider whether or not the venue you choose includes any of the rental items you need as part of the package. Some venues will provide you with tables, chairs, and even place settings as part of your event fee. Some will charge you extra for these items, but it could still end up costing less than hiring a separate party rental service to transport and set up these items for you. This is why it’s important to shop around and price everything out before you make a decision on where to hold your ceremony and/or reception.

And don’t forget that you can see potential savings by bundling several rental items together. If you need a tent, tables, chairs, place settings, centerpieces, a dance floor, and other decorative items, it might be worth asking whether party rental companies offer packages that will give you a discount on multiple rentals. You should also consider DIY options, like hauling everything yourself (if you happen to have some friends with trucks willing to help you load, transport, and unload rental items). And honestly, you should always ask for available discounts on wedding rentals. You just never know what you might get just by asking.

In some cases you’ll have little bargaining power. Limos, tuxes, and other items might not be eligible for any discounts (although you should still ask, or at least look for coupons, Groupings, and other deals online). But when you rent from your venue or you use a third party rental, just for example, it’s well worth your time to explore packages and ask about other potential discounts.