Event Rental FAQs — Torkay Event Services

Delivery fees are calculated at checkout. What you see when you book is what you pay. No surprises on delivery day.

Setup is not counted against your rental clock. We arrive early so every minute of your rental period is usable event time.

Rentals, catering, staffing, DJ, lighting, staging — one company, one contract, one point of contact. No juggling vendors.

Call (281) 972-5110 Monday through Sunday. If something needs attention at your event, we respond fast.

How do I book a rental from Torkay Event Services?

Book online 24/7 at torkayevents.com/order-by-date — select your event date, browse available inventory, and complete checkout with a deposit. You can also call (281) 972-5110 Monday through Sunday for a same-day quote or to book by phone. For large events or custom packages, a planning call is always the fastest way to get a complete quote.

Is a deposit required to book?

Yes. A deposit is required at booking to reserve your items and your date. Your inventory is not held until the deposit is paid and your contract is signed. Our inventory is live — items remain available to other customers until your reservation is complete. Check current availability online to see open dates and pricing.

What is your cancellation policy?

All event deposits are non-refundable, as outlined in the signed contract at booking. This reflects the preparation costs, credit card processing, and inventory reserved specifically for your event that becomes unavailable to other customers once booked. If your circumstances change, call (281) 972-5110 — we're happy to discuss your options.

How far in advance should I book?

It depends on the event type and time of year. General guidance:

• Backyard birthday parties: 1 to 3 weeks is usually fine for smaller orders
• Summer weekends (June through August): 4 to 6 weeks ahead — these fill fastest across the Houston Metro
• 4th of July and Memorial Day: Book by May. Holiday weekends go early
• Weddings: 2 to 6 months for full-production packages with catering and staffing
• Corporate and large HOA events: 6 to 10 weeks for multi-unit or multi-service packages
• School and church events: 4 to 6 weeks for spring and fall dates

What payment methods does Torkay Event Services accept?

We accept all major credit cards and checks through our secure website. Credit card payment is strongly recommended because it locks in your reservation immediately and removes your items from live inventory the moment payment clears. Checks require time to clear, during which your items remain available to other customers. For corporate accounts and schools, checks are accepted — call (281) 972-5110 to arrange.

What is the damage waiver and do I need it?

The damage waiver works like event insurance — it protects you from unexpected repair or replacement costs if something gets damaged during your rental. Even if you take excellent care of the equipment, accidents happen at events. The waiver covers you so you are not responsible for major repair costs. It is optional but recommended, especially for larger orders, outdoor events, or events with younger children.

Do you use AI or chatbots to answer questions?

No. Every call, chat, and email is handled by a real member of the Torkay Event Services team. There are no AI chatbots, no automated responses, and no outsourced communication. When you reach us, you reach us.

If we do not answer when you call, it is because we are out on a morning delivery or in a production meeting. We promise to get back to everyone that afternoon or sooner. Leave a voicemail or send a chat message on the website and we will respond as soon as we are available. Quotes go out once we are back from our morning runs. Call (281) 972-5110 or visit the contact page for all ways to reach us.

What is the difference between delivery, setup, and teardown?

These are two separate services:

Delivery fee covers transportation — loading at our warehouse, driving to your location, unloading, and the return pickup trip after your event. It applies whether you choose driveway drop-off or full setup.

Setup and teardown fee is separate and covers our crew carrying items to your desired location, assembling everything event-ready (tables placed, chairs set, tablecloths applied, staging built), and fully breaking it down afterward. Items like tents, staging, and dance floors always require setup/teardown due to their weight and assembly requirements.

Does the rental period include setup time?

No. We arrive early specifically so setup does not eat into your rental time. Your 24-hour rental clock starts when setup is complete and equipment is ready for your event — not when our truck arrives. You get your full rental period as usable event time.

What time will you arrive to deliver or set up?

Delivery and setup typically happen 1 to 4 hours before your rental time begins. During busy holiday weekends or when we have heavy delivery volume, we may need to deliver and set up as early as 72 hours in advance. Early delivery never costs extra. If you need a specific delivery window, we offer a paid option to select a one-hour window at checkout. You will receive email instructions with your delivery details before your event.

Can I pick up rentals myself instead of paying for delivery?

Yes. Customer pickup is available at no charge from our warehouse, located off Highway 99 and Mueschke in Tomball. A pickup truck is required for most items. You can pick up as early as 3:00 PM the day before your event and return items by 10:00 AM the day after. You will receive an email with the address and pickup instructions by noon the day before. Items will be staged and labeled with your name — no need to call ahead when you arrive.

Does Torkay Event Services deliver to parks, venues, and gated communities?

Yes. We deliver to parks, HOA amenity centers, gated communities, churches, schools, event venues, and private properties throughout the Greater Houston Metro. For park events, confirm permit requirements with the relevant city or county parks department before booking — some locations require a permit and vendor Certificate of Insurance. Let us know your community name, gate access instructions, or venue access requirements when you book and we will coordinate accordingly. See our full service area for all cities and counties we serve.

What is your delivery service area?

Torkay Event Services delivers across the Greater Houston Metropolitan Area and Northwest Houston corridor, including Harris, Montgomery, Fort Bend, Waller, and Brazos Counties. Key cities include Cypress, Tomball, Magnolia, Hockley, Waller, The Woodlands, Katy, Sugar Land, and Houston. Extended delivery beyond our standard radius can usually be arranged — additional fees may apply. Call (281) 972-5110 or see the full service area page.

How should I prepare tablecloths and linens for return pickup?

Place tablecloths and linens in an open cardboard box or lay them on top of the rented tables and chairs for our pickup crew. Do not place linens in a plastic bag — this traps moisture and causes mildew. Napkins should be returned in the same manner. Items returned in good condition (no plastic bags, no excessive staining beyond normal use) ensure smooth processing and protect your deposit.

What sizes of tents does Torkay Event Services rent?

We carry a full range of commercial white frame tents from compact 10x10 and 10x20 EZ-Up canopies all the way up to 40x120 and 40x100 commercial frame tents capable of covering several thousand square feet. Popular sizes include 20x20, 20x40, 30x30, 30x40, 40x40, and 40x60. Tent rental always requires a setup and teardown fee due to the weight and assembly requirements. Browse the full tent and canopy rental catalog to find the right size for your event.

How many tables and chairs do I need for my event?

A general starting point: a standard 60-inch round table seats 8 guests comfortably. An 8-foot rectangular table seats 8 to 10. For a seated dinner with a buffet, cocktail, and dance floor area, plan for tables that seat roughly 70% to 80% of your total guest count — the remainder will be at the bar, buffet, or dance floor at any given time. Cocktail bar-height tables add flexible mingling space without requiring additional chairs. Call (281) 972-5110 and give us your guest count — we can recommend the right quantity and mix. Browse table rentals and chair rentals for available options.

Does Torkay Event Services rent linens and tablecloths?

Yes. We carry tablecloths in multiple sizes including 90-inch round, 108-inch round, 120-inch round, and rectangular options for 6-foot and 8-foot tables. Spandex stretch tablecloth covers are also available for a sleek, fitted look on cocktail tables, 6-foot, 8-foot, and round tables. Napkins, chair covers, chair sashes, and table runners are also available. Browse table cloth linens and spandex table covers for the full selection.

Do you rent dance floors?

Yes. Torkay Event Services rents three dance floor styles: the LED light-up dance floor for a dramatic effect, the modern rustic oak wood dance floor, and the classic 3x3 parquet wood dance floor pieces. Dance floors always require setup and teardown due to the assembly involved. They can be installed indoors or on flat outdoor surfaces. Call (281) 972-5110 to discuss sizing for your guest count and venue space.

Can you provide outdoor flooring for uneven or soft ground?

Yes. We carry plastic PortaFloor subflooring, plywood subflooring, green astroturf subflooring cover, and black carpet — all sold per square foot. Subflooring is especially useful under tent setups on grass or dirt surfaces to create a stable, level walking area for guests. It also protects grass at venues that require it. Call (281) 972-5110 to discuss which flooring option is right for your surface and venue.

What kind of catering does Torkay Event Services offer?

Torkay Event Services provides full-service on-site catering for private events, weddings, corporate gatherings, and parties throughout the Greater Houston area. Menu options include taco bars, fajita bars, pasta bars cooked to order on-site, BBQ buffets, chicken piccata dinners, prime rib carving stations, charcuterie boards, and a broad selection of hors d'oeuvres and appetizers. Dessert options include on-site fried churros, chocolate brownie and cheesecake service, and chocolate fountain packages. Most catering items have a minimum guest count — see each item for details or call (281) 972-5110 to discuss your menu.

Does Torkay Event Services also rent catering equipment?

Yes. In addition to full-service catering, we rent catering equipment for events where you have your own caterer or prefer to self-cater. Equipment available includes chafing dishes with sternos, cambro hot boxes and beverage dispensers, stock pots, commercial refrigerators, commercial convection ovens, commercial fryers, commercial stoves with griddles, food warmers and proofers, event grills, and propane tanks. We also carry serving trays, bread baskets, beverage dispensers, and ice delivery. Browse the food service equipment rentals and cooking equipment rentals for the full catalog.

Can I rent a margarita machine or bar equipment?

Yes. We rent a dual-pull margarita and slushee machine (indoor use only), margarita and strawberry mix, portable folding bars with shelving, bar tool kits, shot glass walls, and a full range of glassware including margarita glasses, wine glasses, champagne glasses, martini glasses, pint glasses, and shot glasses. Beverage dispensers in 3-gallon and 5-gallon sizes are also available. Browse beverage service rentals and glassware rentals for the full selection.

Do you rent concession machines for parties?

Yes. Torkay Event Services rents popcorn machines, cotton candy machines, and snow cone machines — all available as machine-only rentals or with supplies packages. Popcorn supplies serve up to 50 guests. Cotton candy supplies serve up to 50. Snow cone supplies serve up to 50 with cones and syrups (ice not included). Concession machines are popular additions to birthday parties, school events, and community gatherings. Browse concession machine rentals for current pricing and availability.

Does Torkay Event Services provide bartenders?

Yes. We provide professional licensed bartenders for private events, weddings, corporate events, and parties throughout the Greater Houston area. Our bartenders are licensed and experienced in full bar service. We also rent bar equipment including portable bars, glassware, and non-alcoholic mixers, garnishes, and drink supplies. Per Texas law, alcohol must be provided by the host — Torkay Event Services does not supply alcohol. Browse bartender and staffing services or call (281) 972-5110 to discuss your event needs.

What other event staff does Torkay Event Services provide?

Torkay Event Services provides a full range of professional event staff including:

• Licensed bartenders
• Serving staff and waitstaff
• Clean-up crew
• Event coordinators (day-of and rehearsal dinner)
• On-site event coordinator walk-through and pre-event consult
• Casino dealers (blackjack, Texas Hold'em, craps, roulette) and casino pit boss

Browse the full staffing and event services catalog for current options and pricing.

Does Torkay Event Services provide DJ services?

Yes. Professional DJ services with a full sound system are available for weddings, birthday parties, corporate events, quinceañeras, and any event where music and atmosphere matter. Cameron Torkay started as a DJ in 1992 — DJ services are where Torkay Event Services began. We also rent individual audio equipment including Behringer and Electro-Voice powered speakers, wireless microphone systems, mixers, and microphone stands for events where you supply your own entertainment. Browse professional DJ services and audio and visual equipment rentals.

Does Torkay Event Services provide live musicians?

Yes. We offer a solo musician (guitar and vocals) and a duet (guitar and vocals with an additional instrument) for cocktail hours, wedding receptions, corporate events, and private parties. Live music adds a completely different atmosphere than a DJ playlist — ideal for wedding cocktail hours, upscale corporate dinners, and winery or vineyard events. Call (281) 972-5110 to discuss availability and the right format for your event.

Do you provide casino tables and dealers for event entertainment?

Yes. Torkay Event Services rents casino-style blackjack, Texas Hold'em poker, craps, and roulette tables along with professional dealers and a pit boss for corporate events, fundraisers, and private parties. Casino nights are for entertainment only — no real wagering. We also provide casino accessories including card shoes, raffle cages, and chip sets. Casino packages are a proven hit for corporate holiday parties and fundraiser events. Call (281) 972-5110 to build a casino night package.

What inflatable rentals does Torkay Event Services offer?

Torkay Event Services carries bounce houses, combo bounce houses with slides, water slides in multiple sizes (15ft through 24ft), obstacle courses (30-foot and 90-foot), a dual-lane slip-and-slide, and a dunk tank. Our inflatable catalog includes themed options — princess castles, tropical bounce houses, fun castle combos, and others — as well as youth-specific toddler combos. Browse the full inflatable rental catalog for current inventory and pricing.

What surfaces can inflatables be set up on?

Grass is ideal. Concrete, asphalt, and packed dirt are all workable with appropriate anchoring — sandbags are used on hard surfaces instead of ground stakes. Inflatables cannot be set up on steep slopes or uneven terrain without advance discussion. Call (281) 972-5110 before booking if your setup area is anything other than a standard flat residential backyard so we can confirm the right approach.

What power does a bounce house or water slide require?

Most inflatables require a standard 110V outdoor outlet. The blower must stay running for the entire rental period to maintain air pressure — do not run it on the same circuit as other major appliances. If your setup area is more than 50 feet from the nearest outlet, let us know when you book. We rent generators for events at parks or venues without convenient power access. Browse generator rentals for available options.

What are the safety rules for bounce house and water slide use?

Your rental agreement covers all safety rules. Key rules to know:

• No shoes, sharp objects, silly string, or food and drinks inside the unit
• Separate younger children from older kids or teenagers where possible
• Do not exceed the weight or rider capacity listed on the unit
• Deflate immediately if sustained winds reach 15 to 20 mph or if storms are approaching
• Keep the blower running at all times — deflation during use is a safety hazard
• An adult must supervise at all times

When is the best time of year to rent a water slide in the Houston area?

Water slides are viable in the Houston area from April through October in most years. Peak demand is June through August. October water slide bookings are common because temperatures across the Greater Houston Metro frequently stay above 85 degrees through mid-month. Summer Saturdays fill fastest — book 4 to 6 weeks ahead for June through August dates. Browse available inflatable and water slide rentals and check the booking calendar for open dates.

What staging does Torkay Event Services rent?

We rent modular 4x4 stage section pieces that can be configured to your required stage dimensions, plus stage stairs and black stage skirting (priced per foot). Stage rentals always require a setup and teardown fee. Staging is popular for outdoor concerts, DJ setups, corporate presentations, awards ceremonies, and wedding reception head tables. Call (281) 972-5110 to discuss the right stage configuration for your event. Browse staging rentals for current options.

What lighting does Torkay Event Services rent?

Our lighting catalog covers a wide range of event lighting needs:

• RGBW LED PAR can uplighting (DMX controllable)
• 20-watt and 30-watt RGBW LED flood wash lights
• Commercial LED spot lights on stand
• Chauvet DJ 6-spot LED system
• ETC Source Four with gobo holder
• Black lights with UV sound-activated PAR cans
• Market string lighting (priced per foot)
• High-powered submersible LED battery-powered lights
• 20-inch mirror ball with motor and spotlight
• Elegant 6-light crystal chandelier for indoor venues
• 4,000W wide LED vertical mast light tower for large outdoor events
• Tiki citronella torches for ambient outdoor lighting

Browse the full lighting and effects rental catalog for current pricing and availability.

Do you rent fog machines and special effects equipment?

Yes. We rent the Hurricane Flex commercial-grade 1,800-watt fog machine along with professional fog juice by the gallon and a professional snow machine with snow fluid. Fog and snow effects are popular for Halloween events, themed parties, nightclub-style events, and concert-style DJ setups. Browse lighting and effects rentals for the full selection.

Do you rent projectors and screens for presentations or outdoor movies?

Yes. We carry a JVC Professional DLP projector (5,000 lumens, 3D-ready) and a 9x12 DA-Lite framed rear-projection screen, plus an 84-inch tripod screen and a 2-tier metal projection cart. We also carry a 65-inch 4K flat panel TV with adjustable tripod stand. These are popular for outdoor movie nights, corporate presentations, award ceremonies, and wedding slideshows. Browse audio and visual equipment rentals for current options.

What dance floor options does Torkay Event Services rent?

Torkay Event Services carries three dance floor styles. The LED light-up dance floor has color-programmable panels that can be controlled by the DJ for a dramatic, high-energy effect — the most popular choice for evening receptions and nightclub-style events. The Modern Rustic Oak dance floor has a warm wood-grain finish that photographs beautifully and works for weddings, quinceañeras, and formal events. The Wood Parquet dance floor uses classic interlocking 3x3 sections in a traditional pattern that suits formal events and ballroom-style setups. All three are available in custom sizes for your event footprint. Browse the full dance floor rental catalog for current pricing and availability.

How big should my dance floor be?

The standard rule is 2.5 to 3 square feet per person who will be dancing at any one time. For most events, that is 40 to 60 percent of your total guest count. A party of 100 guests typically needs a 12x12 to 15x15 dance floor — roughly 144 to 225 square feet. Weddings and quinceañeras with a strong dancing culture typically lean toward the larger end. Sizing too small creates a crowded floor that keeps guests off it; sizing too large creates an empty-looking space. Call (281) 972-5110 with your guest count and event type and we will recommend the right size.

Do I need subflooring under the dance floor on grass?

Yes — subflooring is required under any dance floor installed on grass, soft ground, or uneven surfaces. Without subflooring, the dance floor panels sit directly on the ground and shift, separate, and create an uneven surface that is both unstable and a trip hazard. Torkay Event Services rents plastic Portafloor subflooring panels that create a firm, level base for any dance floor style. Subflooring is priced per square foot and sized to match your dance floor dimensions. We will include it automatically in your quote when the installation surface is grass.

Can a dance floor be installed outside without a tent?

Dance floors can be installed outdoors without a tent, but it is not recommended for events in the Greater Houston area. Rain or heavy dew makes wood dance floor surfaces slippery and can damage the panels. Intense sun on a black or dark-finish dance floor raises the surface temperature significantly — uncomfortable for guests in warm months. A tent over the dance floor protects the investment and the guest experience. If you are planning an outdoor dance floor without a tent, call us to discuss the conditions and timing for your specific event. Browse tent rentals to find coverage options that work for your footprint.

Do you also rent carpet and artificial turf for events?

Yes. In addition to dance floors, Torkay Event Services rents black carpet and green astroturf subflooring cover, both priced per square foot. Black carpet is popular for entrance walkways, stage surrounds, photo wall areas, and VIP sections. Green astroturf works for outdoor event areas where a clean, consistent ground surface is preferred over bare grass or dirt. Both can be combined with the Portafloor subflooring system for a firm, finished surface on any ground type. Browse the full dance floor and flooring rental catalog for current options and pricing.

Can Torkay Event Services handle my entire wedding?

Yes. Torkay Event Services is one of the few companies in the Greater Houston area that can supply every major element of a wedding from a single vendor: tents, tables, chairs, linens, staging, lighting, dance floor, DJ services, live musicians, bartenders, waitstaff, catering, event coordination, inflatables for kids' areas, generators, and concessions. This matters because working with one company means one contract, one point of contact, and no coordination gaps between vendors. We have been producing weddings since 1992. Call (281) 972-5110 to walk through your wedding vision and get a complete package quote.

Do you provide event coordination services?

Yes. We offer a wedding day-of event coordinator, a rehearsal dinner coordinator, a 30-minute pre-event phone consultation, and an on-site event coordinator walk-through. Day-of coordination takes the logistics off your shoulders so you can actually experience your event. For large corporate events, our team manages setup sequencing and vendor coordination so everything runs on schedule. Call (281) 972-5110 to discuss coordination options for your event.

What is the largest event Torkay Event Services can handle?

Torkay Event Services has the inventory and staff to support large-scale events with several hundred to over a thousand guests. Our tent inventory goes up to 40x120 commercial frame tents (4,800 square feet). We can combine multiple tents for larger footprints. Our staffing depth covers full bar service, complete food service, DJ production, and full setup and teardown. For any event with expected attendance above 200 guests or a complex multi-service requirement, call (281) 972-5110 early so we can plan properly and hold your inventory.

Do you provide portable toilets and sanitation equipment for outdoor events?

Yes. We rent portable toilets, a 2-unit VIP toilet trailer, and hand wash stations (fully stocked, 2 sinks) for outdoor events where venue restroom access is limited or unavailable. For large outdoor tent events, agricultural properties, and park events, portable sanitation is essential to guest comfort. We also carry black trash cans with liners and a haul-away trash removal service for post-event cleanup. Browse sanitation and cleanup equipment for current options.

Do you rent generators for outdoor events?

Yes. Torkay Event Services rents generators from 3,500 watts up to 9,400 watts including a very quiet 3,500W inverter, a 4,000W standard generator, a Firman 9,400W generator, and a WEN 6,000W parallel connection kit. Generators are essential for park events, ranch and farm properties, and any outdoor tent event without convenient electrical access. Browse generator and power rentals for current inventory and pricing.

Do you provide heating and cooling equipment for outdoor events?

Yes. For summer events, we rent large and extra-large evaporative swamp coolers (3,100 CFM up to 5,300 CFM), a 40-inch giant drum fan, and a small box fan. For cooler months, we rent forced air heaters (85,000 BTU, requires power source) and commercial patio heaters (hammered bronze, propane). For large outdoor tent events in Houston's heat, swamp coolers are a significant guest comfort upgrade — especially for tent events where air movement is limited. Browse cooling and heating rentals for current options.