Saturday Business Spotlight: Rustic Love Rentals
[May 24, 2025] Rustic
Love Rentals is Central Illinois’ first décor rental boutique for both
large and small items. Classified as a party supply and rental shop,
Rustic Love Rentals specializes in rentals of rustic, vintage, and
one-of-a-kind designs.
Rustic Love Rentals began in the summer of 2013 after the marriage of
one of the owner’s children. Karen created all of the décor for the
wedding and guests were asking if they could buy or rent the pieces she
created. After researching the market in the area, it was clear there
was a need for an upscale rental boutique. Tables, chairs, and linens
were available from a few places in the area, but décor wasn’t available
from St. Louis to Chicago.
Many of the
pieces are salvaged architectural items that Karen pieces together to
create one-of-a-kind backdrops, arbors, and bars. The process can take
several days of “frankensteining” or combining the pieces to get the
perfect combination. Antique, rustic, vintage, and eclectic items paired
with new pieces designed in house elevate the décor for any event.
Clients consult with Karen when planning weddings, receptions, birthday
parties, showers, and retirement parties as well as proms and
homecomings. Rustic Love Rentals has donated their designs for the past
two LCHS Grand Marches.
Whether you need seating for outdoor events such as church pews for a
wedding or a fancy drink dispenser for a birthday party, Rustic Love
Rentals probably has several options for you to choose from. There are
two buildings full of décor for clients to view when they schedule a
showroom visit. The visits are Karen’s favorite part about the business.
Many friendships have formed from sitting at the table going over
details. Karen says: “I am so blessed for these continued
relationships.” Fun fact, I have known Karen for many years. Karen and I
both lived in Herrin, IL at one point. We know each other’s families and
Karen is who I called for décor when our oldest son got married.
Two of the most
popular rental items are arbors and bars. There are currently five bar
options and a dozen arbors available in the inventory. Rental is a great
option for these items since you more than likely will only use them
once. Because of the unique style and the reasonable pricing, bars have
been used in 8 states, including Colorado and Texas.
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Reserved items
are picked up a few days before the event and Karen explains how to put
them all together. Usually, pieces are numbered, and an instruction
sheet is given to make it as easy as possible for the client to assemble
and break down the décor. Items are to be returned within two days after
the event.
For the first few years of business Karen’s father, Donald Klockenga,
helped with the construction of larger pieces. His engineering skills
were helpful when calculating the steps needed for clients to easily
assemble and tear down the large décor pieces for transportation.
Karen’s best friend Lisa was also present in the workshop on several
occasions to lend a hand and a lot of laughter. Currently, it is just
Karen on the payroll.
The warehouse is located across the driveway from Karen’s home. She says
that is a big reason the business works for her. There can be a lot of
overhead when starting a business and keeping everything right there on
the farm is very beneficial.
Events are in full swing for 2025, so if you are planning an event for
this year or next, don’t hesitate to call or visit the Facebook page to
browse the photo albums of available rental items.
Rustic Love Rentals
Karen Klockenga
Burgrabe
(owner)
2159 1275th Ave., Lincoln, IL
217-750-2026
rusticloverentals@aol.com
[Lesleigh Bennett]
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