Planning A Tent Wedding: What You Need To Know

Planning a tent wedding can be a great way to bring your wedding vision to life. Tents can be a blank canvas, allowing you to create a unique and inviting atmosphere. However, there are a few things to consider when planning a tent wedding, such as the cost, which can be high, especially if you're already paying site fees and upgrading decor and rentals. You'll also need to choose the right type of tent, considering factors like guest count, venue space, and design elements. It's important to work with a professional company for tent and lighting installation to ensure proper set-up and avoid any big-day catastrophes. When it comes to the layout, you can choose from options like a dance floor front, dance floor centre, or thrust dance floor, each offering a unique experience for your guests.

Tent shape and size

When it comes to tent shape and size, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, think about how many guests you'll be inviting, as this will determine the size of the tent you need. You'll also need to take into account the space available at your venue, as well as any design elements you have planned.

Frame tents with hip ends are a popular choice for weddings as they slope in all four directions and can stand up to high winds. They come in a variety of sizes, so you can choose one that fits your guest count and venue space.

If you're planning on having a dance floor, you'll need to make sure your tent is big enough to accommodate it, as well as any tables and chairs. A rectangular tent is a good option if you want a dance floor in the middle, with the buffet tables and bar or gift table on either side.

The material of the tent is also important, as this will impact the overall look and feel of your wedding. Sailcloth tents, for example, offer a more rustic, outdoor feel.

Finally, don't forget to consider the cost. Tented weddings can be expensive, especially if you're already paying site fees and upgrading your decor and rentals. You'll also need to factor in the cost of power, lighting, climate control, and flooring.

Tent layout

When it comes to the layout of your tent wedding, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the shape and size of your tent will depend on the number of guests, the space available, and your design elements. Frame tents with hip ends are a popular choice for weddings as they come in a variety of sizes and can withstand high winds.

Next, you'll want to think about the placement of different areas within the tent. A common option is to place a square dance floor in the middle, with buffet tables on one edge and the bar or gift table on the other. Alternatively, you can put a rectangular dance floor that begins on one side and ends in the middle, creating a "thrust" effect. If you want the DJ booth above the dance floor, you can place the bar or refreshments below it and use round tables on the remaining two sides.

It's also important to consider noise levels within the tent. Work with your band or DJ to ensure the music is at an appropriate volume during dinner, allowing guests to converse comfortably while still creating a festive atmosphere on the dance floor.

Don't forget about the practical aspects of tent weddings. You'll be responsible for providing power, lighting, climate control, drapings, and flooring. Professional companies that specialise in tent and lighting installation are recommended to ensure a safe and functional setup.

Noise levels

When planning a tent wedding, it's important to consider noise levels. Tents can amplify sound, so you'll want to ensure the music is at a comfortable level for your guests. Work with your band or DJ to find the right balance—you want the music to be enjoyable without being overwhelming.

The layout of your tent can also impact noise levels. If you're placing the dance floor in the centre, for example, you might want to position the DJ booth above it to create a more immersive experience. Alternatively, you could opt for a thrust dance floor, which begins on one side of the tent and ends in the middle, creating a natural sound barrier.

The type of tent you choose can also make a difference. Frame tents with hip ends, for instance, slope in all four directions and can help to disperse sound. Additionally, the material of the tent can impact noise levels, with some materials being more sound-absorbent than others.

Finally, don't forget to consider the power source for your music. Tents often require additional power sources, and you'll want to ensure your setup can accommodate the band or DJ's equipment without causing any sound issues.

Lighting and power

Tents allow your wedding vision to come to life without being confined to what a venue typically offers. However, tented weddings can be costly, especially if you are already paying site fees and upgrading your decor and rentals. When planning a tented wedding, you are responsible for all the costs of turning a raw space into an inviting atmosphere. This includes providing power, adequate lighting (both task and ambient), climate control, leg and ceiling drapings, and flooring for the space.

When budgeting for a tented reception, in addition to the main tent, you’ll likely also need a kitchen tent to ensure catering is as close to guests as possible. You will also need to choose the type of tent or tents you'll be using. There are different types of wedding tent structures, as well as different types of materials (for example, sailcloth). Some venues, like country clubs or gardens, might have a specific type of tent they use or a permanent tent on site, while at other venues, like a backyard, you can have your choice of tents. Frame tents with hip ends slope in all four directions and are often used for wedding spaces. They come in a variety of sizes and can stand up against high winds if needed.

When choosing your tent shape and size, consider your guest count, venue space, and design elements. Wedding tents range in material, design, shape, size, and cost. When planning your tented wedding, work with your wedding designer and planner to ensure you pick a tent with the right aesthetics for your vision.

Budgeting

Tent weddings can be costly, especially if you’re already paying site fees and upgrading your decor and rentals. When budgeting, you’re responsible for all the costs of turning a raw space into an inviting atmosphere. This includes providing power, adequate lighting (both task and ambient), climate control, leg and ceiling drapings, and flooring for the space. You will also need to consider the size of your tent, which will depend on your guest count, venue space, and design elements.

Frame tents with hip ends slope in all four directions and are often used for wedding spaces. They come in a variety of sizes and can stand up against high winds if needed. Wedding tents range in material, design, shape, size, and cost. When planning your tented wedding, work with your wedding designer and planner to ensure you pick a tent with the right aesthetics for your vision.

In addition to the main tent, you’ll likely also need a kitchen tent to ensure catering is as close to guests as possible. You should also consider the layout of your tent, including where the dance floor, buffet tables, bar, and gift table will be placed.

Professional companies for tent and lighting instalment are highly recommended to ensure proper set-up so that wind, rain and power are taken into consideration and avoid big-day catastrophes.

Frequently asked questions