Smaller Tents For Outdoor Weddings: A Good Idea?

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to deciding on a venue. Outdoor weddings are becoming an increasingly popular option, with many couples opting for a tented celebration. Tented weddings offer a unique and intimate experience, allowing couples to bring their own vision to life. While they can be expensive and logistically challenging, with careful planning, a tented wedding can be a memorable and magical occasion. This article will explore the pros and cons of tented weddings, offering expert tips and advice on how to create a flawless outdoor celebration.

Smaller tents can be more affordable, but additional rentals can increase costs

Smaller tents are generally more affordable, but it's important to consider the additional rentals that may be needed, which can increase costs. For example, if you're having an outdoor wedding, you may need to rent a generator for electricity. Other costs to consider include lighting, dance floors, furniture, and catering equipment.

The type of tent you choose will also impact the cost. For instance, a pole tent is generally quicker to install and, therefore, less expensive than a frame tent. Additionally, the labour required to install a floor will depend on the ground conditions; a levelled floor with a multi-foot grade will take longer to install and, thus, be more expensive.

When planning your budget, it's essential to consider not only the cost of the tent rental but also the additional rentals and labour that may be required. This will help ensure that you don't exceed your budget and allow you to make informed decisions about where to allocate your funds.

Furthermore, the size of the tent you'll need depends on the number of guests you plan to invite. On average, you'll need to calculate 15 to 30 square feet per person. For example, a wedding with 100 guests would require a 30x50 foot tent or equivalent, while a 200-person wedding would need at least a 40x80-foot tent.

While smaller tents can be more affordable, it's crucial to factor in the cost of additional rentals and labour to ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of the total expenses.

Smaller tents are quicker to install, requiring less labour

Pole tents, for example, require a pattern of stakes and tie-downs to achieve stability and need to be set up in areas with softer ground. On the other hand, frame tents are self-supporting and can be weighted down if the ground is unsuitable for staking. However, they may require interior draping to conceal the framework, adding to the installation time and cost.

Smaller tents can also be more cost-effective, as the labour costs for installation are typically lower. Janice Carnevale, owner of Bellwether Events, notes that a pole tent is quicker to install, resulting in reduced labour expenses compared to a frame tent.

Additionally, smaller tents can provide more flexibility in terms of venue options. Tented weddings often take place in backyards or private estates, where space may be limited. A smaller tent can be more easily accommodated in these settings without compromising the overall design and floor plan.

Furthermore, smaller tents can contribute to a more intimate atmosphere for the wedding. By opting for a smaller tent, you can create a cozier and more welcoming space for your guests. This can enhance the overall experience and make your special day even more memorable.

When considering a smaller tent for your outdoor wedding, it is essential to keep in mind the number of guests you plan to invite. Ensuring that there is sufficient space for everyone to comfortably enjoy the celebration is of utmost importance.

Smaller tents can be used for cocktails and socialising, leaving more room for dining and dancing in the main tent

Smaller tents can be a great addition to your outdoor wedding, creating a unique and intimate atmosphere for your guests. Here are some ways smaller tents can be used for cocktails and socialising, leaving more room for dining and dancing in the main tent:

Cocktail Hour

Provide your guests with a dedicated space to enjoy cocktails and socialise before the main reception. A smaller tent can be the perfect setting for this, offering shelter from the elements while allowing guests to mix and mingle. This set-up is especially useful if your wedding is spread across a sprawling outdoor space.

Intimate Lounge Areas

Create cosy nooks within your main reception tent by setting up smaller tents inside. These can be decorated with comfortable seating, coffee tables, and soft lighting to encourage guests to relax and socialise. This idea can be particularly useful for larger weddings, providing a sense of warmth and intimacy within the main space.

Outdoor Lounge

Place a smaller tent adjacent to the main reception area to create an outdoor lounge. This space can offer a change of scenery and provide a more relaxed atmosphere for guests to enjoy their drinks. Decorate with plush furniture, soft draping, and ambient lighting to create a stylish and inviting atmosphere.

Cocktail Bar

A smaller tent can be the perfect spot to set up a cocktail bar, complete with a fully stocked bar and professional mixologists. This set-up adds a touch of sophistication to your wedding and frees up space in the main tent. Be sure to provide adequate lighting and signage to direct guests to the cocktail bar.

Socialising Space

Smaller tents can be used to create dedicated spaces for socialising and mingling, separate from the dining and dancing areas. These spaces can be decorated with comfortable seating, low tables, and fun conversation-starter decor. This set-up encourages guests to move around, interact, and enjoy a variety of atmospheres throughout your wedding.

By utilising smaller tents for cocktails and socialising, you can create a dynamic and engaging environment for your guests, leaving the main tent with ample space for dining and dancing. These ideas can be customised to fit your wedding's theme and size, ensuring a memorable experience for you and your guests.

Smaller tents can be used for backup in case of bad weather

If you're concerned about the weather on your wedding day, a smaller tent is a great option to have on reserve. This way, you can still enjoy the beauty of an outdoor wedding while being prepared for unexpected rain or extreme temperatures.

Smaller tents can also be used to create intimate spaces within your wedding venue. For example, you can set up a smaller tent for a cocktail hour or as a separate space for guests to mix and mingle. This creates a unique and memorable experience for your guests.

When considering a smaller tent, it's important to think about the number of guests you'll be accommodating. Smaller tents typically range from intimate settings to larger gatherings of a few hundred people. For example, a smaller tent for a cocktail hour may only need to accommodate a few dozen people, while a tent for dining and dancing would require more space.

Additionally, you can decorate smaller tents with lighting, draping, and flooring to enhance the overall ambiance. This adds a touch of glamour and elegance to your wedding, while also ensuring your guests' comfort.

Remember to plan ahead and book your tent in advance, especially if you're considering a smaller tent as a backup option. This will ensure that you're prepared for any weather conditions and that your special day goes smoothly.

Smaller tents can be used for intimate backyard weddings

There are many different types of tents to choose from, including:

• A frame tent, which is held up by a metal frame and can be set up on most types of ground.
• A pole tent, which is held up by poles and creates a unique peaked effect on the ceiling.
• A marquee tent, which has the peaked ceiling of a pole tent without the use of centre poles.
• A clear tent, which offers protection from the elements and gorgeous views.
• A bohemian tent, which can be heavily decorated with hanging lights and planters, or kept minimalistic.
• A stretch tent, which is made from a single piece of stretchable material over a pole frame and tends to be cheaper.
• An open-air tent, which is lightweight and inexpensive but doesn't offer protection from bad weather.

When choosing a tent, it's important to consider the weather, your budget, and the number of guests. Tents can be customised to almost any size, ranging from an intimate backyard dinner to a gala for 1,000 people. For a small backyard wedding, a simple round sailcloth tent can be a good option, with basic candles or string lights adding charm as the sun goes down.

In addition to the tent itself, you'll also need to budget for lighting, flooring, generators, and possibly restroom trailers. It's also a good idea to invest in sidewalls for your tent to block out rain.

Keep in mind that setting up a tent can take a lot of time and needs to be done by qualified individuals. It's recommended to hire a wedding planner to help you through the process and ensure that everything is safe and secure for your guests.

Frequently asked questions