Vendor Spotlight: quaint vintage rental & design co

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There are so many ways to personalize your wedding day, from the invitation suite to the flowers, even your officiant can be personalized! (Having your ceremony officiated by a family member or a friend – can’t get much more personal than that!) But what about your venue? Sure, you picked it. You’re having a florist add some color to it… BUT – did you know that you can take things a step further?! That’s right! You can now personalize your venue!! How?? With rentals! And not just any rentals. We’re talking gorgeous, one of a kind vintage rentals from quaint vintage rental & design co (yes, it’s a lowercase “q”, and don’t you forget it!).

Hoping to add a little vintage glam to your reception? quaint has it. Want to bring in some comfortable and unique seating to your cocktail hour? quaint can do it! Want to sit on a thrown at your head table like the qween you are? quaint. Want your dessert table to look as incredible as your desserts? quaint. Want someone to set up an entire lounge area in your backyard so that the grass is transformed from empty outdoor space to a quirky outside living room, enticing your guests to get cozy on the couches while they breath in the fresh air and watch the sun set on your perfect day, putting their feet up on the coffee tables, laughing and joking and talking late into the evening as the twinkle lights above mimic the amazing stars in the sky because, oh yeah, YOU’RE SITTING ON A COUCH OUTSIDE?! *breath* I think you get the point. :)

Rebecca Duda, quaint’s owner and lover of unique furniture finds, took some time to answer a whole slew of crazy questions we had for her! Read on to hear more about her, her awesome shop, and the ins and outs of booking a Pop Up Wedding! What the heck is a Pop Up Wedding, you ask? Well, keep reading and you’ll find out.

How would you describe yourself in three words or less?

Energetic, kind, unique.

Tell us a little bit about quaint!

quaint is my baby! We started with only a few pieces, and now we offer a wide range of sofas, chairs, custom farm tables, plenty of large & small props, glassware, etc. Our inventory is constantly growing! Being able to see these one-of-a-kind pieces being used in couples’ wedding days, and other fun events, really makes me happy. Bringing a touch of charm to such a special day is what we do. Our pieces add that unique element that gets guests talking and really remembering that particular celebration. I always say that great conversations happen when our pieces are present. :)

How did you decide to start your own rental business?

I worked with a wedding planner for several years, and found that there seemed to be a lack of unique rental items in the industry. I’ve always loved antique items, and am considered an old soul by many, so when I was seeing unique furniture pieces and props being used in different ways, in different areas of the country, I thought it was a great idea to bring to this area! It’s so much fun searching for new inventory pieces and creating new items to add to our always growing collection. The hunt is always the most fun!

What type of items do you have available for rental?

We have: sofas, love seats, chairs, 22 farm tables, coffee & end tables, dressers, vanities, hutches, trunks, rugs, pews, mantels, doors, arbors, brass shelving, bar carts, suitcases, brass candles, books, mirror trays, china, tea cups, chandeliers, lanterns, and lots of other fun and unique options! As we mentioned before, our inventory is always growing!

What services do you provide to your clients?

We offer styling services with our pieces and can help with the layout design as well. We also handle the delivery and pick ups of all items.

What is it about Buffalo that makes you love living and working here?

I’m a proud Buffalonian! I always thought I wanted to get away from here, but when I went to college in LA, I realized Buffalo is actually a great place to live and grow! Especially with all the good that’s happening now, I’m so excited to bring quaint to this area!

What is your favorite thing to do in Buffalo?

I love to bike ride throughout WNY. It’s so relaxing and you get out and see so many different places and people! Also the food is fabulous, so exploring new restaurants and eateries is always a good idea :)

Summer or Winter??

Definitely a summer gal!

What is your favorite part about what you do?

I love finding and creating new inventory pieces for quaint. Also being able to meet new clients and vendors is such a great experience. I’ve met some wonderful people through this business, and I hope to continue for some time to come!

Cats or dogs?

Dogs!

What is it that keeps you coming back to this job day after day?

quaint is my passion. I work another full time job, so having this small business allows me that creative outlet that I crave and need in my life. The rental business can be tough, but at the end of the day I love what I do, and I wouldn’t want it any other way. Being able to see the happy faces of the brides and kind comments when we drop off and style spaces, is really what makes me keep going! It’s such a joy for me to share my vintage beauties with others!

Where do you get all of your rental pieces from?

Many places! I get them from estate sales, flea markets, garage sales, thrift stores, online garage sales, craigslist, side of the road (one man’s trash is another man’s treasure :). I also get pieces from people contacting me with items they’d like to go to a good home. We constantly acquire one piece at a time.

Anything new in stock this season??

We have some new coffee tables, love seats, singer sewing machine, lanterns, etc. We’re always adding something new. I currently have a love seat getting reupholstered in a lilac velvet…I can’t wait to see it completed! I have several more reupholstering projects down the road as well.

What’s the most unique item that you’ve ever come across in your treasure hunting?

I’d have to say my pink velvet, 3 piece sectional sofa. Colette was a random find, and I was in awe when I saw her! I knew I had to have this! I could just stare at this piece all day, it’s so lovely. It was created specifically for a congressmen’s wife here in Buffalo, back in the 50’s. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind piece.

What do you love most about working in the wedding industry?

The wedding industry is always changing and there’s something new always happening. I love how no 2 weddings are alike, and it’s so great seeing the personalities of each couple being showcased with unique design choices throughout their big day. It’s an exciting industry to be in, and I love being a part of it so much!

What’s your favorite movie?

The Notebook!

What is your favorite type of couple to work with? Who would you consider “your people”?

I love working with clients that aren’t afraid of the eclectic looks. Using different pieces throughout a wedding or event, really makes it stand out and create a fun and beautiful environment for guests to be a part of. Who wants a cookie cutter wedding?! Having unique rentals can really help add that touch of charm!

What was the most fun or unique wedding/event decor that you’ve ever been a part of?

Sometimes it’s the smaller shoots or events that seem to be the most creative fun! I loved putting together the Mad Hatter shoot for a family photo session in the woods. It was so great being able to create a scene that comes to life and really tells a story! I also loved throwing the 60th birthday party in the woods. Taking beautiful pieces and placing them in settings you wouldn’t typically see, really brings that unique look and feel to the event. Overall, I love putting together spaces that will enhance or take you to another place. Why not create those magical backdrops that truly allow for the guests to be immersed in a different world for a little bit. Just makes life more fun, don’t you think?

What’s your favorite color?

Black – it’s classic :)

Tell us about your new “Pop Up Weddings”! What are they? How does it work? Give us all the details!

I’m so excited to offer these intimate weddings! Pop Up Weddings are 90 minute, all-inclusive ceremony celebrations for couples and about 20 guests. There is a set package price which includes:

– The venue
– Photographer
– Florist – ceremony decor, and a bouquet and boutonniere
– Officiant
– Baker – couple’s cake and dessert for each guest
– Hair & Makeup
– Beverage station
– Rentals & styling by us

Each Pop Up Wedding will be different and have a different theme/style. We announce the next pop up through social media, and it’s a first come, first serve basis when booking. Think of these weddings as an elaborate elopement. It’s for those who just want a quick celebration with a few family and friends, and then they’re free to go off after the 90 minutes and have a nice dinner or plan a backyard bash! It takes the stress out of planning and offers couples an intimate and unforgettable wedding, for a set price tag. All they have to do is pick out their attire and send out invites, we handle the rest!

And lastly, share some fun facts about yourself! Anything that will amp up how awesome we already know that you are!

  1. I’m a big Disney fan! I love Disney World. I love Walt’s idea of wanting to create a place where people could go to forget about the real world for a little while. I feel like that’s what we try to do in some ways with my rental company. We are just trying to create spaces that can hopefully give guests a fun and unique environment, where they can relax and forget about their problems for a little bit. Everybody needs this mental escape. Disney World is definitely mine! :)
  2. I work at a local toy company full time.
  3. I have THE best family and friends, and an amazing and supportive boyfriend!

That’s all folks! :) Thank you!!!

Looking for more from quaint?? Click here!

Find quaint on Facebook and on Instagram and give Rebecca a follow to see more of her beautiful vintage rentals!