Outdoor Weddings : Covering the Basics
Outdoor weddings are ideal for any theme: rustic, classy, luxurious, boho — you name it. It’s also becoming increasingly popular due to its versatility and aesthetic appeal. However, outdoor weddings can be more difficult to plan than those being held in an indoor venue. There are multiple factors to consider, from the space requirements to weather conditions.
If your dream wedding entails an ultra-glamorous tent and scenic open site, we’ve got you covered. Here are several tips and guidelines to help you prepare your wedding setup.
Choose a style and model
Party tents are available in a wide range of styles and sizes. For example, pole tents feature peaks, are held up by center poles, and are usually made of sailcloth or vinyl.
Structure and frame tents, on the other hand, provide an open and larger space with no interior poles, so there will be less obstruction of the seating setup. However, if you plan on keeping the reception intimate and small, consider an upscale Capri-style design.
It’s also important to determine the flooring. For example, if you are going to set up the tent on wooden or asphalt flooring, a freestanding tent will work best since it doesn’t require the use of center pole and stakes.
Finalize the number of guests
Exactly how many guests do you plan to accommodate and in what kind of configuration? Will they all be seated at tables, or do you prefer a partial seating or cocktail party setting?
To know the number of square feet required to seat your attendees, follow this formula from The Knot: Multiply the total number of your guests by certain numbers depending on your interior setup. For example, if you plan to have a sit-down dinner with round tables, multiply the number of attendees by 12. As for a buffet-style set up with banquet tables, multiply the guest count by 10. If you want a cathedral seating, less space is needed, so multiply the number of guests by eight instead.
As for incorporating a dance floor, The Knot also provides an equation. Divide the number of attendees by four, then multiply the quotient by 10. The result will indicate the number of square feet needed for the dance floor.
Decorate and accessorize
Think of the finished look to determine what accessories to add. There are many options available — latticework, gazebos, chuppahs, columns, candelabras, or chandeliers. However, don’t just focus on the visual aspect.
Consider functionality as well. For instance, having some wall paneling ready is a good contingency plan for when it rains unexpectedly. You can’t control the weather, especially if you’re in a country with shifting conditions like the Philippines where it can be sunny for a moment and pouring the next hour.
Reserve the tents way earlier
Most rental companies have a limited supply of tents for specific sizes and styles. Moreover, if you want to have a customized tent in the Philippines, the supplier will have to prefabricate the parts so it’s best to send your order as soon as you have the final date and guest count. It’s a general rule of thumb to make reservations no later than six months before the day of your wedding.
For any successful event, detailed planning is critical. If you feel the need to avail professional assistance, don’t hesitate to consult a wedding coordinator.
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