For outdoor weddings, the reception tent is often the main focal point. When done right, a tent can change any space into an elegant, sophisticated, and glamorous wedding fairytale. If you plan on having a tent at your wedding, then picking the right kind is the first step. There are various types of tents in all shapes and sizes, and the best one for you will depend on certain factors such as guest count, environment, wedding theme, and the weather.
Your wedding planner can help you filter through the many options and styles to find the perfect one. But, first, knowing the basics of wedding tents is a good place to start. Here at Rose Hill Flowers, we list a few main styles, decor ideas, and other details you should think about before selecting your wedding tent.
Wedding Tents 101
If you’re having a tent for your reception, or ceremony, then consider the following:
- Seasonality – A tent with clear walls or an open roof at the height of summer will be uncomfortable for your guests and rough on your fresh flowers. Likewise, an open-air tent during cooler months may end up being too cold for keeping guests warm.
- Flooring – Many wedding planners will tell you flooring in a tent is essential. Often clients will exclude flooring to cut costs, but if it rains, the ground will get very muddy and messy without flooring, which would be a disaster.
- Tents Set the Mood – Besides selecting a floor, there are other items you need to decide on when building a tented area, such as walls, lighting, tabletops, flowers, tent material, and style. All of these elements are part of the special space being designed and should work together to match the mood you’re going for.
- Building from Scratch – A tent allows you to create a wide variety of different worlds and ambiance without the restrictions of a rented space that has preexisting architecture and design elements. With a tent, walls, lighting fixtures, flooring, and the entire space within opens up a world where your imagination can fly – and you won’t have to deal with the challenges of loud carpeting or off-color walls you might find in a rented space.
- Season, Time, and Environment – There’s a tent for any occasion. Clear, opaque, or open-top tents are popular in the spring. If the wedding is taking place in an area with breathtaking views, then choose an open tent style so everyone can take it in. Clear tents are perfect for night-time weddings to see the night sky but would be too hot for summer days. Consider the material of the tent, whether light or heavy, the options of windows and roof type, size, and shape to see if it fits with your wedding vision.
Wedding Tent Design Tips:
- Integrate plenty of soft draping for a lush effect
- Cover tent poles with fabric or lush greenery
- Use hanging floral installations to draw the eye upwards
- Create designated cozy seating areas with overstuffed furniture
- Use flowers to create a lovely entryway
- Bring the outdoors in with plenty of greenery
- Hang chandeliers, pendants, or overhead installations for an extra dose of glamour
- Don’t neglect the exterior of the tent – add floral elements for added beauty
- Reserve a space for the band or DJ
- Make sure there is plenty of soft lighting for events that go late into the evening
From florals to your wedding or for any time you need beautiful flowers in your life, contact Rose Hill Flowers, visit us in person, or peruse our online selection of gorgeous florals.