Although we love all of the beautiful venues in the Capital Region, they don’t always align with a couple’s vision for the perfect wedding. Many picture the perfect venue outside, whether it’s at their childhood home or another location that holds special meaning. However, when getting married outdoors, there are many logistics to consider, starting with how far in advance the planning process needs to start.

When should your tent wedding planning process begin? The sooner the better! We recommend booking our tents at least one year in advance (you can learn more about when to reserve your tent here). There are additional steps involved in planning a tent wedding, especially if we have never worked at that location before. Part of the reason we recommend booking so far in advance is to ensure there is ample time to conduct a site inspection. The peace of mind that comes along with conducting a site inspection is worth the extra time and planning, trust us! You also need to consider the time it takes to set up the tent, the tables, and all the décor inside. It’s best to have several days before and after your event to allow for setup and breakdown needs.

As with any outdoor event in the Northeast, there is always the weather to contend with. It’s also important to consider the possible temperature fluctuations and even the time of the sunset. These uncontrollable factors can affect your event in various ways and it’s better to be prepared ahead of time. Make sure to communicate to your guests that the wedding will be held outdoors. Whether it’s a beautiful sunny summer day or a brisk fall afternoon, you want everyone to be comfortable.

Unlike most traditional venues, tents do not come with kitchens! Make sure to discuss with your caterer to find out what equipment they are able to provide and what you may need to bring in. Don’t forget the china and silverware! Finalize all the details with your caterer early to ensure there are no surprise costs as it gets closer to your event date. (Don’t worry, we have all the catering equipment you may need- just ask your Event Specialist!)

Once you have all of the logistical elements of your tent wedding finalized, it’s time to think about everything that goes inside your tent! And by everything, we mean everything! Tables, chairs, dance floors, and décor pieces can be completely customized- this is the fun part! Work with your event specialist to create a unique look and feel your guests won’t forget.