Arranging table collection, delivery and venue access

Confirm the transport option first

Tell Fables whether you want to discuss customer collection or supplier delivery. Ask which arrangements apply to the items and quantities being considered. If collecting, obtain the relevant practical requirements and collection and return information before making your own transport plan. Do not infer that the selected tables will fit a vehicle or be suitable for your intended handling simply from their appearance online.

Map supplier access beyond the postcode

For delivery, identify the vehicle stopping point and the route to the final table location. Mention steps, lifts, gates, narrow approaches and distances across the site. Ask the venue which supplier entrance to use and whether its availability changes during the event day. Photographs or a marked sketch can make the proposed route clearer than an address with a general request to deliver.

Separate access time from ready-by time

Ask when the venue opens for suppliers and when the tables need to be in position. Include the work that follows, such as linens, place settings or catering preparation. Share any restricted delivery period or competing activity with Fables before confirming the schedule. A guest arrival time alone does not describe how long the furniture and other teams have to prepare the space.

Define the setup handover

Explain whether tables should be left at a handover point or positioned to an agreed drawing. Ask the quotation to identify the service included, and keep dressing or later moves separate unless specifically agreed. Give the setup team a dated plan and a contact who can resolve differences at the venue. If your own team is positioning tables, make sure it has the accepted item list too.

Plan the return or collection condition

Ask how tables should be prepared for the agreed return or collection and who handles that at the venue. Allocate removal of food, decorations and other suppliers’ equipment. Confirm whether the furniture will be ready in one place or spread across several areas. The person managing the event finish should have these instructions before the celebration rather than discovering the task after guests have gone.

Keep access changes connected to the booking

If the venue changes the loading point, opening hours or clearing deadline, inform Fables promptly and ask about the effect on the accepted arrangements. Update the collection contact as well as the delivery details where necessary. Keep one written version of the plan and share it with the people admitting suppliers, so the handover is not based on contradictory instructions.

Details to gather before enquiring

Prepare the following for the discussion: Chosen collection or delivery option; Confirmed practical transport requirements; Venue route, access and ready-by times; Setup scope and current furniture plan; Return or collection preparation and contact.

Questions to settle before booking

Can we assume setup comes with delivery?

Ask the quote to identify the exact work being provided. A delivery handover, positioning tables to a drawing and dressing them for guests are separate tasks. Explain what you need and confirm which responsibilities belong to Fables, the venue or your own event team.

What should we ask before arranging our own collection vehicle?

Give Fables the table types and quantities and ask for the practical collection, handling and return requirements. Use the confirmed information to plan transport. Avoid relying on a general table description or a photograph to decide whether a particular vehicle or loading arrangement is suitable.