Every bride wants the fairy tale wedding. There are thrifty brides who pinch every penny to get there…. and then there are brides who spare no expense for the wedding of their dreams. With idea boards available such as Pinterest, it’s amazing how many over-the-top ideas are available to those in the midst of planning their wedding event. Regardless of budget, it’s always nice to dream. If you’re planning a tented wedding, consider adding one or more of these luxurious touches.
Fabric Tent Liners
Brides who desire an extra dose of elegance or warmth for their tented event may opt for a fabric liner. In addition to a softer look for tented events, liners effectively camouflage the tent’s less-attractive components. White or cream colored fabrics are most popular and work best for lighting and projection.
Due to their cost, fabric liners are generally an accessory for those with an unlimited budget. On average, the cost for liners runs as much as the tent rental itself, leading it to be the first item to be cut when the budget is strained. With that said, the effect is amazing and well worth the added cost.
Specialty Lighting
Set the mood for a romantic, fairy tale reception by choosing the perfect lighting for the theme. Place a chandelier over the sweet heart table, or opt for a variety of vintage lanterns hung throughout the tent. Add a touch of romance with an assortment of floating candles, tea lights, votives, and pillars. For those serving a sit-down meal at a farmhouse style table, strategically placed candelabras add an elegant touch. Due to potential fire hazard, be sure to discuss safety precautions and liabilities with the tent provider prior to committing to a specific mode of lighting.
Lighting can also be used to project images or monograms on the tent or dance floor, or to add a splash of color. For brides who dream of dancing the night away under the stars, twinkle lights against a black ceiling backdrop can make this wish a reality.
Photo credit Seitel Lighting LLC
Lounge Furniture
Create a cozy space for guests to relax during cocktail hour, or a sanctuary to escape from the dance floor. Use plush furniture, throw pillows, and ottomans to make the space inviting. Depending on the wedding theme, pull in special elements to coordinate with other areas of the space. If a rustic chic wedding is in the works, build couches and chairs out of hay bales and drape with burlap. Add a couple of wine barrels and light the space with lanterns. Looking for a romantic feel? Fill the space with vintage furniture and set the mood with candles, twinkle lights or table lamps. Regardless of the theme, make sure the space is conducive for multiple groups to engage in conversation at the same time.
Photo by Kortnee Kate
Wood Chairs
When looking for ways to add luxury to your tented wedding, opt for wooden rental chairs. While pricier than plastic folding and garden chairs, you get what you pay for: real wood and a comfy chair cushion. The Chaivari ballroom chair and Crossback chair (also known as an X back chair) are favorite wedding chair rentals.
High End Linens
When it comes to dressing up the space, linens are often an economical option. Add a touch of elegance with lace or satin, or make the night sparkle with sequins. With a plethora of colors, fabrics, and patterns, you are sure to find a look to accentuate the space.
Photo by KT Merry Photography
Floral & Greenery
Transform your tented space into an enchanted garden with flowers, greenery, and even trees. When it comes to floral arrangements, think outside of the vase. If you have the funds, talk with your florist and wedding planner about ways to make your tent blossom. From flower arbors and decorated tent poles, to rose covered ceilings, there is bound to be a decorative element suitable for a variety of budgets. Greenery such as ivy, boxwood topiaries, and potted trees are other options for dressing up the space while adding a special touch. For those lacking an endless budget, talk with your florist about seasonal options and create garden “clusters” in specific areas of the tent such as the lounge, sweet heart table, and cake area versus throughout the entire space.
Photo credits Robert Jensen Floral Design
It’s interesting that one of the ways to add luxury to the tented wedding is to get wooden chairs. It makes sense that this would be much nicer looking that plastic patio chairs. I’ll have to remember this even if they aren’t wooden because a chic or luxurious looking chair could really make a difference no matter the material.
I really like the cream colored tent you showed in the picture here. I think it provides a nice elegant look for a wedding. My daughter would really like something like this for her reception.