Sweating for the Wedding is all the craze, but sweating at the wedding is a definite NO NO. If your wedding reception or event is held under a tent in the summer or even on a warm spring or fall day, it’s important to find a way to get air moving under your tent. Using fans is a great option for keeping the air circulating and cooling a wedding tent so you and your guests stay comfortable instead of overheated.

Which Fan Type to Choose

The type of fans you use depends on personal preference, the size of your tent, and the layout of your event.

18″ outdoor tent fans

Drum Fan

White tent fans come in multiple sizes. These fans have three speeds, and are coated and sealed with a white epoxy designed for outdoor use. These fans can be attached to side poles around the tent and be positioned to maximize airflow, and they blend in nicely with the white background of the tent.
Drum fans are a larger, more industrial-sized option. However, they are not ideal for every event. They can be very big and loud, and the large fan blades can pose a danger to guests. These fans usually come in a darker color and can provide a very high amount of airflow that can be overpowering for some guests.
Ceiling fans are also an option. Check with your tent rental provider to make sure they are appropriate and available for your tent. Ceiling fan installation can be very costly due to the labor involved, and some tents may be too small to support them.

Best Places to Position Fans Under a Tent

Use fans around the dance floor. This is a great option for those guests who are moving a lot, and prevents active dancers from overheating. Fans placed around the dance floor also offer a designated space for people to cool off, while those guests who don’t wish to be near a fan can move elsewhere.
Place fans up high. Attach fans higher on the tent poles to allow for air movement in the top of the tent. This also allows fans to cool the air without obstructions. Fans lower to the ground can get blocked by people, tables, and other objects. Fans placed up high are out of the way, and less likely to be knocked over or pose harm to any guests.
Cool the perimeter. Set up fans around the perimeter of the tent to allow cool air to be blown into the tent. This arrangement also creates a way to exhaust warm air from under the tent if the outside environment gets cooler as night falls.

Why Use Fans Under a Tent?

Keep guests cool so they can enjoy the event in the tent.
Provide a more comfortable environment for wait staff and other professionals helping with your event.
Decrease unwanted guests, such as insects during black fly and mosquito seasons.
Keep the air moving without a great deal of noise or interference with tent decor.
Prevent tents with sidewalls from feeling humid, stuffy, or claustrophobic, especially during rain.

To decide if fans are a good investment for your event, check weather patterns from previous years, and work with your tent provider to choose the best fan system for your tent. Also consider your guests and the type of event you’re having. This information will help determine the best type and placement of fans for your event.