If you want a wedding celebration custom-made for you, there is nothing better than a tent reception. You will pick everything from the layout , location, lighting and decorations to create your personal wedding fantasy. Planning a tent wedding requires more work than your typical indoor reception. Here are a few tips on how to plan the perfect outdoor celebration.
Because you have to rent everything and have it installed at your site, tent weddings are often more expensive than indoor receptions. Though prices vary across the country, a basic package, including tent, tableware, tables and chairs, can cost more than $25 a person. This is not a cost-saving alternative, but you will get tremendous personal control and input over your wedding and it will be a very specialized event.
Tent rental agents recommend booking eight to ten months before your wedding, after you have booked the caterer. SHOP AROUND. As with any other vendor, interview a few in your area and check references. You should develop a good rapport with the company you choose because this is a tremendous part of your wedding planning and you need to be comfortable with the decision you make, which will create the atmosphere where your big event takes place.
Check with your florist and other vendors to see how much time they will need to set up before the celebration. In most cases, three to four days in advance will be plenty of time for everyone to finish the job, but if you have elaborate lighting and floral arrangements, you may need to pitch the tent earlier. Also, make sure you arrange for a dismantling date.
You can add soft light with paper lanterns and strings of lights or add disco lighting for your dance floor area. You will need to make sure you have an adequate power source available. Choose your flowers, table linens and other items to highlight your theme and create the ambience you want. Then it's time to sit back and enjoy the celebration!
-Jay Byerly