SPOTLIGHT: Get The Party Started with Après!

Spotlight
Après Event Decor and Tent Rental delivers the best in event rentals to the Upper Midwest. Learn more about their company and the incredible offerings they provide.
Written by
Laura Cross

Après Event Decor and Tent Rental, a family grown business, is celebrating 35 years in the event industry. Named one of America's top 30 rental companies, this premier provider is dedicated to providing creative event solutions. With its expansive offerings, this full-service rental company makes it their job to deliver exactly what you ordered, no matter the size. Check out our Q & A below, with Emily Peter, Sales Assistant, Design and Social Media Manager for Après, and learn more about their incredible event offerings!

How long have you been in business?
Après is celebrating 35 years in business this year! We started in 1987 in the lower level of our owner, Charlie’s home. From there we moved to Bloomington, then Edina and now reside in Minnetonka since 2017. We are so thankful to our customers for their continued business as we move throughout the metro! 

Where is your showroom located and where do you deliver to?
Après’ 8000 sq ft showroom is in Minnetonka at 62 and 494. We are currently by appointment only and would love to have you in! Après delivers to the metro area and beyond.

What makes Après Event Decor and Tent Rental different from other event rental companies (for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others)?
Being a family-owned company with most employees being at Après for 12+ years is something we are very proud of. What sets Après apart from other rental companies is our ability to customize! Whether it be tenting made to fit your land perfectly or custom linens sewn out of your selected fabric. Après’ customer service is second to none, from the first interaction or the 35th revision made to your order, we make it our job to deliver exactly what you want.

Tell us a little about your services and offerings?
We are a full-service rental company; we offer everything from crystal napkin rings to tents larger than our office building (its 100,000 sq ft!). We have something for every size event, tents for thousands, china for the family holiday, or linens for the gala. Après offers draping in venues and our tents and can take care of event set-up and tear down for you.

What if I don't see what I'm looking for on your website?
Tell us! We want to hear from you! What do you want that you can’t find in the local market? Après is customer driven when it comes to bringing in new items. We are always bringing in new samples and analyzing trends to ensure our offerings are hitting the mark. Après aims to be the leader in event trends for the Twin Cities.

Do you offer any specialty programs?
All our rentals are a la carte. Select exactly what you want for your event! We offer office pick-ups for customers that do not want to pay for delivery. We’ve made the pick-up and return process easy for customers.

How does the rental process work for those not working directly with a planner?
We aim to make the process as easy as possible.  You can make an appointment to come in the showroom and meet with an Event Specialist who can help you select what you want to see on a quote. You can also browse our website and build your own quote to submit, an Event Specialist will work with you via email. From there you can iron out details with your Event Specialist.

What are some of your company's most memorable events?
While it’s hard to just pick one, the tented weddings at private residences stick out. The ability to create your venue allows for complete customization and its own set of challenges our team is to ready to accomplish.

Can you name the types of events your company does?
Après does weddings, social events, corporate events, galas, trade shows, fairs & festivals, and whatever else we are asked along for!

What kind of experience do you want people to have when they rent from Après Event and Tent Rentals?
We want you to have a memorable experience for all the right reasons. We have the privilege of being part of some of the most special days of our clients' lives! We want you to leave your event remembering how beautiful it was and what a great time you had. The biggest compliment is when customers come back for special life events; many of our brides had us at their graduation parties!

Whether you're planning an event for the first-time or are an event planning pro, what is one piece advice you can offer when executing an event?
Start planning early! Reach out earlier than you think you need to for your vendors. Especially if there is one you really want to work with! Also, hire a planner!