Creative Ways To Make A Budget-Friendly Wedding Tent

Planning a wedding can be an expensive affair, with costs adding up quickly. One way to cut down on expenses is to opt for a DIY wedding tent instead of renting one. Not only is it a more affordable option, but it also allows for creativity and personalisation. In this article, we will discuss the steps to make a cheap wedding tent, the materials required, and some tips and tricks to create a beautiful and intimate setting for your special day. Whether you're planning an outdoor wedding or looking for ways to save money, read on to discover how to make a cheap wedding tent.

Buy a cheap tent online

If you're looking to buy a cheap wedding tent online, there are several options to choose from.

Amazon

Amazon offers a wide range of wedding tents in different sizes and styles. Some of the options include:

• 10'x30' White Party Tent by Flamaker: This tent is waterproof and has removable sidewalls. It costs $129.99 and has been bought by 700+ customers in the past month.
• 10x30FT White Party Tent: This heavy-duty wedding tent is waterproof and has eight removable sidewalls. It costs $30.98 for delivery and has been bought by 300+ customers in the past month.
• 20x40FT Party Tent Heavy Duty by COBIZI: This tent has eight removable sidewalls and four built-in sandbags. It costs $799.99 and is one of Amazon's bestsellers.
• 10'x30' Party Tent by Homall: This tent is designed for outdoor weddings and parties, with removable sidewalls. It is one of Amazon's bestselling options and offers free delivery.

EBay

EBay also offers a variety of wedding tents, including:

• 10'x30' White Outdoor Gazebo Canopy Wedding Party Tent: This tent has eight removable walls and is available for $195.50.
• 10'x30' Party Canopy Tent Camping Outdoor Waterproof Tent: This tent has eight removable walls and is currently on sale for $129.89.
• 10'x30' Wedding Party Tent Outdoor Canopy Gazebo Heavy Duty Pavilion: This tent features five windows and is available from the brand Geniqua. It was previously priced at $114.99.
• 20'x40' Outdoor Gazebo Canopy Tent Wedding Party Tent Patio Heavy Duty Tent Blue: This tent is available in blue and is offered by the brand PHI VILLA.

Quictents

Quictents is a website that offers a range of outdoor tents, including pop-up canopies, party tents, and shade sails. They cater to different budgets, so you may be able to find a tent that suits your needs without breaking the bank.

American Tent

American Tent offers luxury outdoor wedding tents and marquees for sale. While they may be more expensive, starting at $4,511.35, they provide high-quality products and have award-winning customer service. They also offer financing options and can customize tents to your exact specifications.

DIY with PVC pipes and fabric

If you're looking for a cost-effective way to create a wedding tent, PVC pipes and fabric can be a great solution. Here's a step-by-step guide to building a 20 x 15-foot DIY wedding tent that can accommodate 20 people for a seated dinner:

Materials:

• 4 x 10-foot-long PVC pipes
• 2 x 20-foot-long PVC pipes
• 2 x 15-foot-long PVC pipes
• 4 x 12-foot 5-inch-long PVC pipes
• 5 x PVC 4-way connectors
• 7.5 yards by 5.5 yards of fabric (white or your choice of colour)
• Heavy-duty string or twine
• Cement blocks or stakes

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Secure one 10-foot PVC pipe to the middle bottom hole of each 4-way connector. These will serve as your tent poles.

Step 2: Create a 20 x 15-foot rectangle on the ground by connecting the 20 and 15-foot pipes to the side holes on the 4-way PVC connectors that are already attached to the 10-foot tent poles.

Step 3: Add another 4-way PVC connector to attach all four of the 12-foot 5-inch long pipes, forming the peak of the tent.

Step 4: Using the last middle top hole in the PVC connectors, link the top of the tent to the four corners of the frame.

Step 5: Stake or stabilise the poles with cement blocks or stakes into the ground to set up the tent frame.

Step 6: Using the heavy-duty string, tie a piece about 15 inches long to each corner of your chosen fabric.

Step 7: Drape the fabric across the tent frame and tie each end of the string around the tent poles to secure the awning.

Step 8: Decorate the tent with lighting and any other desired embellishments!

This DIY wedding tent will not only save you money but also allow you to customise it to fit your wedding theme and colours.

Plan for extra costs

Planning a wedding can be expensive, and there are often extra costs that can catch you out. If you're looking to save money by making your own wedding tent, there are still additional expenses to consider. Here are some things to keep in mind as you plan for these extra costs:

• Materials: The cost of materials to build a DIY wedding tent can add up quickly. Ensure you have a comprehensive list of everything you need, including PVC pipes, connectors, fabric, string, and any decorative elements. Don't forget to factor in the cost of tools you may need to rent or purchase for the build.
• Size and Guest Count: The size of the tent will impact the cost of materials and labour. Consider the number of guests you plan to accommodate and the space required for tables, chairs, a dance floor, and other amenities. A good rule of thumb is to allow for 18 square feet of tent space per person for a seated dinner and dancing.
• Weather Considerations: Depending on the season and location of your wedding, you may need to budget for additional items to ensure your guests' comfort. This could include heaters, fans, air conditioners, or heat lamps. These can add a significant cost to your overall budget, so plan accordingly.
• Lighting and Decorations: Lighting is an important aspect of your wedding tent, especially if your celebration continues into the evening. Consider the cost of string lights, chandeliers, or other lighting options. Additionally, decorations such as flowers, garlands, or fabric draping can enhance the ambiance but will also contribute to the overall cost.
• Flooring: While grass may be the most cost-effective option, you may want to consider the comfort of your guests, especially those in heels. Wooden flooring, sisal carpet, or Astroturf can be more expensive but provide a better experience. Don't forget to include the cost of a dance floor in your budget if you plan on having one.
• Labour: Building a DIY wedding tent requires time and labour. Consider the cost of hiring help or the opportunity cost of your time if you plan to build it yourself. Additionally, factor in the time and labour required for setting up and dismantling the tent before and after the wedding.
• Permits: Depending on the size and location of your tent, you may need to obtain permits or comply with local regulations. Research the requirements in your area and include any associated costs in your budget.
• Backup Plan: Always have a backup plan in case of unexpected changes in weather conditions. This could include renting or purchasing additional equipment, such as wall panelling, to protect your guests from rain or wind. Ensure you have a clear plan and the necessary funds to execute it if needed.

By carefully considering these extra costs, you can ensure that your DIY wedding tent is both affordable and successful, creating a memorable experience for you and your guests.

Get the right size

The size of your wedding tent will depend on the number of guests you plan to invite, as well as the activities you want to include, such as a dance floor or buffet tables.

As a general rule, you should aim for 18 square feet of tent per person for a seated dinner and dancing. For example, if you're expecting 100 guests, you'll need a 1,800-square-foot tent.

If you're worried about the tent being too big and affecting the flow and vibe of your party, there are a few things you can do. You can add warm lighting, such as large candles on the floor or hanging lights, to make the space feel more intimate. Alternatively, consider using multiple smaller tents to create your desired space.

When choosing a tent size, it's also important to keep in mind the space you have available. The tent should fit comfortably in the area, with enough room for guests to move around and access other areas, such as bathrooms.

If you're planning to set up tables and chairs inside the tent, make sure to measure the furniture beforehand to ensure it fits comfortably. You don't want your guests to be cramped during your special day.

• 10' x 10' High Peak frame tents
• 16' x 16' frame tents
• 20' x 20' High Peak tents
• 20' x 30' frame tents

Remember, you can always cluster multiple tents together to create a larger space if needed.

Consider flooring

Flooring is an important aspect of your wedding tent, and there are several options to consider. The cheapest option is to simply use the grass underneath the tent as your floor. However, this may not be ideal if you're concerned about guests ruining their shoes or heels.

If you want to add a more protective layer, you can consider wood flooring, sisal carpet, or Astroturf in a neutral hue. These options can provide a more elegant look to your tent while also being relatively affordable. Additionally, don't forget to include a dance floor in your plans!

For a more creative and intimate feel, you could use layered vintage rugs, giving your space a boho-rustic look. This option can be paired with other earthy accents like macramé lighting, dried floral bouquets, and clusters of thick branches to create a unique and cosy atmosphere.

If you're looking for a more elegant and luxurious feel, you can drape chiffon, silk, or organza fabric across the floor of your tent. This timeless and classic design can be made even more dramatic by overlaying the fabric with strands of lights.

Frequently asked questions