Weddings Redefined

If you do have to rent a tent, you should book one as soon as you find the venue. Keep in mind that you’ll also have to rent a dance floor.  There are a few major variables, such as your guest count and the type of dinner you are having (cocktail reception, buffet or food stations, or seated dinner), but in general, the following applies:

• For a round dinner table with room for dancing, estimate 18 square feet per person.
• If you are having a DJ, add 200 square feet
• If you are having a band, add 300 square feet
• If you are having a buffet or food stations, add 100 square feet for every 50 guests
• If you are having a bar, add 50 square feet per bar

Using this math, based on a 100 person gay wedding with a sit down dinner (not a buffet) and two bars, you will be looking at 2100 square foot tent (approximately). If you have to choose between a slightly smaller tent or a slightly bigger tent, bigger is better!

Dance floors require about 5 square feet per guest. But because only about half your guests dance at any given time, in this example, plan on a dance floor that’s 250 square feet. DJs don’t need to set up on a dance floor but a band might, thereby increasing the size of your dance floor. Review the band’s contract to find out. 

More to note:

• Tents come in all shapes and sizes. Some tents have poles down the middle (these are called pole tents). Some tents have poles just at the perimeter (these are called frame tents). 
• If you have the inclination and budget, you can really mack out a tent to be a very cool, well designed, stylish space!
• You will also have to rent lights for inside the tent. The tent company should provide you with some options which may include lanterns, paper lanterns, small white bulbs around the perimeter, larger white bulbs around the perimeter, or more.
• You should also plan on renting sides for the tent. These can always be quickly removed but should be rented in the event of bad weather, excess cold or excess heat.
• The tent company will also offer heaters and air conditioners, which depending on where you live may be necessary.

The cost of a tent, lighting, heaters, sides and dance floors can jump quickly - but keep in mind that if you're working in a space where you can bring a tent, you're probably saving money somewhere else - like on food and beverage.  In general, I tell my clients that the price balances out.  It ends up being around the same cost to have a wedding in a hotel than it does to have a tented wedding.

Are you having a tented wedding?  Tell me about it!