Tents: What You Need to Know
When it comes to outdoor weddings, few settings rival the romance of a beautifully designed wedding tent. Whether you're dreaming of a grand affair in the Colorado mountains, an intimate gathering in Traverse City, or an elegant celebration in Riviera Maya Mexico, understanding the options and opportunities that tented weddings offer can set the stage for your perfect day.
Why Choose a Tent for Your Wedding
Tents provide unparalleled freedom to craft a custom space in locations where permanent structures may not exist. They allow you to host your wedding anywhere from sprawling fields to waterfront vistas. However, while tents offer endless design possibilities, they also come with logistical considerations like power, restrooms, and weather contingencies.
What to know about Tents before you Start
While tents create a blank canvas for your dream wedding, they require thoughtful planning to execute flawlessly. Here are a few key factors to consider:
Weather Preparedness: Always have a backup plan for inclement weather, including sidewalls, heaters, or fans.
Utilities: Plan for electrical distribution, generators, and water access.
Restrooms: Portable restroom solutions may be necessary, depending on your venue.
Flooring: Decide whether you’ll need full flooring, a dance floor, or pathways for accessibility.
Vendor Coordination: Catering tents, vendor storage areas, and waste management should be part of your logistics.
Permits and Parking: Check local regulations for permits and ensure sufficient parking and transportation options for guests.
Exploring Popular Tent Styles
Structure Tent (Clearspan Tent)
Structure tents, also known as Clearspan tents, are the powerhouse of the tenting world. Their clean, straight exterior lines and weather-tight track-style roofs make them an ideal choice for both short-term and long-term events.
Pros:
No interior poles, allowing for unobstructed layouts.
Available in various leg heights and can support significant weight loads.
Perfect for custom configurations, including clear tops or gable-less ends for panoramic views.
Modular in 10-foot increments for easy resizing.
Cons:
The industrial aesthetic often requires softening with draping or décor.
Sailcloth Tent
Sailcloth tents exude a warm, nautical charm with their wood poles and translucent fabric canopies. Their natural elements create a light, airy ambiance perfect for coastal or summer weddings.
Pros:
Inviting and romantic with soft, diffused lighting.
Wooden poles add organic elegance.
Ideal for fair weather and soft, stake-friendly ground.
Cons:
Not weather-resilient; solid walls often clash with the sailcloth aesthetic.
Rounded ends and non-standard sizes can complicate layout design.
Choosing to install ceiling décor can be costly due to a lack of structural support.
Tension Tent
Tension tents are a classic choice for their dramatic, high-peaked silhouette and ability to integrate seamlessly with side walls. They’re a favorite for festivals and large-scale events.
Pros:
Minimal interior poles compared to traditional pole tents.
Available in standard 20-foot increments, making planning easier.
Cons:
Interior poles can obstruct views and limit design flexibility.
Fabric maintenance (e.g., holes or cleanliness) should be confirmed with the vendor.
Considering Ohio’s Scenic Settings for Tented Weddings
The Midwest’s diverse landscapes make it an ideal destination for tented weddings. From the charming vineyards of Traverse City to Detroit’s urban chic settings and Cincinnati’s rolling hills, the options are endless. Tented weddings offer a way to embrace these unique locales while creating a space that is distinctly yours.
Finding the Right Tent for Your Event
Choosing the right tent starts with understanding your vision and working with professionals who specialize in tented events. At House of Joy, we’ve mastered the art of creating unforgettable tented weddings. Whether you’re looking for the elegance of a sailcloth tent or the versatility of a structure tent, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Images by Chelsey Barhorst Photography, Meghan Noll Photography, Leslie Rodriguez Photography, Molly Ann Photography, Jenna Powers Photography, and Katelyn V Photography
