FAQ's

FAQ for hire

Why should I hire a wedding or event planner?
  1. Even if you are the most organised of people or have helped to pull off the best family parties by simply pulling together loads of Pinterest dream boards, you don’t have to do your wedding solo. There are many reasons why we suggest you should use one of our professional event specialists. We have access to a treasure trove of ideas to take a huge weight off you and your partner; leaving you time to enjoy the process. So many of our clients find planning their wedding daunting and stressful. Here at Chef Duet Event Hire, we will put the fun in the process from beginning to end.
  2. As professionals you can trust us – whether there are 100 or 500 guests at your event planning requires a lot more than choosing the right shade of flowers or table decoration. Juggling the many other suppliers, budgets, checklists, and legal matters, plus let’s not forget your day-to-day responsibilities; all of this and more make professional planners a huge asset for busy couples hoping to approach the checklist with minimal stress.
  3. We’ll help with your specific needs – it may seem like a huge chunk of your budget; but a worthy investment that will give you peace of mind and ensure you enjoy the moment you’ve spent months planning. With our experts behind all your decisions, purchases, and negotiations, you will save money in the long run. You will have our influence to be able to score you insider deals while always taking care of your budget. Here are our 3 different planning services we offer:
    • Full service – handle everything from start to finish, from crafting the vision at your first consultation meeting to the weekend activities for your guests. (Perfect for multi-day wedding or destination wedding or couples who want our event specialist to guide them through every step of the wedding planning process). (£1375 – based on 5 days service; includes day coordinator. Excludes venue setup and set down) 
    • A la carte – perfect if you prefer a part-time professional you can contact on an as needed basis? Help to find that perfect caterer for your specific menu. (£275 per day; exclude venue setup and set down)
    • Day coordinator – will help to coordinate from the ceremony to the reception. Keeping your wedding party on schedule. (£345 per day; exclude venue setup and set down)
  4. Bringing your vision to life – our experts are exactly that they have been working in this industry for more than 10 years, working in a multitude of environments from their own wedding venues, marquee venues, hotels and many more. Book your first consultation with one of our expert specialists. Arrive armed with a few basic ideas and questions…we will listen to your ideas carefully. Whether you are envisioning a formal affair, a barn style wedding, or an enchanted woodland theme we will guide you to the best suppliers or choose the best table décor to pull it off.
  5. Help you enjoy your day – The British weather is the usual upset on the big event day; we can’t help the weather, but our experts with make that call whether the champagne or prosecco cocktail tree should come inside or stay outside; whether the cake should be moved inside or stay outside with someone generally our planner, holding the umbrella over it until the shower passes. On your big day your only job is to soak up the wonderful memories, we’ll run around and do the rest. After all this is going to be one of the best days of your life! 
How long can I keep the equipment for?

The prices we quote on our website are for one hire, which is for 72 hours from Friday to Monday. If a week’s hire is required, this is double the 72-hour charge.  For any other hire period please contact the office.

 

Do you charge for delivery and collection?

We do charge for delivery and collection based on distance.

Can I collect my items?

You can collect by prior arrangement.  Please ensure you have a suitable vehicle to collect the items. 

How and when can I pay?

We take a 20% (non refundable) deposit to secure your booking.

The balance hire charge is due two weeks before the event.  Payment can be made by BACS or credit card.

Do you have a minimum order?

No, as we cater for a wide range of events, from small gatherings to large corporate events.

What if my event numbers change?

Please contact us ASAP we’ll do our best to accommodate changes. Final numbers are required 14 days before delivery.

The items we want aren’t on the website, can you provide these?

We can obtain items not listed on our website, please do not hesitate to contact the team.

Do you deliver and collect on the weekends or on bank holidays?
  1. Typically, we don’t, however on request we will quote for out of hour deliveries and collections.
Do you offer advice of what to hire for my event?

Yes, you can book an appointment to discuss your requirements with one of our professional event specialists.

Where do you deliver?

We deliver to Bideford, Barnstaple, Torrington, Westward Ho! and surrounding North Devon areas.  If you’re outside these areas, please contact the office.

Do we set the equipment up?

Our drivers do not set the equipment up by default, they will drop the equipment off to a single location.  In certain circumstances we will setup for an additional charge, however this must be agreed in advance with your event specialist.

Can I see the items before hiring?

Yes, you can visit our showroom by pre-arranged appointment with one of our event specialists.

Do I need to wash the items before returning?
  1. China, glassware, cutlery & other dinnerware needs to be cleaned prior to return.  We have additional charge of 25% to return the items dirty. Please confirm that you want to return ‘dirty’ when ordering. 
  2. Linens do not need to be washed we would appreciate it if you can separate wet and dry items before placing it back in the bag. Wet Laundry can become effected by mildew and as a result will incur additional laundry costs.
What happens if I break or lose something?

Please inform our staff, the replacement cost will be taken from the deposit, or an additional charge will be issued.

Do you only hire in specific quantities?

For certain items yes, as an example, certain China, Cutlery and Glasses are supplied in 10, 12 and 24 in a set.  Please take note of the quantities on the website.

Is there a cancellation charge?

Orders cancelled within 7 days of the hire period are fully chargeable. Orders cancelled 8-14 days before hire will be changed at 50% of the total hire cost.

Return of equipment

  1. All our equipment is washed and sterilised prior to each hire and is then packed in special crates to maintain cleanliness. We will accept equipment returned rinsed and placed under running water, leaving no food or drink on the equipment. The items can then be placed in the special packing crates wet. This will not incur any further costs. If, however you wish to return the hire equipment dirty there is an addition charge of 25%. All food must be removed, and all glasses must be empty.
  2. The customer has the responsibility to insure the equipment and pay for all missing and broken items.

         

           An important note about our linen hire:

  1. You are not responsible for laundering the linen. You must however ensure that the linen is dry before you put it in the bag to return to us. Wet folded linen will quickly develop mould which cannot be removed, and, in these cases, you will be charged with full replacement costs.
  2. Delivery & Collection?
    • We transport hire products using our experienced staff in specialist vehicles. Transport is charged as an additional cost according to postcode. 
    • Customers are welcome to collect and return their orders themselves.