Our Story

“Hansen Lawn Mower Company”, a lawnmower maintenance and small motor repair business founded by Sioux Falls businessman Adolph Hansen set up shop near the corner of 12th Street and Minnesota Avenue, in downtown Sioux Falls.

With growth and expansion of services, Adolph's wife Florence was added to manage the Hardware, and the name was officially changed to "Ideal Hardware"

With Florence managing the hardware side of the business and adding her personal touch, the inventory and offerings gradually expanded to include a large gift and housewares area. Florence also conceived of the idea of painting the building facade in the (now) iconic polka-dotted pattern. It was a brilliant marketing move, making the business easy to locate and impossible to forget.

A fire that started at a counter workbench area broke out and did major damage in the retail areas of both hardware and yardware portions of the building. Rather than admit defeat, the Hansen's took the opportunity to completely rebuild — expanding the hardware and hardware stores, adding a second story and substantial square footage.

The grand re-opening of Ideal Hardware and Ideal Yardware allowed for two distinct businesses: Ideal Hardware selling hardware materials, as well as party, baking, and gift supplies, and Ideal Yardware, which sold and serviced lawn mowers and snow blowers, as well as having an ice skate exchange. Both stores were housed in the same structure at 12th Street and Minnesota Avenue.

Ideal opened a third storefront in the newly built Western Mall. This location, which focused primarily on gifts and party supplies for the out of town shoppers, was open for 10 years.

With Adolph ready to retire, he decided to sell the businesses to his two sons, with Wayne Hansen taking ownership of Ideal Yardware and Gordon Hansen helming Ideal Hardware

After the passing of Florence in 1972, Gordon, as new manager, began to expand the party and cake decorating departments, then added wedding accessories and wedding and party rentals. As the wedding and party departments grew, hardware, gifts, and housewares were eliminated. The name was then officially changed to Ideal Wedding and Party Center.

Ideal Yardware was sold to Wayne’s son, Corey Hansen

Blake Dede, our current President, was brought on to the Ideal Wedding & Party Center team as a store manager. He was presented with the opportunity to purchase the store after 5 years of learning the business and managing the store, or to walk away after that time

Blake's original time frame was cut short when the Hansens decided to sell the building on 12th and Minnesota to make room for a new entrance and additional parking at First Lutheran Church. At 27 years old, and with two years of experience under his belt, Blake bought the business and moved it to its home for the next 17 years — located in the River Plaza on south Shirley Avenue

The rental division of the store began a period of major growth, initially spurred by the nation-wide popularity of chocolate fountains, and quickly followed by tents and delivery services. At this time, all deliveries were made with just a pick up truck and a 14’ trailer!

The polka dots take a tumble! The landmark original location of Ideal was torn down to make room for a new entrance and additional parking space at First Lutheran Church

Linens become an increasingly important aspect of Ideal’s rental inventory. The first box truck was purchased to accommodate their transport and delivery

The first (of what would eventually become a cornerstone of the business) high peak pole tent went up! Set on the waters edge at Lake Madison, the 40' x 60' tent hosted over 500 guests throughout the evening, and was strategically set to accommodate a lighted 14' tree in the interior. (How's that for a first tent story!?)

A major business milestone was accomplished when Ideal played an integral role in the ground-breaking gala for the Avera Prairie Center, with keynote speaker, Lance Armstrong

Ideal rebrands — with a new name, “Ideal Wedding & Events”, a new logo, a new website, and an updated social media presence

After attending an industry show in Atlanta, the Ideal team set a vision for the future by purchasing a Tidewater sailcloth tent — the first and only of its kind in the area at the time.

A photo of Ideal’s Tidewater sailcloth tent was selected as the cover image for national industry publication, InTents Magazine

Ideal broke ground on its new location in Tea, SD

Ideal rebranded once more; further refining the name to reflect the vast array of events and services the business offers — “Ideal Tent & Event Rentals”

Ideal opened for business in its brand new facility! The combined storefront and warehouse space offers 15,000 feet of square footage, a luxurious Design Room, and ample room for a tent washing machine, 12’ mangle iron and 60 lb. washing machine for linens, commercial dishwashing & drying lines and more!

Ideal solidifies its tenet of company values and establishes the Just Cause for the business: “Celebrating the moments that matter.”