8 Outrageous Wedding Reception Rentals Slideshow

A popcorn machine is a relatively inexpensive rental item with a high yield. As an added bonus, guests can serve themselves — no attendant needed. Set out paper bags or cones (monogrammed for extra flair) for guests to fill with popcorn. 

For a glitzy addition to the party, order a custom ice luge for you and your guests to enjoy. Not only does the ice serve as another canvas for personalizing your event, but it also is a practical way to keep the shots cold (and coming). You could even ask for two chutes in the luge, and set out drink recommendations from you and your partner over each chute.

Planning a wedding with a carnival theme? What could be better than cotton candy? Making the dessert is almost a performance in itself, so it will provide easy entertainment for guests young and old. And though cotton candy is mostly associated with circuses and fairs, there is something undeniably elegant about big clouds of it on paper cones.

A champagne fountain is incredibly glamorous — and who doesn't love champagne? But it also has a practical aspect: no suited servers necessary. Guests can serve themselves and refill their glasses as they like.

If you have a favorite local food truck, invite them to the wedding! Simplify catering and bring the party outdoors by enlisting a truck to park at your reception all evening. If you're feeling particularly outrageous, rent two: one for dinner and one for dessert. 

This is the perfect dessert for chocoholic couples or couples who can't pick just one dessert. It's the ultimate customizable wedding dessert — you and your partner can choose the type of chocolate you'd like flowing through dessert as well as the variety of items guests can dip into it. Trade a formal sit-down dessert for platters of cut fruits, marshmallows, cake, pretzels, and a bunch of skewers.

Get creative with your table settings! You can rent just about anything, from porcelain and flatware to vases and tablecloths. Play off the theme of the rest of your wedding. Trying for a rustic feel? Get a selection of mismatched china plates for table settings that are talking points.

Many couples serve coffee with dessert. Instead of a plain coffee service ("Regular or decaf?"), ask your favorite coffee shop if you can hire a couple of their baristas for your reception. They might even be open to creating a custom drink for you and your partner. Bonus points if they can make a heart with latte foam.