Let’s talk TENTS! Whether you’re saying “I do” in your backyard (like I did!), a beautiful vineyard, or your local park, one essential aspect of outdoor wedding planning is selecting the right tent. While it’s not the most exciting aspect you’ll plan for your epic celebration, a tented wedding is the key to making sure your event is both stylish and comfortable, rain or shine. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to choose the perfect tent that complements your wedding vibe (and your budget).
This is just one aspect you need to consider in planning a DIY wedding, so be sure to download my free printable DIY Wedding Checklist before you go!
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Do you need a tented wedding?
When it comes to planning an outdoor wedding, there’s one decision that shouldn’t be up for debate – you need a tent, rain or shine. Trust me, I’ve been there, and if it weren’t for the tent we decided to incorporate into our backyard wedding plans, I would have been STRESSED when the wind started kicking up and the rain clouds started rolling in during the middle of our backyard wedding reception.
- By incorporating a tent into your wedding plans from the get-go, you’re not just preparing for the possibility of rain – you’re setting yourself up for peace of mind.
- Tents also make great cover for intense sun – providing shade and structure your guests can use to beat the heat.
- Plus, a tent provides a sense of structure to your reception space, creating a defined area for dining, dancing, and celebrating with your loved ones.
There’s nothing worse than waking up on your wedding day to ominous clouds looming overhead. Knowing that you have a plan for a rainy wedding alleviates any stress leading up to the big day, allowing you to focus on what truly matters – saying “I do” surrounded by those who mean the most to you.
8 Types of Wedding Tents
Now, let’s talk about types of wedding tents – there are surprisingly several options (something I did not even realize before I started shopping around myself). Each type has its own set of pros and cons and budget considerations.
Tension Pole Tent
Ah, the classic pole tent – it’s like the fairy godmother of wedding tents, sprinkling elegance wherever it goes. Supported by good old-fashioned poles, this tent creates a stunning peaked ceiling effect that’s just begging to be decked out with fairy lights and garlands.
Just remember, you’ll need a grassy spot to stake those guy wires (yes, it’s “guy” wires, not “guide” wires as I thought) into the ground, so choose your location wisely, Cinderella! (and oh do I have a story and advice on this later…)
Frame Tent
Possibly the most popular option for a tented wedding, the beauty of the frame tent is that It’s versatile, it’s elegant, and it’s perfect for creating your dream reception space without any obstructions. There aren’t any pesky poles in the center of your structure to contend with.
Plus, it’s super forgiving – you can pretty much set it up on any terrain, ready to make your wedding dreams a reality.
The only downside is that they are pricier than pole tents… in most cases.
Marquee Tent
Imagine if a pole tent and a frame tent had a beautiful baby – that’s the marquee tent! It combines the best of both worlds, with a peaked ceiling and no center pole to cramp your style. Set it up on any terrain and let the magic happen – it’s the perfect hybrid option for the indecisive couple who wants it all.
The only major downside? For larger marquee tents, it’s a wee bit pricey. If you go with something smaller though like we did, you can actually buy a 20×30 marquee tent on Amazon!
Stretch Tent
Say hello to the stretch tent – the chameleon of wedding tents. With poles that can be configured in all sorts of funky ways, this tent can set up shop in places you never thought possible – think decks, forests, and even rooftops! Plus, that stretchy fabric creates sleek lines and comes in all the colors of the rainbow, so you can dial up the modern or dial down the rustic, whatever floats your tent!
However, this one is definitely harder to find, and because of this will likely run a bit more to rent.
Sailcloth Tent
If you’re craving a natural look with a touch of elegance, the sailcloth tent has got your back. With wooden poles and a lightweight fabric canopy, it’s like bringing the outdoors inside – without the bugs.
Just remember, you’ll need a sturdy spot to stake it into the ground, so no wobbly surfaces are allowed! And again… this is a bit of a novelty tent, so you’re not going to find it offered at every wedding rental company.
Transparent Clear Span Tent
WOW. Just wow. This is every nature lover’s dream because it truly lets the outdoors in. And it’s uber-sleek and modern to boot. With a frame tent base and a transparent canopy, it’s like dancing under the stars, even when you’re indoors.
This will DEFINITELY set you back financially, so when you’re considering your top priorities for your wedding budget, consider this option only if the ambiance and decor are where you want to splurge.
Yurt Wedding Tent
Oh man… the yurt. You definitely don’t see this at many weddings, but I included this in the mix because it would be awesome for the more adventurous couple who dares to be different. Circular, cozy, and oh-so-quirky, it’s perfect for intimate gatherings or as a wedding lounge for you and your nearest and dearest.
The major downside is it’s size… yurts only come so big, so they aren’t for everyone. If this is the tent for you, don’t forget to pack your sense of adventure – it’s gonna be a wild ride!
Pop-Up Canopy Tent
Last, but definitely not least is the pop-up canopy tent. These are ideal if you need a little extra coverage, such as a space for your caterers to prep or for your ceremony, or if you’re hosting a more intimate micro wedding.
Enter the pop-up canopy tent – most commonly available in 10×10 or 10×20 options, it’s like the Swiss Army knife of tents, ready to pop up wherever you need it most. Just click, clack, and voila – instant shade and shelter! I highly recommend grabbing a couple of these to have on hand.
Our Backyard Tented Wedding
Sometimes, it’s easier to show than tell, so here’s what we did for our tented backyard wedding.
For our ceremony, we actually decided to go au natural. The whole thing was 15 minutes long, so it just didn’t make sense to secure a tent for our short and sweet ceremony. That said, we did have a plan B for a rainy wedding ceremony in place.
- I purchased several umbrellas to have on hand for our guests in case we ended up with light rain during our ceremony.
- If we truly got rained out on our wedding day, our plan was to move the ceremony underneath the tent we secured for our reception.
Tented Wedding Reception Planning
With our plans for 130 people to enjoy a buffet meal for our wedding reception, we didn’t want to take the chance these plans would be ruined in the case of a downpour, and we didn’t have any close indoor options. So, we secured a large pole tent that covered the entire reception space.
To work with the poles, we arranged our seating in a U-shape configuration, placing our buffet tables on either side of the poles.
The bistro lights we hung created a beautiful ambiance and also provided lighting for the evening.
We also hired a band for our wedding, and there wasn’t room to fit them and a dance floor within the main tented space, so we also purchased a 20×30 marquee-style tent online to cover our entire patio where we set them up. This provided coverage for the band, and their equipment, as well as a small dance floor in case it rained.
Lastly, we purchased a couple 10×10 pop-up tents for our catering staff. These were set up outside of the main reception tent and served as their prep space. We wanted to make sure they were covered as well in case of bad weather.
Tented Wedding Lessons Learned
OK, I promised a story… and advice. An hour or so into the set-up of our tent, our rental company called me outside to “talk about an issue” (possibly one of the last things you want to hear on your wedding weekend). He said there wasn’t enough room to install the tent we ordered.
After staring at him flabbergasted for what felt like a full ten minutes, I told him that we’d used their specifications and mapped out the tent – there’s no way it wasn’t going to fit.
Turns out… I didn’t account for the guy wires. Yes, the damned GUY wires!! We have a gazebo on our property that we were outfitting with a wedding bar that sat right in the middle of where the tent was to be constructed, and right where one of the guy wires needed to go.
PRO TIP: Make sure you have ample space on ALL sides of your tent, especially in the case of a pole tent where guy wires will need to be installed.
After a lot of panicking and a lot of negotiating with the crew and the owner… Ultimately, we worked it out. We ended up moving the tent up by several feet which ended up putting giving some of our guests not the most ample space for their seats… but we made it work, and now I’m here to pass on this lesson learned.
Choosing the Right Tent for Your Outdoor Wedding
Now that you have a handle on the different styles of wedding tents and have seen some examples, let’s talk about your tented wedding considerations and how to choose the right one. Because, it’s a bit of a bigger decision than just deciding which look you like best, or grabbing the option that best fits your budget.
When choosing a tent for your outdoor wedding, consider the following factors:
- Size: Determine the size of the tent based on your preferred seating arrangements that fit your estimated guest count, and additional space for your dance floor, your bar, and buffet tables. I’ve used a great tool in the past to do this called SmartDraw. You can map out your entire space so you can determine the size of the tent that will cover your wedding reception.
- Style: Next, decide which tent style(s) best compliment your wedding theme and aesthetic preferences, whether it’s classic elegance, rustic charm, or modern sophistication.
- Budget: Some tent styles are more expensive than others, as already discussed, so if the tent style of your dreams isn’t in your budget, get creative! What if you plan on partial coverage or two smaller tents? Work with the rental companies you’re exploring to see what options they can offer as well – after all, they are experts at this and have seen it all!
- Weather Considerations: Plan for the possibility of inclement weather by choosing a tent with weatherproof features such as sidewalls, rain gutters, and anchoring systems. Clear-span tents are particularly well-suited for rainy conditions, offering protection without sacrificing visibility.
Additional Tented Wedding Considerations
So, which tent is right for you? Based on your specific needs and preferences, here are some recommendations for selecting the perfect tent:
- For a classic and elegant outdoor wedding, a sailcloth, marquee, or pole tent with flowing fabric and decorative accents might be your perfect match.
- If you require maximum flexibility in layout and design, opt for a frame tent or stretch tent with customizable features and unobstructed interior space.
- For a modern and sophisticated atmosphere, choose a clear-span tent with sleek lines and transparent panels, allowing natural light to illuminate the space.
- And if you’re feeling adventurous and want to stand out from the crowd, why not give a yurt a whirl?
Choosing the right tent for your outdoor wedding is an important decision that can enhance the overall atmosphere and comfort of your celebration. By considering factors such as size, style, materials, and weather considerations, you can select a tent that perfectly suits your vision and ensures a memorable experience for you and your guests. Whether you’re saying “I do” under a canopy of stars or dancing the night away amid a summer shower, the right tent will provide the perfect backdrop for your special day.
If you’re overwhelmed by the decision or are unsure where to start, send me a message and I’d be glad to offer some one-on-one support.
Happy planning!
Kelsey
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