Celebration of Life Rentals in Memphis: A Calm, Simple Guide to Planning a Repast
When a family loses someone, the repast or celebration of life often comes together in just a few days. Finding celebration of life rentals in Memphis should be the easiest part of that week, not another source of stress. At 901 Memphis Event Rentals, we help families across Memphis, Whitehaven, Raleigh, Cordova, Bartlett and the surrounding area set up warm, organized spaces where loved ones can eat, share stories and support each other.
This guide walks you through what you need, how much of it to order, and how to keep the day running smoothly so your family can focus on what matters.
What Is a Repast and How Is It Different From a Celebration of Life?
A repast is the meal shared after a funeral or burial service. In Memphis, it is often held in a church fellowship hall, a family home, a backyard or a community center. A celebration of life is usually a more open gathering focused on memories, music and photos, and it may happen days or weeks after the service.
Both events need the same basics: places to sit, places to eat, a clean food service area, and a comfortable setting for guests of every age. That is where repast rentals in Memphis make the difference.
What Rentals Do You Need for a Repast in Memphis?
Most families need fewer items than they expect. Here is a simple checklist:
- Tables: 6 ft or 8 ft banquet tables for dining, plus 1 to 3 extra tables for the food line, desserts and drinks
- Chairs: one chair per expected guest, plus about 10% extra for elders and late arrivals
- Linens: floor-length tablecloths in white, ivory or the loved one’s favorite color give the room a finished, respectful look
- Memory table: one round or cocktail table for photos, a guest book and the program
- Tent: for backyard or outdoor gatherings, a tent provides shade from Memphis sun and cover from sudden rain
- Fans: in warm months, event fans keep older guests comfortable
- China and flatware: optional, but they make a home-cooked meal feel more like a family dinner
If the repast is at a church, ask the church office what they already have. Many families only need to add chairs, linens or a few extra tables to cover overflow.
How Many Tables and Chairs Do You Need for a Funeral Reception?
Use these quick numbers when ordering funeral reception tables and chairs:
| Guests | 6 ft banquet tables (6 seats each) | 8 ft banquet tables (8 seats each) | Extra tables for food and memory display |
| 50 | 9 | 7 | 2 |
| 100 | 17 | 13 | 3 |
| 150 | 25 | 19 | 4 |
| 200 | 34 | 25 | 4 to 5 |
Not every guest sits at once during a repast. People arrive in waves, eat and visit. Seating for about 75% of your expected crowd usually works, but for a sit-down meal plan a chair for everyone.
Do You Need a Tent Rental for a Repast?
If the gathering is at a home or outdoors anywhere in Shelby County, a tent rental for a repast is one of the smartest choices you can make. Memphis weather changes fast. Summer afternoons are hot and humid, spring brings sudden storms, and fall evenings cool off quickly. A tent protects the food, keeps elders out of direct sun and gives the gathering a defined, welcoming space.
For 50 guests seated at tables, a 20 x 30 tent is a comfortable size. For 100 guests, look at a 30 x 40. Add a little extra room if you plan a food line under the same tent.
How Fast Can You Book Celebration of Life Rentals in Memphis?
Families rarely have weeks to plan. The best move is to call as soon as the date and location are set. Have these details ready:
- Date, start time and address of the repast
- Expected number of guests
- Indoor or outdoor setup
- Any items the venue or church already provides
- Preferred delivery and pickup times
Our team will confirm availability, give you a clear quote with no hidden fees, and handle delivery and pickup so your family is not hauling chairs the morning of the service.
Small Touches That Make a Repast Feel Personal
- Use the loved one’s favorite color in table linens or napkins
- Set a memory table near the entrance with framed photos and a guest book
- Place a few chairs near the family table for elders who need to sit close
- Keep a separate drink station so the food line moves faster
- Leave a clear walkway for wheelchairs and walkers
Why Memphis Families Choose 901 Memphis Event Rentals
We are a local, owner-operated Memphis rental company. We know the churches, fellowship halls and neighborhoods we serve, and we understand that a repast is not just another party. Our customers tell us our deliveries are on time and our rentals arrive clean. We offer upfront pricing, flexible delivery, and a full range of tables, chairs, linens, tents, fans, china and flatware.
If you need celebration of life rentals in Memphis, reach out today. We will help you create a peaceful, comfortable space to honor your loved one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to rent for a repast in Memphis? Most repasts need banquet tables, chairs, tablecloths, one or two food service tables and a memory table. Outdoor repasts also need a tent and, in warm months, fans.
How many chairs should I rent for a funeral reception? Rent one chair per expected guest for a sit-down meal. For a come-and-go reception, chairs for about 75% of guests is usually enough.
Can I book repast rentals on short notice? Yes. Call 901 Memphis Event Rentals as soon as your date is set. Short-notice bookings depend on inventory, so earlier is always better.
Do you deliver celebration of life rentals outside Memphis city limits? We serve Memphis and the surrounding areas. Share your address when you call and we will confirm delivery.
What size tent do I need for a repast with 100 guests? A 30 x 40 tent seats about 100 guests at banquet tables with room for a small food line.
