Since Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan were married in a backyard in May of 2012, tent weddings have been a hot trend. These outside weddings are fun, creative and budget-friendly. They promote an intimate atmosphere while fostering guest interaction. If you’re planning a wedding and looking to save money while still wowing your guests, a tent wedding is going to be one of your best bets.
At One Stop Rental, we’re committed to providing you with high-quality rentals for parties, events and DIY projects. We love the beauty a good tent wedding can create, which is why we want to give you some tips on how to throw one.
Create Your Vision
More freedom and more space mean your imagination has room to play. When imagining your ideal tent wedding, you should ask yourself the following questions: Do you or your parents have a backyard big enough for your wedding? Do you envision a plated dinner or a buffet? Passed hors d’oeuvres and cocktail bar or grilled picnic food? Will you also be hosting your ceremony in the backyard, or just the reception? All of these factors should be considered when coming up with your tent wedding vision.
When to Save and When to Splurge
For the tent itself, you should probably rent, considering you probably won’t be using a tent that big again anytime soon. You can also rent your chairs and when you rent your equipment, you won’t have to worry about the setup or take down.
You can cut more party costs by reusing, repurposing or making DIY decorations. Ask friends for help, browse garage sales and see if you already have anything that can be dressed up with ribbon and a little ingenuity. Natural items such as tree branches and straw can also be incorporated into your wedding.
Pay Attention to Detail
The little details of your tent wedding will make it the most memorable. When planning your wedding, make sure to take temperature into account. For a summer wedding, consider bringing in fans and portable air conditioning equipment. Keep guests warm in chillier months with tall patio or propane heaters. You might also want to consider installing floor surfaces to correct uneven ground and wall panels to protect against wind and rain.
Since a tent is a blank canvas, you should invest in some items to finish the look and incorporate your style. Curtains and tiebacks, chandeliers, cushions and textured rugs can all help set the mood for your tent wedding. Make sure you’re prepared for party activities, too. Enhance your guests’ experience by providing cozy blankets for chilly nights or flip-flops for ladies who want to hit the dance floor without twisting their ankles.
Don’t Forget Lighting
Lighting is a crucial detail of wedding planning that is often overlooked. No matter how big your tent or backyard venue is, lighting can pull the space together and create a more intimate atmosphere. Make a stellar impression with lanterns, floating candles or even fairy lights. Keep lighting soft to boost the wedding’s romantic vibe.
Make It Fun
Everyone knows a tent wedding should be fun and exciting. Set up games and activities for your guests to enjoy. Lawn games that work well with backyard weddings include horseshoes, croquet and cards. Pick games that involve multiple players to encourage interaction, and try to stay away from anything too messy.
When it comes to planning a tent wedding, there are a variety of factors you need to consider. Come up with a vision, figure out where to splurge and where to save, remember the details and lighting and make the whole event fun. A little planning goes a long way, and could mean the difference between an average wedding and one that your guests will remember for years,
Our team at One Stop Rental wants to supply everything you need for your next party or event. Check out our rentals to see what we offer. If you have any questions, please contact us or reach out via social media