Honeyman Rent-All

Setting the Stage for Celebration

By Janette Calabro

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For more than 50 years, Patricia Honeyman, the owner of Honeyman Rent-All, has been helping families turn life’s biggest moments into unforgettable events. She and her team rent everything from outdoor tents and canopies to tables and chairs (along with all the dishware, linens, and decorations you could possibly want) for the most dazzling, fun-filled parties in eastern Nebraska and western Iowa. Need a centerpiece for a wedding? Check. Event lighting? Check. Entertainment? Yes! Bounce houses and games? Absolutely. You can even rent a bar service! 

“This isn’t just a business,” says Patricia. “These are our neighbors, friends, and families we’re helping. Many of the people who walk through the doors are planning some of the biggest moments in their lives, and it’s pretty special to get to be a small part of that.” 

“Events have definitely become more detailed and personalized,” Patricia continues. “Years ago, people mostly rented tables and chairs, and they kept things pretty simple. Now, we see people putting real thought into how their event looks and feels, with canopies, sound systems, lighting, draping, and décor to create a specific atmosphere.” 

Patricia believes that the personal service clients receive at Honeyman Rent-All is what turns them into repeat customers. Clients know who they’re talking with, and they know the products are of good quality. Patricia’s team takes time to answer questions, offer suggestions, and make sure people feel good about what they’re renting. “Relationships are a big reason people come back,” Patricia asserts. “We see many familiar faces year after year, especially during graduation season. A family might rent from us for one child’s graduation party and then come back a few years later for the next one, or even for a wedding.” 

Patricia has helped supply some pretty elaborate events over the years. Some were large enough to require thousands of chairs, backdrops, dance floors, staging, and lighting. She loves to see a blank canvas transform into a festive, shining event. Graduation themed parties are big in Nebraska, she says, and families love to “go all out” with school colors, photo displays, and personalization. 

Patricia recalls one graduation party where a rainstorm blasted through right as the celebration started. “Thankfully, they had rented a pop-up, and the party just moved underneath the pop-up. People laughed, the music kept playing, and the celebration went on as if nothing had happened! Moments like this are a reminder that a little preparation can save the day.” 

Her advice for planning an outdoor event? “Plan early and always have a backup plan for weather. Our busiest time of year is definitely late spring into early summer. On some weekends, it feels like half the city is hosting a graduation party! After graduation season, things quickly roll into wedding season, the College World Series, and then the Fourth of July.”

The most popular outdoor items still include tents, tables, and chairs, but Patricia has some favorites among the items she rents. “One of the coolest things to see is a pipe-and-drape backdrop going up. It can completely transform someone’s space into an event venue. Watching that process unfold and then seeing it filled with family and friends celebrating is always rewarding.” Pipe-and-drape backdrops include colorful sateen or sequin drapes, cityscapes, festive LED drapes that light up a room, and selfie booths or backdrops like fireworks or a tropical drape. 

Honeyman Rent-All is not just for events! There’s also a high demand for equipment rentals for projects like building a house, car repairs, or extensive yard work. For example, Honeyman Rent-All can mix concrete and provide a transport buggy or rent you a transportable mixer to do it yourself. Available equipment includes everything from tools to skid loaders, and the staff is trained to help clients fully understand how to operate every piece of equipment, big or small. 

The options are wide-ranging, and Patricia has seen changes for what’s in demand since she opened all those years ago. These days, there is great demand for construction and landscaping equipment, from both contractors and homeowners. Lifts, skid loaders, and landscaping equipment tackle the tough projects, and propane is also a big sale item for grills. 

“For us, great customer service means being reliable and making things easy for our customers,” says Patricia. “We’re always looking at ways to expand our inventory and continue helping people host great events and complete their projects. At the end of the day, we just want to keep being a place the community can count on.” 

Honeyman Rent-All party rentals are available at 8202 F Street (402-333-2882). Equipment rentals are housed at 4423 South 84th Street (402-331-6013). Learn more online at honeymanrentall.com. 

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