Elevate Your Wedding With the Perfect Tent

There’s something undeniably enchanting about tented weddings. They blend the beauty of nature with the comfort and elegance of a well-designed venue, offering a stunning backdrop for your special day. Whether you’re envisioning a sophisticated outdoor reception on the east coast or a picturesque ceremony in California, the right tent can transform your event into an unforgettable experience. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the various wedding tent options and considerations.

Types of Wedding Tents

Frame Tent – Versatility at Its Best

Frame tents are freestanding structures, meaning they don’t require center poles. The design offers maximum flexibility for your floor plan and ensures unobstructed views, perfect for both ceremonies and receptions. Keep in mind, frame tents commonly require draping to disguise their metal frame structure. While this can increase the cost of the rental, it also provides opportunities to enhance the aesthetic of your space with drapery and lighting.

Pole Tents – Classic Charm

Pole tents, with their sweeping peaks and elegant lines, are a timeless choice and ideal for larger events. However, the center pole can affect your floor plan. Pole tents are the most traditional type of tent and are relatively easy to set up, which tends to make them a more economical choice. Since they require stakes to help stabilize the tent and keep it taught, pole tents require a large grassy area.

Sailcloth Tents – Breezy and Beautiful

Sailcloth tents are adored for their nautical-inspired aesthetic. The translucent fabric allows natural light to filter through, creating a dreamy ambiance. Remember, though, that the center poles might limit your layout options. Depending on the size of the sailcloth tent, there will be two to eight poles running down the center of the tent that you’ll need to accommodate in your floor plan.

Structure Tents – Sturdy and Spacious

These robust tents provide ample space and are designed to withstand various weather conditions. Structure tents are available in both white and clear-top coverings.They’re perfect for larger gatherings and can be customized with clear panels for a modern touch.

Considerations for Your Tent Setup

• Clear-top Tent: A favorite among many for its chic, open-air feel, clear-top tents can amplify the sun’s heat. During warmer months, this could make your tent uncomfortably warm and risk wilting your floral arrangements. Our friend Tyler Spier shared a fantastic reel on keeping these tents cool during set-up—definitely worth a watch!
• Weather Preparedness: Ensure your guests’ comfort by installing fans or heaters around the perimeter of the tent. For outside the tent, you can use handheld fans or umbrellas can also be a nice touch for warmer days. For cooler events, consider providing pashminas or shawls, or even setting up a cozy fireside lounge outside the tent.
• Rain Plans: While tents offer good protection from rain, heavy downpours can lead to muddy grounds. Setting up your tent on asphalt or concrete is ideal. If that’s not possible, consider investing in a subfloor. It not only keeps your space dry and level but also adds more customization options for your desired aesthetic (e.g. hardwoods, carpet, tile, flooring patterns, etc.).
• Power Needs: Make sure your generator can handle all. your power needs, from tent lighting and uplighting to the demands of your entertainment and catering teams, and restrooms if needed.
• Vendor Requirements: Your vendors, particularly entertainment and catering, may need their own tents for preparation. These should include adequate lighting and, for performers, additional features like a clothing rack, mirror, tables, and chairs. Regardless of the cover, your vendors may also have other weather requirements such as a specific temperature in order to perform. Be sure to read their contract carefully!
• State Requirements: Each state has permitting and safety requirements depending on the size of your wedding tent. For example, in California, you must obtain a permit for tents larger than 400 square-feet and canopies larger than 700 square-feet. The fire marshal may request documentation of structural stability, fire retardant treatment, exit signage, and more. Make sure you keep all the necessary paperwork easily available if the fire marshal stops by to inspect your tent for safety. Most tent rental companies will assist with obtaining the necessary permitting.

Our team understands the unique charm and allure that a tented wedding can bring. The combination of outdoor beauty and luxurious design creates a magical atmosphere that is truly one-of-a-kind. We’re dedicated to helping you navigate every detail, from selecting the perfect wedding tent to ensuring seamless execution of your event. Let us transform your vision into reality and create an extraordinary celebration under the stars. Contact us today to start planning your unforgettable tented event!

Photos: Lizzie Baker