Planning A Dreamy Outdoor Tent Wedding: A Step-By-Step Guide

Planning an outdoor tent wedding can be a great way to get the feel of an outdoor reception while also being protected from the elements. It's a blank canvas, which means you can make your wedding vision come to life. However, it also means that nearly everything has to be rented separately, which can add up quickly. You'll need to consider things like tent size, lighting, a dance floor, and furniture rentals. You'll also need to decide on the type of tent you'll be using and whether you'll need a generator for electricity.

Choosing the right tent

Firstly, you need to think about the size of the tent. Consider how many guests you will be hosting and choose a tent that can comfortably accommodate them. You will also need to decide whether you want a separate tent for catering, which will require additional space.

Next, consider the lighting. If your reception will extend into the evening, you will need to ensure the tent is well-lit. You may also want to incorporate lighting into your décor to create a romantic atmosphere.

Another key consideration is the set-up of the tent. It is recommended to hire a professional company to handle the installation, as they will be able to take into account factors such as wind, rain and power to avoid any last-minute disasters.

The structure and materials of the tent are also important. Think about the overall look you are trying to achieve and choose a tent that complements your vision. Consider the colour palette, décor, and theme of your wedding, and select a tent that allows you to bring your ideas to life.

Finally, don't forget about practicalities such as heating or cooling, depending on the season. You will also need to plan for electricity, especially if you require a heating or cooling unit, lighting, or catering equipment. A generator can be a useful addition to your budget to ensure a reliable power source.

Electricity and generators

If you're planning an outdoor tent wedding, you'll need to consider electricity. You'll most likely want some of the conveniences of an indoor reception, so it's a good idea to include a generator in your budget. This will allow you to run a heating or cooling unit (depending on the season), light up the tent if your reception will extend into the evening, and set up an outdoor catering space. If you're hosting a backyard wedding, you might also need to invest in restroom trailers so your guests don't crowd your home's bathrooms.

When it comes to electricity and generators for your outdoor tent wedding, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, you'll need to determine the power requirements for your event. Consider what type of lighting you'll need, as well as any other electrical appliances you plan to use, such as a sound system or catering equipment. It's important to ensure that your generator has enough capacity to power all of your electrical needs.

Another factor to consider is the placement of your generator. Generators can be noisy, so you'll want to place them in a location that is away from the main event area but still easily accessible for refuelling and maintenance. You'll also need to ensure that the generator is properly ventilated and that any fuel is stored safely.

To avoid any last-minute surprises, it's a good idea to hire a professional company to handle the set-up of your tent and lighting. They will be able to ensure that everything is properly installed and that power is taken into consideration, helping to avoid any big-day catastrophes. It's also important to have a backup plan in case of power outages or generator failures. This could include having extra fuel on hand or arranging for a backup generator to be on-site.

Finally, don't forget to consider the aesthetics of your tent and lighting set-up. You'll want to ensure that the exterior of your tent is as breathtaking as the interior, so think about the structure and materials needed to camouflage any unsightly equipment. With careful planning and consideration, you can create a beautiful and functional outdoor tent wedding that has all the conveniences of an indoor reception.

Catering and dining

Planning an outdoor tent wedding can be a great way to get the best of both worlds: the feeling of an outdoor wedding with the protection of being indoors. However, it's important to remember that nearly everything has to be rented, which can add up quickly.

When it comes to catering and dining, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you'll need electricity to set up a catering space and keep food warm. This means you'll need to budget for a generator, which can also be used for lighting and heating or cooling, depending on the season. If there's no indoor kitchen nearby, you'll need to set up an outdoor catering space, likely in a separate tent. This will ensure that your guests can enjoy properly prepared food.

It's also important to think about the layout and floor plan of your dining area. You'll want to make sure the exterior of your tent is as breathtaking as the interior, so consider the structure of your tent and any materials needed to camouflage things you might not want your guests to see.

Finally, don't forget to plan for any restroom facilities your guests may need. If you're hosting a backyard wedding, you might need to invest in restroom trailers so your guests don't crowd your home's bathrooms.

Decorations and themes

When it comes to decorations and themes, a wedding tent is a blank canvas. You can choose any décor, theme or colour palette you like, whether that's a rustic country wedding, a romantic garden wedding, or a glamorous chandelier-filled affair. You can also decorate the exterior of your tent to make it as breathtaking as the interior.

However, nearly everything has to be rented, which can add up quickly, especially if you want to go luxe. You'll need to rent furniture, a dance floor, and lighting, as well as the tent itself. You'll also need to consider the type of tent you want, and whether you want to hire a professional company to set it up for you.

If you're planning to have your wedding reception in the tent, you'll need to think about electricity. You'll need a generator to run a heating or cooling unit, depending on the season, and to light up the tent if your reception will extend into the evening. You'll also need electricity for an outdoor catering space, likely in a separate tent, so that your guests can dine on properly prepared food.

Budgeting for the tent and extras

You'll first need to choose the type of tent or tents you'll be using. A wedding tent is basically a blank canvas, which is wonderful for making your wedding vision come to life. But it also means nearly everything has to be rented separately, and pricing varies widely.

You'll most likely want some of the conveniences of an indoor reception, so plan to include a generator in your budget for a tented reception. This allows you to reliably run a heating or cooling unit (depending on the season), light up the tent if your reception will extend into the evening and set up an outdoor catering space (likely in a separate tent) so that your guests can dine on properly prepared food. If you're hosting a backyard wedding, you might need to invest in restroom trailers so your guests don't crowd your home's bathrooms.

Don't forget to consider the structure of your tent and the materials needed to camouflage things you might not want your guests to see. Guests notice everything, so make sure the exterior of your tent is as breathtaking as the interior.

Frequently asked questions