Tented Weddings 101:

What You Need to Know to Host Your Wedding Outdoors

by CAROL K. DUMAS

Whether you dream of hosting a 500-person soirée on the oceanfront or an intimate gathering in your family’s backyard, a tent is the perfect way to shelter your guests at an outdoor wedding. Unlike a traditional indoor event space, such as a hotel ballroom or country club, a tent provides a blank canvas to create an imaginative and one-of-a-kind design. But, like any other venue, when it comes to planning a tented wedding, details matter and booking well in advance is key. We asked the experts at Sperry Tents (sperrytents.com) and Newport Tent Company (newporttents.com) to share some helpful information for couples to consider before pitching a tent and hosting an al fresco affair.

Consider The Site

“When planning a tented wedding reception at a venue, ask if there are any restrictions on staking,” advises Jen Sperry, marketing director at Sperry Tents. “Find out if the venue has enough resources nearby, dependable power for the tent lighting, and can fulfill your vendor and catering needs.” Beyond that, is the site actually accessible and is it safe? Is the ground stable enough to hold a tent? The necessity for a permit varies from town to town, but it’s a good idea to check in advance with your town hall to find out if any safety or fire inspections are needed.

Choose Your Tent Type

“Your tent is your venue, and its style plays a huge role in the look and feel of your wedding, particularly in photographs and video,” says Sperry. Most companies offer site surveys to review the placement and size of the tent. “If you’re thinking of inviting between 50 and 100 guests, plan a size that accommodates 100,” advises Jen Pinheiro, sales and marketing director at Newport Tent Company. It’s important to consider the other elements that will go into your design and what else you’ll need to fit beneath your tent (catering stations and bar, the DJ or band, dance floor, dining tables, etc.). Another important aspect to consider is flooring. Is the venue site relatively flat or is it unlevel and pose a threat to guests’ safety? Adding a floor not only enhances the safety of your venue, but will make the overall design more elegant and polished.

Prepare For Weather

It is New England, after all! “Be sure you have a plan in place for anything that is going to occur outside of the tent,”

say Jamie Bohlin and Stephanie Diaz

of Cape Cod Celebrations (capecodcelebrations.com)

Eldredge

. “Rain tents on hold for a ceremony and cocktail hour are a must for outdoor events.” Depending on the season and time of day you’re hosting your event, consider incorporating heaters or fans to ensure your guests are comfortable.

Light It Up

Lighting can instantly change the mood inside your tent as the sunlight dwindles. “We use dimmers as a standard to ensure our lighting is always adjustable,” says Sperry. “Group a unique set of lights over a dance floor or opt for colored uplights around the tent’s perimeter to create a club-like feel once the music starts. And don’t forget lighting for outside the tent: walkway lanterns, uplighting on trees or strings of bistro lighting, all of which add to the magical feel of an outdoor wedding reception.”

Add The Accessories

From fragrant floral installations and romantic drapery, to ornate light fixtures and colorblocked dancefloors, there are endless possibilities when it comes to outfitting your tent with décor.

Meet Your Vendors

It goes without saying that your wedding is a big deal and a big investment. To ensure your big day runs as smoothly as possible, set up a meeting with your entire venue team. “It’s always a good idea to schedule a meeting in advance with the tent provider, caterer, florist and décor designer, so we’re all on the same page,” says Pinheiro.