About Wedding Tents

Considerations

• There are several important things to decide before you rent a tent for your wedding. First is the number of people you need to accommodate. Once you have your invitation list determined, you will have a better idea of the size tent you will need. You also need to decide how you are going to use the tent. If you are serving a sit-down dinner for your guests, the tent will need to accommodate tables and chairs. If the dinner is buffet-style, the tent will need to have enough space for seating as well as the buffet table and room for people to line up to get their meals.
  
  

Timing

• Quality tents are often booked early in a wedding season. You can start shopping for your tent before you have the complete details. Once you are sure of your date and the size of your guest list, make a tent reservation to be sure you get what you want and need.
  
  

Finding Tents

• If you are using a wedding planner, she will line your tent up for you. If you are planning your wedding yourself, you can search online and in regional bridal publications for local tent suppliers. Your reception site may be able to recommend tent companies they have previously worked with. Don't forget to get recommendations from brides you know; anecdotal evidence of who to work with on this important element of your wedding can be invaluable. No matter who lines up the tent or who you rent from, someone needs to inspect the finished product after setup to be sure that it suits the exact needs of your function, that the details you ordered are in place, and that an unsightly wire didn't end up right where you planned to have the head table.
  
  

Features

• Tent designs range from the simple canopy to the elaborate tent with windowed sides. Event seating can range from the traditional 10-person round table to intimate seating areas with cushioned furniture. If dancing is on the agenda for your wedding, the tent will need to have space for a dance floor. This can be accommodated by having a dance floor installed and moving the buffet table or a couple of tables out to clear the room. Picca McDonough of Sperry Tents in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, says that "establishing if the ground is flat and even is also important when deciding on an outdoor venue, especially when considering a full floor."
  
  

Details

• Although tents are pretty simple, there are some important details to consider. In most regions of the country, a floor in your tent is a must. Even if it hasn't rained prior to setting the tent up, the ground will radiate dampness; a floor can keep guests more comfortable. You may think sides will ruin the outdoor atmosphere but if the wind picks up or it rains or the bugs come out, a tent with sides can save the day. Most tents with sides allow them to be rolled up until you need them. "Unlike a function hall or indoor space," says Sperry Tent's McDonough, "details such as party rentals, access to electricity, need for catering tent, restroom trailers or port-a-potties, and interior lighting are things to keep in mind when planning a tented event." And, she adds, "lighting is always a great way to spice up a tent! For a more dramatic subdued look, pin spot lighting, up lighting, spotlighting help create the most extravagant setting for a wedding."